Page 51 - Hampton Roads Summer 2017 Senior Living Guide

ASK THE EXPERT 51
How to Tackle Your Downsizing. . .
Downsizing can be an
overwhelming idea.
Never fear, there is a
solution to this feeling …
PLAN FOR IT! As with
all major home projects,
planning is instrumental
to your success.
Downsizing is no
different. After helping
hundreds of families,
here’s our
recommendation for
planning a successful
downsize.

1. Walk through your home with notebook in hand and list every room, closet,
bathroom, crawl space, outbuilding. If you have large rooms divide them
into sections that feel natural.
2. Next, grab your calendar and start scheduling each room. Start with a
small space such as a guest bathroom to get the feel of it. Treat the
downsize schedule as you would any doctor or bank appointment – it’s that
important! If you do get behind, just make sure you rework your calendar.
3. When you start your first space you will make one of FOUR decisions about
everything: Keep, Donate/Give Away, Sell, or Trash. That’s it! Keep a bag
for trash and a bag for donations with you at all times. Also, try not to leave
the room you’re working on to deliver items to other areas of the house –
just collect them and deliver after your space is completed. This way you
will stay focused on the task and feel a great sense of accomplishment
when you finish.

Once you complete your first space, evaluate how you did. Did it take longer,
shorter, or as expected? Keep revising your calendar based on your progress,
especially if you are short on time.

For the spaces that might be a little too much for you, ask friends and
family for help or go to a professional to tackle the big jobs. Though
not well known, there are companies that can help with as little or as much
as you want and can make this process easy and carefree. You probably
wouldn’t think twice about hiring some-
one to paint the house or landscape your
yard. Getting some help to accomplish
your goals can be a lifesaver (and help
keep peace in the family)!