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7 Downsizing Mistakes to Avoid

A senior couple smiles while unpacking moving boxes.

Moving is one of the most stressful events in life, especially when it involves downsizing for seniors. But there are steps you can take to transform the stress of downsizing into an opportunity for both growth and adventure. Let’s dive into some of the most common mistakes people make — both when packing and in their mindset — and how to avoid them. 

1. Waiting Too Long to Move

There are many benefits of downsizing for seniors, especially if you live in a house that’s too big or requires climbing stairs to take a shower or do the laundry. Yet it’s all too common to delay downsizing simply because it’s easier to put it off. At the same time, we all know how quickly a back, hip, or knee injury can make living in a two-story home miserable. But that’s not the whole story. By waiting too long to move, you could be missing out on opportunities to launch a new and exciting chapter of your life. Maybe you’d like to be living closer to family. Or perhaps you could be living in an active senior living community like Crestwood Manor, where you could have amenities like a woodworking shop, heated indoor pool, and art center just outside your front door. The bottom line? Don’t take chances with your future when you could be getting more out of it every day.

2. Letting Your Emotions Get the Best of You

We get it. You may have raised your children in your house. Or perhaps you know all the people on your street. But if you’ve made a rational decision that moving is in your best interest, don’t let your emotions hold you back. The reality is that, with some effort, our thoughts can control our emotions. Why downsize your home? You have your reasons — and it’ll make your move easier if you focus on them rather than focusing on what you think you’ll be giving up. 

3. Not Understanding What Senior Living Actually Looks Like

Many of us formed our ideas of senior living back when we were visiting our grandparents in “nursing homes.” But the reality is that the best active senior living communities aren’t a place to go when you’re out of options. Rather, they’re in-demand places where people go to get the most out of life. Imagine walking to the cafe to grab coffee with a friend before heading to a yoga class or the library. Think about Sunday brunches enjoyed outdoors when the sun is shining. What would your life be like if you found a community where you felt like you not only belonged but had nearly endless opportunities to enjoy everyday life?

4. Packing Without a Plan

Especially if you’ve lived in your house for a decade or more, downsizing is a huge job. And if you don’t have a plan, it’s likely to get the better of you. Experts suggest tackling planning in an organized, room-by-room way. Make a schedule and write down what dates you will tackle which rooms. Some people prefer to start with a major challenge like the attic or basement while others look to get a quick win — like a half bath — under their belt to build momentum. The important thing is to make a plan and then stick with it.

5. Not Dealing With Meaningful Items First

Before you get into the meat of your packing, take the time to address the things that mean the most to you, such as passed-down figurines, children’s drawings, photos, and letters. Decide what you want to keep and then pack it all up securely and set it aside. Next, decide what you want to give loved ones. Inevitably, there will be too many report cards, drawings, letters, and photos to take with you or give away. Curate your collection and then, if you can’t bear to let the rest go, take photos of the items you decide not to physically keep. 

6. Thinking You’ll Fix or Find Uses for Things That You Won’t

Want to make your life miserable? Take a box of things you intend to fix to your new home. Whether you’re talking about a broken microwave or a pile of old VCR tapes, there is no real future for these types of items. Consider donating, as they may be able to find a second life, but avoid thinking you will eventually find a good use for these items. Make your life easier by getting rid of anything that is broken, stained, or simply outdated. 

7. Failing to Dream Big

Growing, learning, giving, and enjoying life do not end when you leave a home. Instead of dwelling on the past — no matter how wonderful it was — look toward the future as an opportunity for new friendships, adventures, and opportunities. In the words of the immortal Albert Einstein, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”

Life After Downsizing for Seniors at Crestwood Manor

Crestwood Manor is a place for new beginnings and adventures, whether that means happy hour with neighbors or mornings spent in the heated indoor pool. It’s also a place to live life on your terms. Take a look at the Crestwood Manor activity calendar to see the dozens of opportunities to socialize, learn, compete, work out, and enjoy life. Better yet, schedule a visit today to see for yourself what life looks like at our community in Whiting, New Jersey.

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