Why Helping Your Parents Downsize is Important?

It’s a conversation we never want to have but for a lot of us the time will come when we need to talk to mom and dad about moving out of the family home into something smaller and more manageable or perhaps even into assisted living. You may have noticed that they just can’t keep up with the family home any longer and for physical or financial requirements they need to move. So, you might be wondering, how can I talk to my parents about downsizing without upsetting them?

 

Questions

The big questions to determine how to approach this topic is…

 

  • Did they decide they are ready to make this new change on their own?
  • Or, do they need to downsize and relocate for their personal health and safety reasons?

 

Either way, getting rid of longtime possessions that hold memories from the past isn’t easy for anyone to let go. As a caregiver or family member helping with this transition, you have to remember that these items are closely linked to their personal identities of their past and memories associated so determine which category they fit in and tread lightly. Most individuals understand that downsizing is just an inevitable part of moving to a new home. Going through closets, dumping old food/spices, taking old clothes to Goodwill, and getting rid of all the things you no longer need can be particularly stressful for seniors since they have a lifetime of accumulated items. However, they need to keep in mind that a big burden will be lifted off their shoulders once this enormous task is completed. Their life will become easier in their new home with less items to manage.

 

The Process

To start the process, have a light conversation about their plans and start to make goals and plans to begin the process. Ask family or friends who can potentially spend time with them to help them organize and determine where they need to start first. Get rid of the items that really hold no sentimental value first. i.e., who needs old magazines from 1999? Or old cough medicine that is taking up space?

eXp Realty—The Results Team—is ready to help you buy or sell your home! Stop on by our location at 2623 N. Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404. Or call us at: (812)822-2746.