The #1 thing you need to know when helping your parent downsize
Helping your parent move from a home, where all their memories were made, into a smaller space , can be stressful. There is so much to think about and too little time. Not to mention how delicate the situation can be when your parent doesn’t want to leave their home.
What are the steps to take when downsizing a parent?
You might be concerned that your parent will undergo a lot of stress during this move. Maybe you’re worried that you might not be able to handle the situation, especially with all the moving parts. We want to assure you that there are many people in this field that are here to support you. You’re reading the right blog to help you to wrap your head around what needs to be done.
The #1 thing you need to know when helping your parent downsize
For years we, The Happy Nest, has moved seniors from their home into smaller spaces or even a care facility, so we have become experts in helping with the move.
Creating comfort is the number one thing you need to know when helping your parent downsize! Everybody involved wants the process to go as smoothly as possible, so we want to share some tips with you.
HAPPY TIPS:
- Take time with the move. It’s beneficial to start 6 months to a year ahead of the moving day, if you can. Preparing mentally and emotionally for such a big change in someone’s life does need that amount of time to process.
- Speak about the move enthusiastically but with the understanding that there’ll be a lot of feelings, or even resistance. Change is always hard but it’s often very good for all the people involved.
- Hire help to take off the load. There are people all over who are compassionate, efficient, and gentle and who can help your parent with the upcoming move. Some ideas of people who assist are packers, movers, and support workers.
Bonus tip: Hiring people to help you with your parents’ move can help keep your relationship in tack. Moving is very triggering for people who are downsizing because of the need to dispose of items that might have been with them for a very long time. Working with a professional there’s less emotion involved and decisions, like sorting through the China cabinet, can be much quicker.
We have staff at the Happy Nest who make it really easy for your parent to make these decision, it’s one of our talents.
For more tips on how to get rid of your stuff during a move click here to follow us on IG
