Moving a loved one into a quality senior living community can be the start of a new and rewarding journey. However, the relocation phase is sometimes difficult for seniors who have to give up some of their personal possessions. Since community members can’t take everything they own to their new living space, it’s your job as a caring relation to explain the importance of downsizing. 

How to Downsize a Loved One’s Possessions Before They Move to a Senior Living Community

The Importance of Downsizing

Moving into a senior living community often means less space for knick-knacks and keepsakes. If your parent or family member is moving from a home into an apartment, they won’t be able to bring everything along with them. Sit down and have a conversation with your loved about the realities and logistics of moving into a smaller space. Inform them that the square footage of a typical senior living space is much more compact than what they are used to.

What You Can Eliminate

When you need to downsize, start with clothing, cookware, and small appliances. These items usually have the least amount of sentimental value. Sit down with your loved one and have them make a list of items they want to take to the new senior living community. From there, you can sort your things into nonessential and essential items. Nonessential items include unused clothing, some furniture, and electrical appliances. Essential items include main furniture, dishes, and pictures.

How to Purge & Organize Your Belongings

Since downsizing before moving into a senior living community can be difficult for an elderly loved one to complete on their own, you will need to help. Round up close family and friends to help your loved one get rid of items that won't make the trip to the community. Offer to help donate lightly used or new items to local nonprofits. If your loved one wants to hold onto too many items, go through the possessions room-by-room and make executive decisions.

Longhorn Village is a premier senior living community in Austin, TX. Residents from around the area and families from out of town consistently choose the community for its first-class amenities and living spaces. Their compassionate team offers quality rehabilitation and memory care at an affordable rate. Whether you are looking for long- or short-term care, the community has a wide variety of services for seniors to utilize. Give them a call at (512) 266-5600 or visit their website to schedule a tour.