Now that a new year has arrived, you may be thinking about the future and considering a move to a senior living community. Even the most excited prospective residents often feel hesitant about the move due to the daunting task of downsizing. Determining what to bring and what to leave behind can be a difficult task, especially for those who are more sentimental.

The best tip we have for a successful, easy downsizing process is to start early. You don’t want to be trying to decide if you should bring that old rocking chair on the day of your move. Go through your things well before your move-in date and determine which things you’d like to bring, what you might want to pass on to a relative or friend, and if there are any items you think you can part with completely.
If you find yourself unable to let go of an item because it holds significant sentimental value, consider preserving it digitally or condensing it somehow. If it’s a physical object that can’t be condensed, take its picture. If you don’t want to leave behind all those bulky framed photos, make sure you have digital copies of all the pictures and leave the frames behind. For blankets, old clothing, or anything else fabric, keep a small piece of it and toss the rest. Many people make patchwork quilts or similar projects out of old fabric items they’ll no longer use but don’t want to part with entirely.
At Harbor’s Edge, we have a move-in coordinator who can assist you with downsizing and help coordinate your move to Harbor’s Edge so everything goes smoothly. The move-in coordinator you’re paired with can help you determine which items are essential and which ones you can leave behind. They can work with you to create a list of all the items you’ll want to bring with you and where you’ll keep them based on floor plans and a room-by-room organization system. Our coordinators have a strong grasp on the actual amount of space you’ll have in your new home and what items will be waiting for you there as provided by Harbor’s Edge.
For example, our units come with fully equipped kitchens that include appliances and generous storage space in the cabinets. Our spacious residences feature airy floor plans to compliment today’s active retirement lifestyle. We offer a variety of floor plans including units with one, two- and three-bedrooms that all offer ample square footage without sacrificing style and practicality.
If you’re still struggling to get your pile down to your goal size, it’s okay. Take comfort in the fact that Harbor’s Edge offers additional storage to residents who request it (space permitting). If additional storage is needed, we can also recommend several very close storage facilities in the neighborhood.
With Harbor’s Edge, the downsizing process doesn’t have to feel like an impossible task. We’ll be here to support you and your move every step of the way.