Downsizing is an inevitable part of life for many people who are looking to declutter and simplify their living spaces. However, the process of downsizing can be particularly emotionally and physically challenging for seniors, especially for people who have accumulated a lot of possessions over time.
There’s a lot to be said for elbow grease and hard work, but hiring a service that specializes in moving seniors can make the entire process easier and less stressful. They are also a completely fresh outside perspective – it can be much easier to stomach advice from someone you don’t need to interact with again, especially if you’re struggling to make choices. They will understand how to approach things respectfully and supportively to help you accomplish your goals.
Here are some reasons why we think you should consider hiring specialized help when you (or a senior in your life) is ready to downsize:
Personalized service and solutions
Professional senior downsizing services are tailored to meet the specific needs of seniors, whether it is downsizing from their home to a smaller dwelling, or transitioning to a senior living community.
The most obvious benefit of hiring a company that specializes in seniors is their experience. They’ve dealt with just about every situation under the sun, and so they can offer personalized strategies and solutions for common moving issues and hiccups.
At Darling Solutions, we like to start with a consultation – this allows us to see your house contents and get the full scope of your needs. From there, our consultant will propose a customized plan and estimate to provide as much or as little support as you need, and you can think about it from there.
Proper organization
When seniors decide to downsize, they often don’t know where to start. Professional downsizing services can organize the process, so you know precisely what is happening and when; you can also supervise to make sure your possessions are labelled and handled with care.
A downsizing professional can help you decide what to keep, sell, donate or dispose of, helping every step of the way. They can assist with a floor plan (including making sure there is adequate room for mobility equipment), and handle sorting, packing, and organizing house contents as well as the physical move. You will feel more organized and in control of the process with their help, and they’ll make sure no detail is missed!
At Darling Solutions, we have a dedicated office team to coordinate our services. Once all the required arrangements are in place for a client’s service, we send them a detailed plan by email including all dates, times, locations, and planned activities, so that all the information they need is collected in one place.
Minimize physical exertion
Downsizing can be physically challenging for anyone, but especially for seniors with mobility issues. You won’t have to life a finger – a professional downsizing services will handle all the heavy lifting and physical exertion, completing the moving services and even dispersing the remaining home contents for sale, donation, and disposal.
Save time and money
Downsizing can be an incredibly time-consuming process, especially if you’re tackling it solo. Bringing in a professional downsizing service will save you a significant amount of time and effort, and their experience helps to avoid costly mistakes that can result in expenses related to storage, transportation, and lost or damaged items.
Plus, if you are participating in the packing and sorting work, having another person working with you can actually help your motivation and efficiency – it’s a neat little trick called body doubling.
Reduce stress
Moving and downsizing can be a stressful process, both physically and emotionally. Professional downsizing services can help seniors cope with the stress of downsizing by providing an empathetic and compassionate approach. They also offer practical advice – they’re helped other people through similar experiences, and they can give advice about what essentials you are likely to actually need in your new home.
If they are providing a full service, they may unpack and fully set up your new home, including hanging pictures and making the bed. If your company is observant, they will try to mimic your old layout as much as possible.
We’ve found that the little details can matter the most – having the same picture by the front door can make a new place feel like home. If memory issues are in play, mimicking their prior setup is even more important as it can significantly minimize distress and help the individual adjust more easily.
Access to resources
Professional downsizing services can offer seniors access to valuable information and resources like appraisers, auctioneers, and donation centers. They may have established, trusted contacts for cleaning services, realtors, and other contractor services.
These resources can help seniors make informed decisions about their possessions and maximize their returns when selling or donating their belongings. If your downsizing company offers you a direct referral to an auctioneer or appraiser, they probably feel very confident that their referral will treat you honestly.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are a lot of benefits to hiring a professional downsizing service. A professional downsizer that is specialized in moving seniors will make the process as painless as possible, from first contact until your services are complete.
They will manage the entire downsizing process, reducing your stress and providing a more comfortable downsizing experience. Their experience will allow them to create a customized plan for your individual needs, and they will be able to support you throughout the process.
Are you looking to downsize, or do you know a senior who could use our help to downsize? Darling Solutions is specialized in moving seniors, and we’ve been in business since 2010. Click here to contact our office today – you can discuss your unique situation and
