By Chloe JonPaul
Where are you right now? Still in your house? Moved but confused? As we age, change is inevitable but if you view it as a challenge instead of a problem, you’ll be just fine!
If you are considering a move to a senior residence (independent living) here is an action plan that really works! Now… to keep or not to keep!
Your first order of business:
- Walk through your current dwelling and evaluate everything you come across: furniture, books, food, tools, etc. Ask yourself: How often have I used it in the last year?
- Label 5 boxes: New Home, Giveaways, Donate, Undecided, trash
- Measure your furniture and get room measurements of your projected living quarters
- Schedule your time spending 15-20 minutes in each room. Start in one corner of the room using your 5 boxes.
- Plan an estate sale for large items.
- Use a storage unit only as a last resort.
TRIED-AND-TRUE HELPFUL HINTS
In your smaller dwelling, consider the following:
- Bedroom & Closet: Underbed storage using Whitmore linen soft storage jumbo zippered bag, storage bench, Magical space-saving chrome hangers, swing arm slack hangers, foldable storage cube bins (sold at Dollar Tree)
- Kitchen: Remove boxes from packaged goods and store items in plastic bins or small crates that fit on a shelf. This saves lots of space!
- Living/Dining Room Area: You don’t need to entertain more than 2 persons at a time so consider: a 3pc. Dinette set, love seat vs. sofa, wall hangings that are meaningful, TV, desk w/computer, 2 bookcases.
- An efficiency apartment can hold these items nicely.
PURCHASED ITEMS THAT HAVE WORKED FOR ME
* Techni Mobili MDF compact computer desk
* RCA LED/LCD TV-DVD Combo
* 4-panel natural room divider shoji screen
* Polder Compact accordion clothes drying rack that you can keep in your bathroom tub
* Simple Designs LT 2014 2pk. Mini-touch Table Lamp Set.
FINAL REMARKS
It has been estimated that 80% of what we own, we never use. Down-sizing creates a calmer environment, reducing stress, saving time and money. By the way, I’ve never seen a Fed Ex truck following a hearse to the cemetery
Down-sizing affects us physically, emotionally, and spiritually so be sure to take a break – and for those of you inclined to pray, ask for a little PEP…patience, endurance, and perseverance.