When the time comes to think about senior downsizing, you may wonder what you can do to help your loved ones navigate the obstacles to living more simply or in a smaller space. We have some tips, and they might work for you as you spring clean just as much as they are helpful for your senior relatives. The broad strokes include space-efficient ways to hang onto memories, understanding how to make appliances and furniture earn their keep in multiple ways, and being practical about what you will actually do versus what you think you might.
First, senior downsizing doesn’t mean letting go of every great memory. Whether you have boxes of family keepsakes and family history photos or whether you have trophies from your years as a star athlete, downsizing doesn’t mean losing all that. In fact, in today’s world, keeping those memories has never been easier.
The easiest thing is to have the photos and videos turned digital so you can keep them in a lot less space. Many companies do this for you, so you can take your pick of which one you like; even Costco has a deal on this service. You can also make a video of you with your trophies, talking about how you earned them. In years to come, your children and grandchildren will value a video with you telling your story and showing the trophy more than they will just a trophy without context.
As far as your appliances and furniture go, make them earn their keep. If you have one appliance that does two jobs, give away another than just does one. If you have a love seat that you never use, don’t keep it around just because it matches the sofa. Work your way through everything you own and pare down your belongings so that what you have is meaningful but not a space waster. It is hard work, but it pays off in a simplified, carefree life.
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