There comes a time for all of us when the decision has been made to move our aging parents into a smaller, more suitable retirement residence.
The reason could be for any number of things. Too much house for them to tend, too many stairs, they’re buying a retirement home down south, or perhaps there is a health reason.
Regardless of the “why”, this time comes for us all and sooner or later, we all need to address the important question … what are we going to do with all this stuff?
Recent studies have shown that 30 per cent of people over age 70 had done nothing to give away belongings. More than half of these folks agreed they just had too much “stuff.”
So what does that mean? It simply means most folks have to get rid of a lot of stuff before they move. It is unrealistic to fit everything from a three bedroom home into a one bedroom condo.
There’s going to be a lot of furniture and memorabilia that’s just not going to make the cut. And let’s face it, not every family member wants or appreciates being given cherished “antiques” or knick-knacks collected over a lifetime.
We all, however, need to remember this is going to be a hard time and there will be a lot of emotional ties to things.
Our best advice: be kind, patient, and above all, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Here is a helpful tip: ensure you have a layout of the new space. Then you can begin to sort. Take an inventory of furniture you have, and ask yourself: what would I replace if it were all gone? These items are the essential pieces that will go.
The rest of your items can be sorted using these five questions.
1. Does this item remind me of any happy memories that I want to remember?
2. Does this item truly add value in my home?
3. Is this item useful in my home?
4. Can I think of a way to use this item right now?
5. Would getting rid of this item create undue stress for me or my parent?
If you answered no to more than three of these questions, donate or recycle the item.
If you are simply too overwhelmed, or haven’t even thought about the sorting stage, there is lots of help available to you.
There are companies that specialize in helping you find the very best possible place for mom or dad to live in. Companies that specialize in senior moves, firms that will help “de-clutter,” firms that stage homes for sale, and even professional organizers that can help build a specific plan for you.
A certified executor advisor can assist you every step of the way.
In summary, help mom or dad see this move as an exciting new chapter in their life. They don’t need to bring everything, just the things they look at, sit on, or use on a daily basis.
Remind them that spending time in a space that makes them happy can have a profound impact on the way they feel.
They have worked hard their whole lives – they deserve to be happy … and clutter-free.
submitted by Dean Dunbar, Parallel Estate and Executor Services
