A move to assisted living means cleaning out and getting rid of lots of the ‘stuff’ that we all accumulate over a lifetime. Contrary to what you may think, this process is actually a freeing and positive experience for many, and you can help your loved one making the transition to Tennessee assisted living gain the benefits of de-cluttering. Let’s call it rightsizing instead of downsizing.
Keep, donate or toss
These categories are very helpful as you work with mom to decide what to do with her possessions. Some people buy differently-colored post-it notes and assign each color to one of these categories. As you and dad go through each room, talk about the item and decide whether to keep it, donate it, or toss it; the post-it note makes it simple to go back later and group the items together.
Do a room-by-room tour
Start slowly and go room-by-room to assess how much stuff mom has accumulated. Don’t try to do this all at once because it will be overwhelming to your loved one (and you). Pick one room and start a detailed inspection. The bedroom master closet is a good place to start, as it’s often easier to get rid of clothing and shoes than other items that carry more emotional weight.
Pay attention to the kitchen
Many people discover that most of their ‘stuff’ lives in the kitchen. Over the years, we tend to accumulate lots of plates, bowls, glassware, pots and pans, utensils, small appliances and other kitchen accessories. A move to assisted living or even independent senior living means a smaller kitchen and most meals provided for your loved one by the residence. As you help dad sort through the kitchen inventory, focus on keeping only those items that he’ll use once a week or more. Narrow down the pots and pans inventory to a few differently-sized skillets, saucepan and baking pan (if dad bakes). Keep enough plates, bowls, glasses and silverware for family visits, which mean perhaps four of each item. Identify those spices mom favors and get rid of the rest. Which specialized kitchen accessories and small appliances to keep will depend on what kind of cook your loved one is and whether she plans to continue making her famous banana bread or homemade pasta sauce.
Separate special memories from the item
This is often the hardest part of the rightsizing process, yet it’s essential so your loved one can make a clean and positive break from her stuff and move into a simpler lifestyle. We’re not saying that dad has to get rid of that favorite hat that mom used to wear for picnic outings, or the beautiful memento they purchased together on a dream trip to Paris. One strategy is to set aside one box for those special keepsakes that your loved one just can’t relinquish; those items can be moved to assisted living and either displayed somewhere or stored in a closet in the keepsake box for kids or grandkids.
Look to the benefits of rightsizing
There’s a growing minimalist living movement across the country, as people of all ages recognize how good it feels to unburden themselves of ‘stuff.’ Those who have successfully de-cluttered point to these lasting benefits: less stress, easier maintenance, more free time, less waste, and more savings.
Rightsizing to a Tennessee assisted living community is the right choice for many seniors, so focus on the benefits of de-cluttering as you help mom or dad make this transition. What are some areas that you've found helpful when rightsizing?
