When it comes to getting started:

✓ Plan, plan, plan! Planning is key, not only for when you move, but also for when and how you pack and downsize. Anticipate the weather. You don’t want to work in the attack on a hot day or in the garage when it is freezing. Likewise, look up the hours of your local donation center so you’re prepared when you are ready to drop everything off. What’s important to remember is that downsizing takes time. It has taken a lifetime to accumulate your houseful of belongings, so give yourself plenty of time – downsizing can take months to complete.

✓ Start early. No matter how much you prepare, moving can be stressful, and waiting until last minute to pack will only make it worse. Start packing and organizing for your move as early as possible, and try to work in small blocks of time – the job will go much easier. The process can be tiring and emotionally draining, so limiting

yourself to a few hours of work at a time means you will save yourself from fatigue.

✓ Try to stick to one project at a time. Once started, try to finish the project before moving on to the next one. This way you are completing one thing at a time instead of spreading yourself too thin across multiple projects. It is good to remember that larger projects may not be completed in one session and that is okay.

✓ Start with a room that has less sentimental value. Taking a trip down memory lane can be nice, but it can also seriously delay your downsizing process. Start your downsizing in a less sentimental room, such as a bathroom, closet, or the kitchen. The important thing is that you start somewhere and then build momentum toward larger projects. Likewise, dormant rooms, such as guest rooms or the basement, are great places to start.

Downsizing 101

Moving to a new home? Downsizing is a great way to consolidate and weed out any excess belongings you may have before making the move. The tips below cover everything from when and where to start, to deciding on what to keep and what to donate or toss.

Technology Tip! When downsizing, edit your technology. Use a printer that connects to Wi-Fi to eliminate extra cables and choose a TV that mounts to the wall, so you don’t need a media center that takes up valuable floor space.

Learn more about our family of communities at TransformingAge.org/MN

Did you know? Many of our communities offer moving assistance to new residents. We’ve got your back, literally!

And a few reminders...

� You can change your mind. Before committing to donating your items, you can always change your mind. Do not feel pressured to part with a belonging if you are feeling doubtful.

� Remember that you are in charge. Family and friends can and should provide input and support for your decision, but you should always remember that you have to live with these decisions and should be the final decision maker.

� Be patient. It will get done. Just focus on one project at a time and start your planning early.

✓ Start with larger objects. It is often easier and more impactful to start with your larger objects. Are you planning to use the couch from your guest room in your new apartment, or is that something you can donate? Starting with larger items, like furniture, means you can achieve a lot of progress after making only a few decisions.

✓ Know values before you begin donating. Don’t begin donating and throwing away the belongings you don’t want until someone looks at them for potential value. All too often, the items you perceive to have value turn out to be valueless, while items you perceive to have little value end up having considerable worth.

✓ Don’t forget to go through the small stuff. Personal papers, photographs, and other small belongings are also important to go through as you downsize and organize. They may provide a fun, relaxed reprieve in between dealing with the larger items.

✓ Give yourself ample lighting and space to work. Working in a cramped, dark space will only heighten your frustrations. Before you get started with your downsizing, make sure you have the space and lighting to work comfortably.

✓ If in doubt, keep it for now. If you are doubtful about getting rid of something, keep it. You can always decide to part with it at a later date.

When it comes to deciding what to keep and what to donate:

Learn more about our family of communities at TransformingAge.org/MN