Downsizing can be an emotional undertaking, even when you know it’s in your best interest to let go of a space that may be too large for you to manage or to safely navigate as you age. However, downsizing can also provide an opportunity to move into a new space and a new phase of life that can bring benefits of its own. Seniors Helping Seniors of the Chicago Metro area can be a helpful resource as you decide the best options for your unique circumstances.
Finding A New Space
Depending on your situation, you may choose to downsize to a smaller home, condo, or apartment in a family neighborhood, or you may opt for a retirement community or senior assisted living facility. The most important thing to consider is how you make this new space feel like a comfortable and welcoming new home environment. A qualified real estate agent can help you find a housing option that fits your needs. You can make the transition less stressful by getting help with packing, moving, and setting up, and ensuring you have some of your familiar personal items at hand. If you need to sell your existing home, your realtor can help with this process and may be able to coordinate timing so you don’t have to worry about transitional housing in-between your move from one home to another.
Wellness And Self-Care
If you’re in the process of downsizing and relocating, it’s critical to ensure you’re taking care of both your physical and mental health. In-home care can be invaluable, as are holistic self-care measures like sticking to a well-balanced nutritious meal plan and maintaining your social connections. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep, and if you’re under a physician’s orders, following them to the letter. According to Silver Sneakers, staying active is also important, and this can be done with senior-friendly exercises like walking, swimming, low-impact aerobic exercises, or senior yoga. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed as you start to undertake the downsizing process, take some time to sit quietly and practice relaxed mindful breathing until you feel centered and focused again.
Benefits Of Decluttering
One of the great benefits that come with a move is the chance to declutter! Friends, family, and other caregivers can aid the process by helping you sort through possessions. You may decide to give household items or heirlooms to family or friends, sell unwanted items at auction or via consignment, or donate goods to a worthwhile charity. It’s a good time to let go of the things you no longer need in your life. This act of decluttering and getting rid of things that no longer serve a purpose can help you have a fresh and organized new start. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, decluttering also creates a safer environment in which to safely navigate, helping mitigate the potential for accidental trips and falls.
Getting Settled
If you have caregivers or friends or family who is helping you move and get situated, ask for their help getting unpacked and settled into your new living quarters. Having everything in its place will help you feel more comfortable. Make plans to decorate your new surroundings in a way that feels positive and uplifting. Create a layout plan that’s comfortable for you to navigate and easy for upkeep purposes. You may want to set aside space that you use strictly for the purpose of meditation or stretching activities that will help ensure your mobility, balance, and stability, as well as give you a mental boost.
Downsizing can be a freeing time, allowing you to unburden yourself of material possessions you no longer want or need. It’s also an opportunity to create a bright vibrant new living space that brings joy and gives you a healthy, healing, and positive outlook. If you’re in the Chicago-Metro area and are interested in learning more about in-home care for yourself or a loved one, call or text Seniors Helping Seniors at (312) 526-3666 or email Sylvie Hutchings at info@chicagoshs.com.
Article contributed by Mary Shannon at SeniorsMeet.org