Moving can be an emotional rollercoaster, and especially so for seniors who are downsizing out of the family home that they have lived in for decades. Every nook and cranny in the home is filled with memories, so we understand how hard it can be to get ready to downsize and move.
The pros at Florida’s Best Moving & Storage are here to help you overcome these emotions and get you settled into your new (smaller, right-sized) home. Here are some tips to make downsizing a little easier…
Common Emotions with Downsizing
Moving is emotional. It’s easy to feel sadness or even grief when the time comes to downsize. We all become emotionally attached to the spaces we live in, especially if the home was lived in for a long time, and a family was raised there.
Here are some common reasons why homeowner’s find downsizing difficult:
- They are sad to leave their memories behind: The thought of leaving a family home may break your heart, but there are ways to cope and keep those amazing memories with you.
- Guilt from family: Your children might be upset that you are moving from their childhood home.
- Fear of change: Moving can be scary and stressful at any age!
- Embarrassment from not being able to keep up with the Joneses: Moving to a smaller house can be humbling, especially if your family and friends live in larger homes.
This is normal. Letting go of your home and maybe even some sentimental belongings can feel as if you are losing a part of your life. But this change is a good one; we swear.
How to Cope with Downsizing
If you are feeling sad about your move or downsizing, understand that you are going through a process of mourning. Know that it will pass in time, and really all you need to do is stay connected with friends and family and be open about your feelings. Talk about the great times that you had in your home, look back on those days fondly, and stay excited about the new memories you’ll make in your new space!
Downsizing doesn’t have to be hard. If you are having trouble, enlist family, friends, or experts to help! Too stressed to pack yourself? Give us a call, and we will help pack and unpack your home for a stress-free move. Contact our Tampa, FL movers!
Upsides to Downsizing
If you are feeling overwhelmed and/or sad about leaving your large home for a smaller one, focus on these downsizing benefits:
- Reduce the amount of yard or housework on your to-do list.
- A safer environment. If you are moving from a two-story home to a one-story house, you’ll remove a major hazard: stairs.
- Paring down your belongings will force you to get rid of clutter and help you simplify your everyday life.
Live near Tampa, FL, and ready to downsize? Give our pros a call at Florida’s Best Moving. Our local moving and storage experts would be happy to lend you a hand with your move: 813-485-6580!
Tips for Successful Downsizing
Take it step by step, and start with the little things around the house like your children’s baby clothes and the memorabilia that has accumulated throughout the years. These kinds of items create the most emotional resistance to downsize in your home. Give yourself time to go through these items so when it comes time to sell your house, it won’t be so stressful. Your future is waiting and it is great!
To begin downsizing, we recommend sorting your belongings into 4 categories:
Keep
This category is reserved for the items that you will regularly use in your new home. Of course, you can include sentimental items like wedding photos, collections, and other important family artifacts. If anything doesn’t fit here, move it to the next category.
Give
Consider giving sentimental items to family members if you just don’t have the room. Donating high-quality items can make you feel good too!
Sell
Now that you’ve taken care of the sentimental items, earn some cash with the rest! Host a yard sale, or sell on Facebook marketplace or Craigslist. All the money you make can help you with your move!
Trash
If you have items that won’t sell or are damaged, don’t think twice. Throw them away!
Clearing an empty nest? Read these tips!
Downsize with Florida’s Best Moving
If you are ready to downsize and move into a smaller home, call the moving pros at Florida’s Best Moving! We specialize in multigenerational moves and are local senior moving experts. Our licensed movers can help you pack your belongings, and move them securely to your new (smaller) space!
Call us today for a moving quote: 813-485-6580 or fill out our online contact form. We love helping Seniors and caregivers! Ask about our 10% OFF Senior Moving Tampa Bay Special!