Downsizing to a senior living community offers many benefits that can enhance the quality of life for older adults. From reduced maintenance and access to amenities to enhanced safety and social opportunities, these communities are designed with older adults in mind. While there are many benefits to making this big life transition, the process of downsizing can be an overwhelming and emotional process for older adults and their families.
At The Oaks at Bartlett, we understand just how stressful the process of moving can be for seniors. Whether you’re preparing the move for yourself, or an aging loved one, here are some helpful tips and strategies to make downsizing easier and less stressful.
Understand that how you’re feeling is normal.
Downsizing to a senior living community is a major life change. The transition can be challenging, and it is normal for seniors to feel a sense of loss, sadness, apprehension, or anxiety about moving away from their familiar home. Talk to friends or family members about the move and share your fears or concerns. They can help you work through your doubts or hesitations and focus on the positives of your move.
Make a plan and set goals.
Sit down with a trusted friend or family member and start to map out a plan for your move. This small step alone can help alleviate a lot of stress and anxiety associated with downsizing. Create a timeline for the move that includes when specific tasks should be completed.
Break the process down into manageable steps, such as sorting belongings, decluttering, organizing, and packing. Setting small goals along the way can give seniors a sense of accomplishment and progress, making the overall transition feel less overwhelming.
Start small.
If you are like a lot of older adults, you have probably been living in the same family home for decades. Sorting through years of belongings and memories can be physically and mentally exhausting. The key to packing and organizing your things is to start small and tackle just one room—or closet—at a time. For example, start in your bedroom, and once that room is complete, move onto another area in the house.
Ask friends and family for help.
Downsizing is not a task you should take on alone. Enlist help from friends and family members who can provide emotional support and practical assistance with packing and moving. If possible, consider hiring professional movers who can handle logistics, assist with packing, and safely transport belongings to your new community. This step alone can alleviate much of the burden and workload that comes with moving to a senior living community.
Look forward to the future.
Moving from your family home may come with challenges, but downsizing can also be a wonderful fresh start for retired seniors. Shift your mindset from what you’re leaving behind and begin to focus on all the benefits of moving to a senior living community. At The Oaks at Bartlett, we offer a selection of spacious one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom independent senior living apartment floor plans. Our assisted living suits are brand new and available in one or two-bedroom floor plans with quality finishes and open layouts.
Additionally, downsizing allows seniors to explore new hobbies, make new friends, and engage in new activities. Residents at The Oaks at Bartlett have access to a wide range of services and amenities, designed to make life carefree and engaging—and are all included in your monthly fee. Our popular services and amenities include:
- Flexible dining options
- Weekly scheduled housekeeping
- Calendar of social, educational, and recreational activities
- Restaurant-style dining room
- Indoor swimming pool
- Fully equipped fitness center
We help with downsizing.
Through our expert community resources, The Oaks at Bartlett can help you coordinate all aspects of your move. Whether excess belongings are going to auction, family, or consignment, let us put you in contact with one of our professionals. We will make sure to help minimize your stress during this next chapter in your life. Services can include:
- Space planning — selecting the appropriate number of furnishings for your new home
- Coordinating reputable movers
- Packing and unpacking your belongings
To schedule a tour, contact The Oaks at Bartlett today.