by Saiba Alam
As the years go by, you accumulate more things. From memorabilia to general clutter, it can be hard to let some things go. Whether you’re moving to senior living community or simply transitioning to a smaller space, taking the time to thoughtfully downsize and help make the move smoother and less stressful.
Downsizing is easier said than done, however. Here are some tips to make the move to a smaller space easier.
- Start early: It can be very easy to underestimate how long the process of going through your belongings can take. It is recommended that you give yourself ample time to decide what to keep and what to toss.
- Talk to others before tossing/giving away items: Talk to your family, whether it be your kids or other relatives, before tossing anything. See how much of your items you can give away to other family members, especially nostalgic memorabilia.
- List items for sale: Listing the items you don’t want to keep anymore for sale is a great way to make some extra money. One of the best places to sell items is Facebook marketplace, which is easily accessible through an already existing Facebook account. You can also take your items to different antique and consignment stores.
- Assess the “value” of each item: You should assess the “value” of each item, not just the monetary value. Professional organizer and consultant Marie Kondo has a system of decluttering that involves only keeping items that “spark joy.” Use these methods when decluttering.
- Digitize physical memorabilia: You can digitize several physical memorabilia, such as photos, letters, videos, and artwork. You can take photos and upload them to an online cloud service or consult a whole variety of companies that digitize physical media.
- Look into storage options: If you have items that you want to keep but don’t necessarily need with you all the time, you can look into storage options through different storage companies. Morningside also offers storage for residents.
- Lastly, throw a party! You can throw a little farewell party for yourself as you down-size. Invite your family and friends and look through all your sentimental items together. Watch home videos, look through photo albums, and celebrate all the things that you have experienced and gathered through the years with those closest to you.
Morningside offers a variety of living spaces and floor plans to fit your lifestyle and the belongings that matter most to you. From elegant studio apartments at The Meadows and the Chandler Estate in San Antonio to spacious Cottages at our Menger Springs campus in Boerne, you’ll find a home that offers comfort, convenience, and the opportunity to age with dignity in a welcoming community.