If you or your loved ones are considering a move to one of the retirement communities in Abilene, TX, then you’re probably wondering how to go about decluttering your home before the move. After all, retirement communities are definitely beneficial but most of the time, you would need to downsize.
With that said, you’ll want to make sure that you or your loved ones only bring with you what you need and will use regularly in your new community. As such, here are seven great tips to help you or your loved ones declutter and achieve a smooth and easier transition to your retirement community.
Start Early
The earlier you or your loved ones begin decluttering, the less daunting the task will be. Give yourself or your loved ones ample time to sort through your belongings and make decisions about what to keep, what to donate, and what to throw away.
Make a Plan
Once you or your loved ones have started decluttering, it’s important to have a plan for what you’re going to do with everything you no longer need. We recommend creating a floor plan of your or your loved ones’ new space and mapping out where everything will go. This will help you or your loved ones determine what furniture and belongings you need to keep and what you can get rid of.
Donate, Don’t Throw Away
Many items that we no longer need can be donated to local charities or thrift stores. When sorting through your belongings, consider whether or not someone else might find them useful before throwing them away. Not only is this more environmentally friendly, but it is also a great way to give back to the community.
Sell What You Can
If you or your loved ones have valuable items that you no longer need, then consider selling them instead of throwing them away. There are many online platforms, such as eBay and Craigslist, where you can list items for sale. This is a fantastic method to make some extra bucks that can be used to help pay for your move or for other expenses.
Have a Garage Sale
Speaking of selling items, another great option is to have a garage sale. This is a great way to get rid of a lot of items at once and make some extra cash. With that said, we recommend advertising your garage sale in advance so that people in the community know when and where to find it.
Hire Professional Help
If the thought of decluttering is too overwhelming, consider hiring professional help. There are companies that specialize in helping people downsize and move into smaller spaces. They can offer priceless support and reassurance during what can be a stressful time.
Create a Memory Box
As you or your loved ones declutter your home, there will undoubtedly be items that hold sentimental value but that you may not have room for in your new space. Create a memory box (or boxes) for those items so that you can keep them close by without taking up precious space in your new home.
Conclusion
Making the transition into retirement living can be made much easier with some advance planning and preparation—particularly when it comes to decluttering your home. By following these seven simple tips, you or your loved ones will be on your way to an easier move and a more comfortable retirement lifestyle.
