Healthy Ways to Cope with a Downsize

By: Annabelle Harris

If you are ready for action to deal with those unorganized spaces without the stress of it all, Philly Home Organizer offers many services and solutions to help you do just that. Reach out today for more info! (215)487-1520

Once your kids fly the coop, the allure of owning the home you raised a family in can begin to fade. While your dreams once motivated you to keep up with maintenance and upkeep, these responsibilities may now feel like more of a burden, especially considering that you no longer need as much space.

As such, more and more seniors are downsizing their belongings and relocating to smaller homes. With fewer maintenance tasks, reducing to a smaller home can create a general sense of simplicity in your life.

That said, the downsizing process can be physically and emotionally taxing. Much like decluttering to reduce stressors in the home, it requires you to sift through decades of possessions and cope with the emotions attached to them. Throughout the process, it’s essential to foster your physical and mental wellness. These tips from Philly Home Organizer can help you do just that:

Handle the Logistics

There are many steps involved in selling a home, and the earlier you start preparing, the better. Start researching the local housing market to get an idea of an asking price and what upgrades buyers are looking for.

Plan for the Physical Toll

When it comes time to move homes, you should prepare for the physical demands of moving. Quick and Dirty Tips suggests checking with friends and family members to see if any or all of them can help. The last thing you want to do is overextend yourself; take frequent breaks, and try not to lift any heavy boxes or items.

If you don’t have friends or relatives nearby, or you do and still need some extra hands, consider hiring a moving company to take care of the legwork. You can quickly find local moving companies near you through online service directories, which allow you to read customer reviews and compare rates.

When assessing different companies, request a written estimate before meeting them at your home for a quote. Be wary of scams; legitimate movers will insist on performing an inspection in your home before giving you a bill.

Balance Activity With Rest

As previously mentioned, rest is critical to a successful move. Make sure you incorporate relaxing activities into your daily routine, even on the days you are moving. Find ways to unwind from the physical, mental, and emotional impact that comes with downsizing. And try to get adequate sleep each night.

From the moment you decide to put your house on the market until you have unpacked all of your belongings in your new home, it will be a long process, sometimes consisting of busy days.

Don’t let a day pass by without eating healthy meals and snacks. Try to have foods rich in essential vitamins, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. You likely will get some good exercise from having to go here and there, especially on moving day. But if not, at least try to work in a 30-minute walk or yoga session.

Deal With Your Emotions

Leaving a home where you have created beautiful memories and that has been your shelter from tough days can be taxing on the soul. Lifetime Daily points out that it’s essential to face the emotions likely to come with such a significant change.

Before you even begin packing, take a trip down memory lane through the house and your belongings and allow yourself to fear the sadness and potential fears about moving. Confront the fear and stress head-on by acknowledging it may occur and talking to loved ones when they strike. You’re making some important decisions during time, so be sure to deal with the stress so you’re focused on what’s before you. Take a deep breath and set your priorities, with an eye toward the future and not the past.

If you’ve decided to downsize your possessions and move into a smaller home, then it’s essential to prepare for the process and take care of yourself along the way. Handle the logistics, get help from others, practice self-care, and work through the emotions that ensue as you’re sorting through your belongings. Before long, you’ll be settling into a more manageable home, ready to start your next chapter.