Enjoy a maintenance-free, easier life. Imagine no more climbing stairs or having to ask someone to help with the shopping and preparing meals. Being able to participate in a fitness or wellness program that’s just a few steps from your front door.

If this is appealing, downsizing to senior living might be for you.

Once you’ve chosen the community that best fits your lifestyle and the floorplan for your new home, you’re ready to enjoy your next adventure. Downsizing doesn’t need to be overwhelming. In fact, with a little thought and a plan, you might be surprised at how simple the process can be. You may also discover how freeing and refreshed you’ll feel once you let go of all the accumulations that no longer fit your life.

Downsizing to senior living

Many seniors will be leaving a larger home when they move - and will appreciate not having to maintain living spaces no longer used. Some may be faced with expensive renovations to make their existing home accessible. 

Your new senior living place will not only be the right size but is designed to support you to age-in-place. Downsizing can be the perfect solution to support your new lifestyle. 

The following tips can help when creating your plan:

Purchase a notebook dedicated to the project of downsizing and your move. You’ll appreciate having to only track one object when looking for the phone number of the movers or where you put the copy of your floorplan. Keep your schedule here as well, creating a plan for what you’ll do along the way and when.

2. Give Yourself Enough Time

Work backwards from your move-in date to create your schedule. It’s easy to underestimate how much time you’ll need so make a list of everything to be done.

Breaking tasks down into smaller segments can make it easier to stay motivated and on track. Try to be realistic about how long it will take to accomplish each item on your list.

When downsizing to senior living, dedicate a room or area to be headquarters. Divide your efforts into four categories, including:

• What to take with you
• Items to pass along to family or friends
• Items to sell
• What you’ll be donating

Try not to have any “maybe” piles. It only delays the decisions that still must be made.

Depending on the size of your home and the number of years you’ve been accumulating possessions, you may be uncertain of where to start.

Choosing a simpler room or category can help you begin and provide the encouragement to keep going. It’s much easier, and quicker, to sort through the extra towels and linens than it is to go through a box of family photos and personal mementos.

Keep your calendar nearby and make sure you’re not straying or getting sidetracked by g traveling down memory lane.

Try to accomplish at least a few items on your list every day. It’s much easier to approach downsizing over a period of time than to feel rushed and hurried to meet your move-in date.

Many parents have been storing their children’s possessions over the years. When you’re downsizing, however, this is the perfect time for all family members to do their part.

Call the kids home to retrieve their belongings and assist with your to do list. You’ll also have the opportunity to sift through memories and discuss any possessions you would like to pass down to them.

Browsing through memories is like taking a walk through time. You deserve to enjoy and reminisce.

Don’t be surprised if there are a few tears as well as laughter. You may not be able to bring everything with you but choose a few prized possessions. Converting your boxes of photos to digital is one great way to save space.  

Although downsizing to senior living can be tiring at times, don’t forget to keep in mind what’s waiting for you. You’ll be moving into a community that not only makes life easier but provides many opportunities to engage and make new friends.

Remind yourself of the activities, amenities and fulfilling experiences that will be right outside your door. You’ll soon be living the life you’ve been looking forward to and earned.

Life at Eskaton Communities

The word Eskaton means “dawn of a new day.” In our communities, we see each day as an opportunity to enhance the lives of our residents. We’ve been serving the Sacramento region and Northern California for over 50 years.

The Eskaton Difference starts with our life-enriching programs and collaborative partnerships. With a national reputation for innovation, we focus on creating communities that provide our residents everything they need for purposeful living.

We invite you to visit one of our award-winning communities to discover some of the benefits we offer, such as:

• Private residences
• Delicious and nutritious meals
• Social opportunities to meet and make new friends
• Creative activities and therapies
• Fitness centers and exercise classes
• Housekeeping services
• Transportation services
• 24-hour staffing
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi
• And much, much more!

If you’re considering whether senior living could be the best choice for you or a loved one, we’re here to answer any questions you may have. We also invite you to download our complimentary guide, Family Decision Toolkit: How to choose the right senior living community.

To schedule a personalized tour, call us at 1-866-ESKATON (or 1-866-375-2866) or visit eskaton.org.