Simplify
your life by downsizing – what you may be missing and beginning
the process
Moving from your home often represents an emotional time in one’s life. Each room in the house and all its contents are associated with memories, which makes packing especially bittersweet. However, for those who are craving a more relaxed lifestyle, downsizing offers a variety of benefits.
This is part of our best in class continuing series of articles by Nick Santoro and Joe Santoro of Personal Property Managers, who service Pennsylvania and New Jersey and specialize in real estate, property management, home content downsizing and estate sale services.
During this challenging time in the Corona Virus and COVID-19 era, we help families that are unable travel or tend to their property needs by providing a true one-stop resource. We are focused on making life just a little easier for families during often difficult times. With Personal Property Managers, one call does it all.
First, remind yourself why you’re considering to downsize and move. The upkeep on a large home can become quite expensive, even after the mortgage is paid in full. When big-ticket items like new windows or a roof are needed, these repairs can quickly add up. Additionally, you realize that you have more space than you can possibly use and easily maintain. After children move out, there are often rooms that are used strictly as storage space, hardly ever to be set foot in again. Plus, it’s important to consider that the upkeep of a large home can easily become overwhelming in later years when tasks like raking leaves in the fall, cleaning a home top to bottom, and shoveling snow can become challenging or even dangerous.
After downsizing from your large home into a more suitable size to meet your current needs or moving into a senior living community or retirement neighborhood, most folks report a decrease in their stress levels. Many now have peace of mind knowing that they have less space to clean or living quarters all on one level. For those who move into a senior community this may include home maintenance which may now be the responsibility of someone else. For others who move into an assisted living community there is also comfort knowing that their future health care needs will also be met. Better yet…for many senior a downsizing move can lead to an opportunity to enjoy life-long learning and social networking where they can continue to grow relationships with others who share their interests is often a major perk
Joe Santoro shares that his parents who recently moved into an active adult community says that, “..every time I visited my parents I got the sense that my parents are having the time of their lives. There are so many activities within the community that even simple tasks like going to get their mail was an excuse to check in with their neighbors and hear all the latest news.”
Knowing When the Time is Right for Downsizing a Home
Considering a move to a senior living community before it becomes
medically necessary is a smart decision that can help keep individuals
as they continue down the path of aging. Joe points out that his parents
did not realize all they are missing out on until they visited the
community that they now live in.
5 Downsizing Tips for Seniors
After making the decision that it’s time to downsize and enjoy
all that a retirement or senior care community has to offer, Joe points
out that you must start preparing for moving day. It’s important
to keep in mind that downsizing means not all belongings may be able
to be brought to the new home. That’s where Personal Property
Managers with its single source solution can help. PPM provides home
cleanout, de-cluttering, estate sales and full service real estate
services. For families considering downsizing, Joe says that you should
keep the following tips in mind:
1. Ask for assistance. Start the process by asking family and friends for help. This may not be possible for many due to the mobile society we live in and the physical demands that a downsize can take. That’s were Personal Property Managers can help. Remember, moving can take a toll on even those in the most optimal health. You may also be surprised to learn the emotional attachment your adult children or grandchildren may have to certain items. Enjoy sharing memories with them as you go through the house together.
2. Keep the memories, not the items. Parting with belongings can be difficult due to the memories associated with them. You’ll need to make decisions about what to keep, what to donate to charity, what items to designate to family members, and what can simply be tossed.
3. Take your time. Packing up a home for a move is a challenging task for even the most able-bodied person. Therefore, keep in mind that it is probably not possible to go through the entire household in a single day – or even a week! As soon as the decision to downsize has been made, start sorting through smaller areas, like closets, drawers and storage spaces to quickly weed out items.
4. Write out lists. Lists are a great way to create a timeline and stay organized throughout the downsizing process. Make lists of rooms to go through and lists of items to pack, as well as lists for tasks like cancelling utilities and transferring mail.
5. Create a plan. Having a plan for moving day helps eliminate a lot of the stress of the day, so if possible, get a floorplan of the new living space. Knowing the exact dimension of the rooms helps map out what furniture can go where, as well as how much storage space is available.
We offer 6 primary services to help families or executors. They are:
Additional info can be found on this brief 90 second video or a full array of great tips and insights and video by clicking on our resource page.
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For more information on real estate or home downsizing please contact Nick Santoro or Joe Santoro of Personal Property Managers at 215-485-9272 or 908-368-1909. Personal Property Managers specializes in helping home owners transition from their home of many years into a new community. Personal Property Managers services Pennsylvania and New Jersey and offers downsizing services, estate sales services, home staging, discount full service real estate services via its association with EveryHome Realty. Learn more about Personal Property Managers from our recent News Stories.
