Downsizing - Everything's Packed and Ready to Move

Article submitted by Debbie Koehler, Marketing Director for Malta Park on Magazine and Malta Square at Sacred Heart Senior Living Residences.
For more information, she can be reached at 504-894-6100.

As more and more seniors opt to downsize their living space and move into smaller quarters, the task of knowing what to move, what goes to relatives, and what will be given away or sold can be overwhelming. Trying to decide which items go where requires a plan and is not for the faint of heart. Remember that your loved one has likely lived in their home for 30 or 40 years. This "home" is full of memories and defines who they are. It's hard to move from a home at any age in life, particularly one in which you have raised your family and celebrated many family events.

Here are some hints to make the process less daunting.

• Tackle one room at a time, starting with those rooms in the house you use the least. Make three piles-one to take, one to sell or give away, and one to throw away.
• Measure your new "space" and draw a floor plan to visualize what will fit, keeping in mind what you use regularly versus what has sentimental value. You may even want to consult an interior designer.
• Decide on the furniture, erring on the side of fewer rather than more.
• Take special photos and favorite artwork to decorate the apartment so that it looks like home.
• Consider renting a small storage space, particularly for those items you may want in the future.

Following these steps can ease the transition and help your loved one enjoy a simpler and more carefree life in their new home.