Making Room for New Beginnings
August 20, 2024 | Assisted Living, Kline Galland Home, Mary Schwartz Summit
August often brings a sense of new beginnings, and this fresh perspective is not just for students heading back to school. For seniors, this time of year can be an opportunity to embrace change and start anew. One powerful method for a fresh start is by downsizing. Downsizing can be a healthy approach to life as we grow older, especially if we might be moving into senior living.
Is downsizing good for you?
Downsizing can simplify life and reduce stress while making the home safer and more manageable. For example, smaller living spaces require less physical activity, like cleaning and maintenance, than larger family homes. In fact, research has tied a home’s disarray to an increase in anxiety and an overall decrease in the ability to move; falling and severe injury is more likely.
Downsizing can also make financial sense. Greg McBride, chief financial analyst for Bankrate, explains, “If you have substantial equity in your existing home, downsizing can mean taking that equity when the home is sold and using it to pay cash or make a large down payment on a lower-priced home, reducing your monthly living expenses.”
When should you downsize?
Daniel Close, a real estate agent for Redfin, advises, “Downsizing is very much a quality of life decision, so I always advise clients to not let the market dictate the decision when such a decision may greatly improve their quality of life and overall daily enjoyment—it should not be delayed if you feel the time is right.” To help determine whether the time is right, here are some questions to consider.
- Does your current home fit your needs? Are entire rooms or floors unused?
- Are your monthly housing expenses greater than 30% of your income?
- Do you still have work or family ties close by?
- Do you want a lifestyle change?
There are no “right answers,” but collectively they may help you understand whether a change would be good.
How can you start downsizing?
If downsizing makes sense for you, the first step is decluttering. Decluttering can make a move easier, and it can be a chance to revisit happy memories. There are many ways to declutter, but these three popular approaches can be helpful:
1. Marie Kondo’s “spark joy” approach Known as the KonMari Method, this decluttering centers on items that continue to bring joy in your life. To begin, sort through belongings according to category, like clothes, books, or kitchen items. As you hold each item, ask yourself if it brings you joy. If it does, keep it! If not, thank it for its service and let it go. This approach encourages mindfulness and gratitude, making the downsizing process a positive experience.
2. Like it, love it, leave it method This straightforward tactic involves sorting items into three piles: like it, love it, and leave it. Items in the “love it” pile are essentials or deeply cherished belongings. The “like it” pile consists of items you appreciate but can live without; you can then weigh how important each one is and whether you will keep it. The “leave it” pile includes items to donate or discard. This structure helps you make clear decisions and ensure that the things you keep are truly important.
3. Room-by-room process Decluttering can be overwhelming. By tackling one room at a time, the downsizing process can feel more manageable. One way is to start with a smaller room (or even a closet) to build momentum for larger spaces. Or you can begin with a room that is less emotionally fraught, like a kitchen or garage, and gradually move into memory-rich places, like a bedroom or attic. In each room, sort items into categories and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. You’ll see progress almost immediately.
However you declutter and downsize, remember to set achievable goals and timelines to remain organized and motivated. And don’t be shy about seeking help and support. Decluttering and downsizing can be both emotionally and physically demanding, so reach out to family, friends, or professional organizers for support, encouragement, and assistance.
Downsizing is not just about getting rid of things; it’s about making room for new experiences and opportunities. By letting go of unloved or unneeded items, you create space for a more manageable and enjoyable future. Whether you’re moving into a senior living community or simply looking to simplify your current home, downsizing can lead to a happier, healthier lifestyle.
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Sources: Yale; Bankrate; BMC Geriatrics; NCOA; Better Homes & Gardens; The Seattle Times; KonMari
