Articles, activities for boomers & seniors
Over the past few years, professional organizers, home stagers and move managers have come to use the term “rightsizing” in place of the word “downsizing.” Typically they are referring to someone who is moving to a smaller home from a larger one. Rightsizing is much more than a euphemism for downsizing.
Rightsizing is actually a specific process used to define one’s living space based on a set of established principles. When applied properly, the rightsized approach to living yields specific outcomes. These outcomes include a reduction of personal stress before and during a home transition, as well as improved assimilation to a new environment after transition.
The steps for successful rightsizing are:
Plan: Create a layout of the new home and determine what will fit comfortably. Make a prioritized list of areas to be addressed in the current house. Designate a staging area and gather needed materials such as boxes, trash bags, markers, and tape. Set specific days and times to work and schedule help as needed.
Prepare: Define the area you will be working on i.e. a bedroom or living room and finish that area before moving on. Create “piles” with signs or boxes to sort things you will: keep, gift, sell, donate or discard.
Sort: Decide what to keep by considering what you need, love or want, keeping in mind space limitations. Work with a partner or a professional to keep you on track. Keep your boxes, bags and other sorting materials close. Use the “OHIO” approach -- Only Handle It Once.
Release: For items you are not keeping, ship or give the items you are gifting to others. Arrange for pick up or drop off of donations. Determine the method to sell items of value such as a yard sale, estate sale, or private sale. For discard items, don’t second guess – take out the trash.
Maintain: Use the “one in = one out” rule and don’t add new clutter. Certain areas need to be revisited from time to time such as medicine cabinets, pantry, home office, and seasonal items.
Regardless of size and scope, each task begins with a “rightsizing” plan; the plan should be tailored to meet each homeowner’s particular timeline, budget and personal situation. With the largest breadth of services available nationwide, Caring Transitions® helps families create and execute a rightsized relocation plan. For professional help contact Ingrid at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 610-904-8093 or CaringTransitionsLehighValley.com