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Need a Clearinghouse for Clearing the House?
Home Improvements

Need a Clearinghouse for Clearing the House?

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

 
Fingers crossed. A friend is trading her suburban house for an urban condo, which means the baby grand has to go. It has had no takers. At the last minute, I see a post from a gentleman who orchestrates neighborhood events seeking…a piano! He can handle the move and tuning. I rush to contact both people and arrange an introduction. They share a dream of keeping the music going; neither can fathom a baby grand being left at the dump. It might work out. Need a Clearinghouse for Clearing the House?
Welcome to the new world of downsizing…where anyone can be a matchmaker.
Downsizing a large household used to mean filling two or three dumpsters for the landfill, but only after the kids gathered up the bulk of the furniture and heirlooms. The elders of the family streamlined their material worlds for easy living. The mantle was passed to the next generation of hosts of large family gatherings along with all the trappings. The legacy remained intact, staying in the family.
Lifestyle changes and concern for the environment have altered the way people see the bountiful home. Millennials, coping with less money and space, are saying no thanks to traditional decorating. As a result, yesterday’s collectors find themselves scrapping the plan to give everything to the kids as they embark on an angst-filled search for anyone who might take their stuff. And to make matters worse, it now seems one needs a crash course in waste management to navigate the landfill.
As a downsizer, It is okay, perhaps essential, to take a moment to mourn whatever piece of the past might get lost as you face your belongings. But do not panic. Remind yourself again and again that you are lightening your load to free your spirit and renew your own vitality. Embrace the process in ways that serve you best and engage with others to expand your understanding of the possibilities.
Pay attention to your own feelings as you explore new surroundings. Find the best of your belongings to take with you so that you have what you need and what you love. Then build a community to help you take that deep dive into the discard pile from your material world. People from local charities, consignment shops, and online message boards in your neighborhood can become your new best friends.
And remember…your family may not want your stuff, but they can still help. Cleaning out the house can be a nostalgia-fest with your kids, your siblings, cousins, friends, anyone you need by your side. Learn to say yes to anyone offering help with the sorting and packing, and enlist the tech-savvy to gather research on remote donation sites or specialty recycling. Soon you’ll be strutting your stuff – even at the landfill – like a pro. Need a Clearinghouse for Clearing the House?
Kathleen Wright operates Essentially Yours, a downsizing company in the Greater Boston area where she lives with her husband. After careers in healthcare and education, she is hoping to help clean up the planet one house at a time.

Need a Clearinghouse for Clearing the House?

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How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly
Aging

How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

As the world moves faster and faster, it becomes easier and easier to move from one place to another. In the modern world, it’s not uncommon for some people to switch addresses every couple years. But society’s casual attitude toward moving can come with negative effects, especially for the elderly. How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly
Over the past few decades, researchers have begun to study a newly understood phenomenon known as Relocation Stress Syndrome. Also known as “Transfer Trauma,” Relocation Stress Syndrome is triggered by a move from one environment to another. Onset of Relocation Stress Syndrome can carry a range of debilitating symptoms, affecting a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health.

“Those of us in the home care industry are familiar with the effects of Relocation Stress Syndrome,” says Larry Meigs, President and CEO of Visiting Angels. “Having seen up close how this condition can impact a senior’s quality of life, one of our primary goals is helping our elderly clients age in place, in an environment where they feel comfortable and familiar.”

What Is Relocation Stress Syndrome?

Understanding Relocation Stress Syndrome starts with understanding its causes. This condition is caused by a change of home environment, whether that’s a move from one house to another, downsizing from a house to an apartment, or moving into a nursing or assisted living facility. When this happens, seniors can experience disorientation, confusion, and a feeling of alienation triggered by the switch from a comfortable environment to a new and unfamiliar one.

The risk of Relocation Stress Syndrome is more pronounced in the elderly than in other persons. This risk is especially high in individuals suffering from cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Sufferers of dementia often rely on familiar environments for comfort and emotional stability, so a change of environment is more likely to be traumatic for these individuals.

While many think of Relocation Stress Syndrome as benign or a purely emotional problem, this is not the case. Seniors suffering from this condition are at higher risk of health problems, including serious illness and injury. Studies have shown that those who exhibit the signs of Relocation Stress Syndrome are at a higher risk of mortality.

Signs of Relocation Stress Syndrome

Relocation Stress Syndrome can trigger a range of symptoms, including physical, mental, and emotional changes. The condition may be characterized by one or more of:

  • Sadness and depression
  • Anxiety, restlessness, and paranoia
  • Anger, aggressiveness, and outbursts
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Isolation or withdrawal
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Changes in eating habits
  • Weight changes
  • Signs of injury or falls

 

It is important to note that while these symptoms may be obvious, seniors will often try to hide the signs of relocation stress. It is therefore important that family members and care professionals stay alert after a move and check in with the senior to ask them how they are feeling.

Avoiding & Managing Relocation Stress

Often, the risk of relocation stress is best managed by making a senior’s current home environment more livable, helping them avoid the need for an unwanted move. This can be done by making safety improvements to the home, re-organizing or renovating to make daily activities easier, or by having family members or professional caregivers assist the senior. These steps are often enough to extend the years spent at home by seniors, delaying or entirely avoiding the need for a move.

In some cases, however, a senior may require facility care. In others, a senior may express the desire to leave their home. When a move is imminent, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of Relocation Stress Syndrome or to manage its symptoms.
These steps include:

  • Listen to any questions your loved one may have about their new living space, and do your utmost to accommodate their concerns.
  • If possible, give your loved one the chance to visit living options in person, and ensure they have a voice in where they live.
  • Plan the move carefully and start making preparations well in advance to avoid unnecessary stress or complications.
  • Use personal items to give your loved one’s new home a sense of familiarity.
  • Take steps to ensure your loved one can preserve their day-to-day routine as much as possible.
  • Have family and friends keep your loved one company to help them ease into their new space.
  • Monitor for signs of relocation stress and check in with your loved one about how they are feeling post-move.

 

Remember that the more support a senior has after a move, the more likely they will be able to cope with the stressors and triggers that come with a relocation.
If you are worried that an elderly loved one may need to move, professional in-home care can help them extend the years they spend at home. To receive a free care consultation, conducted in the comfort of your loved one’s home, contact your local Visiting Angels office today.

Sources:
http://longtermcare.wi.gov/docview.asp?docid=21549
https://www.caring.com/articles/how-to-alleviate-the-stress-of-moving-for-older-adults
http://www.daybreakhometransitions.ca/index.php?page=relocation-stress-syndrome

https://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/downsizing-for-full-time-rv-lifestyle/

 

How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly

How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the ElderlyHow Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly

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You Are Never Too Old
Healthy Living

You Are Never Too Old

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

People are living longer than they have in previous generations. As you age, it is important to remember that you are never too old to create the life you want. You Are Never Too Old
Creating happiness is something that can be done at any age, yet it is common for people to equate aging with the idea of being too old to learn new things. You are able to bring new activities and connection into your life at any point, provided you are motivated to do so and are willing to seek out the right tools and guidance.

Is It Too Late For Me?

Sometimes, as life changes, people find themselves living a life they never planned on, and yet they are unsure what to do next. Why is this? Well, often it is because children grow up, move away, and have children of their own. Or jobs change and people retire. Sometimes retirement happens before you want it to, either through staffing changes or economic shifts. When any of these life changes happen, it’s time to take stock in your life and figure out what you’d like to do next.

What Do I Want?

For some people, this is a scary question. But it’s important to keep yourself open to new friendships, opportunities, and experiences. You are never too old to improve your life. Believing you are too old will only stifle your growth, making it difficult for you to move forward. Make yourself and your own happiness a priority.

You Are Never Too Old To Make Change

  • Purse a hobby. Either revisit a hobby you enjoyed in the past or find a new interest. Shared hobbies can also be a great way to bond with your spouse or others in your life.
  • Start journaling. Writing down your ideas can help you to discover your dreams. Plus, writing your thoughts and emotions down can be a path to healing. Some find it helpful in dealing with past traumas, because writing can be a way to break through emotional blocks.
  • Listen to books. Think of the books you have wanted to read and look into audio books. You can relax, take in the tale, and allow your imagination to soar.
  • Spend time with friends and family. Make dinner plans with people you miss or invite someone over to your house if you want company at home. If some relationships have weakened, make an effort to reach out. Sometimes it is easy to complain about people moving out of our lives, yet we have stopped making the effort as well.

Life is full of possibilities. Yes, your abilities and interests might change, but you are never too old to pursue the life you dream of. Change your thoughts about aging. Getting older can be an experience to enjoy if you allow yourself to learn new things and make new connections. You may find yourself having fun. Inspiration to live life fully could follow.
Want to make a change? You can. Talk through your problems and discover your path to health and happiness.

You Are Never Too Old

You Are Never Too Old You Are Never Too Old You Are Never Too Old You Are Never Too Old You Are Never Too Old You Are Never Too Old You Are Never Too Old You Are Never Too Old You Are Never Too Old You Are Never Too Old You Are Never Too Old You Are Never Too Old

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It’s Not Mean to Get Lean
Home Improvements

It’s Not Mean to Get Lean

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

In fact, it’s kind of mean to the folks left with the stuff if you don’t get lean. Do your elders have 60, 70, 80+ years of stuff? Have they ever trimmed down any of it? If you are a bit fuzzy about the answer, now’s the time to get serious about helping them get lean! It’s Not Mean to Get Lean

 
Recently, we moved my mother-in-law to assisted living. She fell this summer and couldn’t live independently any more. That meant that the house was left exactly as it had been when she fell – full of 87 years of treasures (and some not-quite-treasures too). It’s Not Mean to Get Lean
My MIL often laughed when we’d suggest sorting through her things, deciding what to keep, what to gift and what to donate to charity. She’d say “No, I’ll just leave it to you kids to do when I’m pushing up daisies.” She’s not pushing up daisies but we are left with a HUGE task and it’s not fun.
It’s not malicious, but it’s not nice either, to leave all of the digging, sorting, evaluating, delivering, selling, gifting, boxing, storing, etc., etc. to the younger folks.
So, today’s message: DON’T ACCEPT NO AS AN ANSWER!
If your elders don’t want to start sorting, you start sorting and sit near them so they can’t help but be involved. Ask them to tell you the stories about items you find. Write down the story and attach it to the treasured item. If it doesn’t have a story, ask your elder why they have it.
Have they used it in the last year? Will they use it before next year? Do they have someone special in mind in the family to gift it to? If the answers are NO, it needs to become “special” to someone else, somewhere else.
Disperse this task among family members, if you can. It’s hard and the pain should be shared.
Send the items that are intended for various family members on to them now. Send the story along with the item(s).
Decide who should keep the family photos, slides, albums, diplomas, keepsakes and files. Hint: this should not all go to the same person.
What do you do with Great, Great Grandpa’s certificate for finishing grade school? (I don’t have an answer for that one. Well, I have one but your elder won’t want to hear it.)
Decide now who will take the kitchen items, the furniture, the piano, the desk from Aunt Polly, the books, the china, the Corningware, the Christmas decorations and the Tommy Tippee cup.
If you do the “heavy lifting” now, your elder might think you’re mean but they will be giving you, your family and themselves a real gift – The Gift of Being Lean!
Guest Author Suzanne Blankenship

It’s Not Mean to Get Lean

It’s Not Mean to Get Lean It’s Not Mean to Get Lean It’s Not Mean to Get Lean It’s Not Mean to Get Lean It’s Not Mean to Get Lean It’s Not Mean to Get Lean It’s Not Mean to Get Lean It’s Not Mean to Get Lean It’s Not Mean to Get Lean It’s Not Mean to Get Lean

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How to Enjoy Downsizing
Aging

How to Enjoy Downsizing

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Do you plan to retire in the near future and thinking about downsizing from the suburban two-story? The question comes up for empty nesters, retirees; people headed to retirement. How to Enjoy Downsizing
It’s a tough thought process. And initially people start with the home; to replace a two-story with a one, or a three bedroom with one or two, and reduce 2,700 square feet to 1,200 or 1,400. That’s a lot of stuff to filter. If you start here, overwhelm may stop the idea altogether way before the fun part.
How about instead, begin with a vision focused on how the new life would look? What lifestyle changes beckon you? How will they benefit? This is where enjoyment dwells. I’ve learned a strategy, with the help of my Facebook group, how to approach moving to a new place and downsizing in the midst of it. It’s not easy but here’s what to embrace to spice up the journey.
Will you feel comfortable moving to a place where you know few people or no one at all? Do you have an outgoing or an inner-directed personality? If outgoing, the concerns of meeting new people is not an issue, but more significant if an introvert. Since the job was your common thread of social contact, how will you replace the connections? Would it make sense to move into 55+ planned community? Would an urban setting fit the bill? How to Enjoy Downsizing
If you like living in a “village” where everything including groceries and fresh produce is within easy walking, an urban area makes sense. However, places do exist where one can live more secluded, and maintain a rural feel of being quiet and safe, yet have access to the amenities of a large city for concerts and such.
Does a specific area of the country better meet your needs over another? Do you enjoy playing in snow? Or, do you want to avoid driving in it to run errands, and paying high heating bills, and dressing in layers all winter?
But again, if hot and humid makes you cringe, then some snow is tolerable, especially if Hawaii or southern California is too costly. That’s the perfect weather, 70-80 degrees year around exists. I’ve lived in snow and now in hot and humid. Both are tough.
So, what can you afford and how much are you willing to pay for a “lifestyle?” Start with research and figure out the perfect lifestyle — then layout the budget to see what you can afford or willing to pay. A few mentioned on Facebook: How to Enjoy Downsizing
South of Baltimore, where there’s a number of retirement communities between Baltimore and D.C. with cultural opportunities (Glen Burnie for example)Small mountain towns outside Pittsburgh, (Washington and Uniontown)
Takeaway — look at lifestyle first, then tackle the space (home.)
Downsizing a House full of Memories

How to Enjoy Downsizing

How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing How to Enjoy Downsizing

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Tips For Choosing A Senior Living Community
Housing Tips

Tips For Choosing A Senior Living Community

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, retirement is defined as the act of withdrawing, going away, retreating. Tips For Choosing A Senior Living Community
When it comes to the modern definition of retirement – that glorious age where we can shed the 9 to 5 work responsibilities and live our lives to the fullest – some of those words in the traditional definition may apply.
Many seniors and boomers, who have been gainfully employed their entire lives, withdraw from the workforce to spend more time with their families, hobbies and other activities. Some choose to “go away” on trips they’ve always wanted to take, but never had the time to enjoy while working and raising a family. And many retirees “retreat” to senior living communities, where they can engage socially with others their age and get assistance, as needed, as they age.
Retirement communities can be a fabulous experience for seniors and boomers. In previous blogs, we’ve explored the benefits of choosing to downsize and move into a retirement community. To recap, the benefits of choosing a retirement community are numerous: save money on living expenses; save time on household chores; opportunity for social interaction and group social activities; on-site skilled care if needed. Tips For Choosing A Senior Living Community
We know the benefits of choosing to downsize into a retirement community; however, not all communities are created equal. Some senior communities are larger than others, and there can be pros and cons to both the large communities and the smaller ones. Tips For Choosing A Senior Living Community

Living Large

Just about every major city has at least one larger retirement community. Some are so large – with 400, 800 or even 1,000-plus residents – and offer so many amenities that they carry the moniker “retirement resort.”
There are many advantages to a larger retirement community. Tips For Choosing A Senior Living Community
If you are among the seniors and boomers who are in excellent health and wish to remain active and busy in retirement, a larger retirement community is probably best suited to your needs. Because they are serving such a large population, these retirement communities are overflowing with the kinds of amenities active seniors crave.
Enjoy swimming or taking a variety of exercise classes? Many larger retirement communities have these kinds of facilities right on their campus, along with the qualified staff members capable of teaching seniors how to improve or maintain their physical fitness.
Group outings with other members of the community also are a common amenity of larger senior retirement communities. These can include nights out at the local theater to weeklong vacations in Europe.
Some larger retirement communities may even have golf courses located on their property that is exclusive to residents and their guests.
Most retirement communities of all sizes offer transportation to surrounding areas; however, larger retirement communities may offer more frequent routes to a variety of locations due to the increased number of residents they are serving.
Perhaps one of the most notable perks of a large retirement community is the variety in housing options seniors can select. From studio apartments to multiple-bedroom condos, seniors are able to select the size, type and features associated with their new home.
Sounds great, right? While larger retirement communities undoubtedly have a lot of items in the plus column, those amenities and features come with a price tag. For some seniors and boomers, the higher cost will not be an issue. For others, however, it may put these kinds of retirement communities out of the running.

Smaller Can Sometimes Be Better

If cost is an issue – or if you are someone who simply doesn’t need a gazillion different activities and features to be happy in retirement – than smaller retirement communities may be more ideal.
Smaller retirement communities have that cozy look and feel, which can be important to seniors and boomers who wish to be social with others of the same age group, but not overwhelmed by so many residents that it is difficult to make new friendships and remember people’s names. Some larger communities can be difficult to navigate, so for seniors who want to keep it simple, smaller may be the way to go.
Just because they are small doesn’t mean they don’t offer activities to keep residents busy and to help facilitate social opportunities. Bingo, movies, and other featured programs abound at most retirement communities, regardless of size.
Seniors probably will not find the same kind of options for housing at smaller communities, but that isn’t always a bad thing. There are benefits to “living small,” including cleaning being much easier to accomplish and curbing impulse purchases due to smaller living quarters.

Making the Right Choice

If you are unsure of which kind of community most appeals to you and your specific retirement needs and dreams, take some time to visit both so you have a complete picture of your options.
Regardless of whether seniors choose a large community or a cozy community, there are benefits to downsizing to a senior community that can be found at both. They include:

  • Safety and peace of mind – big or small, retirement communities provide residents with the assurance that their safety and security is top on the list of amenities featured. From gated access to security guards and key-card locked residences, senior communities of all sizes go above and beyond to protect their residents.
  • Fewer home maintenance issues – as we age, performing even the most routine home maintenance chores can be tedious and even dangerous. In retirement communities of all sizes, gone are the days of mowing the grass, snow removal and fixing leaking pipes or other broken appliances.
  • Aging in place – most retirement communities offer residents the ability to age in place, providing continuing care for all stages of life.

Want to learn more about downsizing and the benefits of retirement communities? Check out one of our upcoming Upside of Downsizing conferences.

By Mary Spann

Mary Spann is the founder and president of Upside of Downsizing®. In addition to her 26 years in construction, interior design, and home staging, Mary also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, making her uniquely qualified to assist with the downsizing process. Mary learned the key components of construction and interior design at an early age. Her father was a prominent custom home builder in Minnesota and Texas, and her mother was a successful interior designer and a real estate broker.

Tips For Choosing A Senior Living Community

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When is the Right Time for Seniors to Downsize?
Aging

When is the Right Time for Seniors to Downsize?

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Come a certain age, retirees are bound to face the question of whether or not to downsize. After all, a three- or four-bedroom home is an essential investment when you’re raising a young family, but when once the kids have graduated college, the extra space is just that — extra space. When is the Right Time for Seniors to Downsize?
There are a number of reasons to consider downsizing. For one, it makes taking care of your home much more manageable. For another, when the kids have moved out, a smaller home can feel more comfortable and cozy. When is the Right Time for Seniors to Downsize?
But one of the most compelling reasons to downsize — and downsize early — is the financial benefits that come with a move to a smaller home. When is the Right Time for Seniors to Downsize?

Making the Most of Your Nest Egg

It’s everyone’s goal to make the most of their retirement savings. But not everyone considers how much further a nest egg can go with a downsize to a smaller home, or even a rental unit or condo.
As the Wall Street Journal noted in 2014, downsizing to an apartment with a higher monthly rent than your mortgage and property taxes can, in some cases, actually save you money in the long run. That’s because the costs of owning a home are often hidden, tied up in constant maintenance projects that you’re on the hook for.
While it takes some number crunching, it’s worth looking into how much you can save by making the switch from a family-sized house to a smaller home. One striking thing you may find is how quickly the yearly savings add up, giving you plenty of bumper space for your retirement savings.

Moving While You’re Able

Another reason to move earlier rather than later in retirement is the physical demands that come with owning a home. A larger space is often tougher on your body than a smaller one, especially when it comes to cleaning and day-to-day tasks. While you can get help with these activities of daily living, services like home care or professional cleaning are an added cost that you should factor into your financial plans.
But it’s not just the way your home makes demands on your body that you need to be concerned about. As physically taxing as a large home may be, it pales in comparison to the challenge of a big move. By putting off downsizing, you risk delaying your move until a time when its far more difficult than it needs to be.
That’s why some surveys indicate that the right time for downsizing is right around retirement age, a time when many adults first report having difficulty living in a bigger space, but when they still have the physical and emotional energy to handle a move.
Visiting Angels home care assists seniors with tasks of daily living in the comfort of home — big or small. For a no cost estimate and care consultation, call your local Visiting Angels home care agency.

When is the Right Time for Seniors to Downsize?

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Tips for Seniors Downsizing
Housing Tips

Tips for Seniors Downsizing

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

Helping seniors downsize can be difficult, especially if they have spent most of their life in a house. It can make the senior feel as though it’s another piece of their life that is coming to an end. This is why it’s is essential you approach helping your senior loved one downsize with sensitivity. The following will help you do that, so the process isn’t so painful. Tips for Seniors Downsizing

Questions to Ask Tips for Seniors Downsizing

Tips for Seniors DownsizingOne of the questions you need to ask when helping seniors downsize is if they need to move in the first place. Downsizing often means throwing away possessions that they have become attached to over the years, and with those possessions many memories are ripped away from them.
Usually, if the senior is unable to keep up with the maintenance of the home or needs special accommodations the house cannot provide, he or she needs to downsize. If this is the case, it might be wise to ask your loved what he or she would like to do with the possessions. A storage unit might be a good idea, so that the possessions don’t have to be lost forever. It might also be possible to bring most of the possessions to the new house with some organization and good packing.
Be sure to work with your loved one as you discuss what will happen with the possessions. This is one of the most disturbing parts of moving, so it must be handled with compassion.
Another question to ask yourself is if the possessions in the home have crossed into hoarding behavior. Many seniors will start collecting items because they feel as though they have sentimental value. When the health and safety become threatened by the amount of possessions in the home, it may be time to downsize.
Again, this can be highly disturbing to a senior, especially if he or she is suffering from elderly hoarding behavior. It may be wise to speak to a professional before approaching this situation, as it can cause problems in your relationship.

What to Say When Helping Seniors Downsize

What you say and how you say it matters when helping senior downsize. Never demand your loved one must move. It’s best to mention it first to see how he or she feels, and then approach it again when your loved one has had a chance to think about it.
If he or she is open to it, consider touring some new places to live. This may help get your loved one excited about moving. Treat it as a positive step in life, rather than one based on getting older.
If your loved one is adamant about staying where he or she has been living, identify some of the reasons you have been thinking about this change. He or she may not pay attention, but what you say will seep in a little, and as you bring it up you may find your loved one will soften up to it.
Identify the benefits of downsizing. Sometimes, seniors don’t realize how much easier it is to live when there isn’t so much house to care for each day.
If you need additional information on helping seniors downsize, consider contacting me – Kendall Van Blarcom. I have been helping seniors and their caregivers for a while, and I can help you deal with this situation effectively. Tips for Seniors Downsizing

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When is the Right Time for Seniors to Downsize?
Home Improvements

Downsizing in Comfort

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Downsizing in Comfort: Making the most of a Smaller Space

Paint is cheap: Use it!

Downsizing in comfort: Making the most of a smaller spacePaint can be the best way to open up a smaller room. By using cooler colors – blues and greens – you can trick your eye into thinking the room is much bigger than its actual size. Darker colors tend to make the room look smaller and more constrained. Whether you choose to paint an accent wall to liven up your living room or paint the ceiling white with lighter walls, adding color to a room not only livens up the area, it also creates the illusion of a larger space with smaller square footage. Downsizing in comfort: Making the most of a smaller space
Think vertical
A sizeable amount of wasted space in any room sits between the top of the sofa and the ceiling. You can both utilize unused space in the room and have a place to store sentimental possessions by thinking vertical.[i] Using a large shelf to display family photos and heirlooms or a tall bookcase to house your favorite novels are perfect ways to hold onto possessions important to you without sacrificing precious space.
Keep items off the floor
This goes hand in hand with thinking vertical. You can considerably open up a room by choosing to hang items instead of placing them on the floor. A great way to draw the eye upward instead of downward, and creating the illusion of more space, is by hanging a mirror or a picture higher up on the wall. (ii) By saving the floor for only a large carpet or floor mat, the room is more open and stays cleaner.
Keep function in mind
When living in a smaller space, putting function first is one of the easiest ways to fully take advantage of your living space. One simple rule to follow for small space organizing: personalize your space to your tastes. If you prefer eating on the couch or in your favorite chair, save space in the kitchen by foregoing a larger table in favor of more functional items. If side tables and large television stands are cluttering your living room, think about how you can use a piece of furniture for more than one function; a television stand can double as a bookcase or cabinet, and a coffee table can hold anything from your magazines to your reading glasses to an extra blanket.
Utilize unseen space
Some of the best storage spaces are invisible. Closets with plenty of shelves and closet doors are great places to keep your winter clothes. When your “going-out” outfit does not call for a certain pair of shoes, store them and the rest of your footwear under the bed. Have extra blankets and pillows for when the grandkids want to stay over? Keep them out of sight inside an ottoman with a storage compartment.
Living in a smaller space does not mean you must live uncomfortably. By taking advantage of simple organization tips for small spaces, you can still have the comfort of a larger home without the hassle of spending your time with its maintenance.
Holiday Retirement offers numerous resident programs and amenities designed to make our residents feel welcome and at home. Contact Holiday Retirement to learn more about these and other exciting programs, and to find a location near you.

[i] Pandolfi, Keith. “9 Small-Space Solutions.” This Old House. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20301933_20665706,00.html.
[ii] Cannell, Michael. “Make the Most of Small Spaces.” Real Simple. http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/decorating-tips-techniques/make-most-small-spaces (accessed April 15, 2015).
Katie McHale
Posted in Mind, Body, and Spirit
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