Articles, activities for boomers & seniors
Got too much stuff, too much house, too many bills? Here are some quick tips for downsizing:
1. Access your needs
What do you really need? Walk around your home and see what you’ve used in the past year and how often. One tip is to take everything out of your closets, cabinets and shelves and only put back what you actually use. If you like to hang on to your stuff, you may want to ask your spouse or children to do this for you. Don’t throw away anything valuable. If something might be worth a good amount of money, sell it. If not, be sure to recycle or dispose of it properly. Do not flush or throw into the trash any expired/unwanted medicines. They will contaminate the water supply. Any drugstore will dispose of these items responsibly, free of charge. You can also see if your city has a hazardous waste disposal facility.
2. Measure your furniture
It’s best to know the dimensions of the pieces that you want to take with you to know if they will actually fit and if they will be functional and comfortable. You may want to consider laying out your new home on graph paper and drawing in the furniture. This can be done with software too.
3. Access your new storage areas
This includes not only garage, attic, basement and closet space, but also cabinet space. Keep in mind you may not be taking shelves or other furniture so storage inside this furniture or on top will be limited.
4. Sell your stuff
You have many options here depending on the amount of items and time available. Consider a yard sale or posting items to Craigslist or eBay.
5. Get organized
After you’ve selected the items to take and keep, organize and label them properly. You’ll be happy that you did this while moving and getting settled in the new place.
Elissa Clausnitzer, SRS is a licensed Realtor with Weichert Realtors and has over 30 years of experience in real estate. Elissa specializes in working with boomers and seniors in the many options that downsizing offers.