Clearing the Clutter
By Caroline Moore of Caring Transitions of Coastal Georgia
Every family has a story that showcases the impact of a life transition. As life changes, it may become necessary to leave a familiar home and part with personal belongings in order to downsize and relocate to a smaller home or retirement community. Sometimes this type of change is a choice to relocate for better weather or to be closer to family, and sometimes it is due to changes in health, mobility, or a financial situation. Many people may be reluctant to move from a house where they raised children and created decades of memories. On the other hand, the cul-de-sac that provided a safe place for kids might be too isolated if driving becomes a challenge. Regardless of the situation, planned or unexpected, relocating can be difficult. The physical challenges and emotional strains can be overwhelming enough, without the added stress of life’s unexpected events. Whether for the individual or couple moving or for the family trying to help, the first question is always “Where do we begin?”
The process may include a lot of moving parts including de-cluttering, downsizing and deciding what to take to the new home, the logistics of the move, resettling in a new home, and disposing of items that will not be making the move. It is essential to keep in mind the goals each family has rather than getting caught up in the small details that can be overwhelming. Senior relocation is considered one of the most stressful life events and it is important to make this as worry free as possible. The first step is usually de-cluttering. While there are some very organized people, most of us have many belongings filling our closets, attics, and garages that haven’t been used or even looked at in years. It can be difficult to let go of sentimental treasures but families need to give themselves permission to let go and to realize that lamp you never really liked but was given to you on your wedding day may make someone else very happy. The best way to begin is to have separate boxes designed for items to keep, throw away, sell, and give away or donate. Then tackle one area at a time using those boxes. Break the work up into small time segments, such as one hour a day, and the task will not seem so overwhelming.
Another approach is to simply decide what you wish to take with you to the new home. It is often times tempting to take too much. It is best to consider what you really love and what you will really need. Furniture should fit so that pathways can be kept open while still allowing the new house to feel like home. Kitchen items should be pared down. Ask yourself how many glasses you really need and how much cooking you will really be doing.
After everything that is being taken to the new home has been removed, the remaining items can be sold at an estate sale, given away, donated or disposed of. This is often times much easier on the person moving than the often very emotional task of going through every drawer and closet. The family or professional company helping with the move and/or estate sale can set aside personal items such as papers or pictures to be gone through at a later time.
Estate liquidation can offer a way to dispose of items that are not taken to the new home and may also offset the cost of the move. The house will then be empty so that it can be sold or leased to the next resident. It is important to keep in mind that emptying the home is the main goal, not making a large profit. The amount of profit from the sale will depend on the size of the home and the quality of the items for sale, but most things won’t bring the prices the customer hopes for. It can be hard to understand that the beautiful armoire that cost $1500 won’t sell because everyone now mounts the TV on the wall. It is simply a matter of supply and demand. More and more people are downsizing so the market is flooded with furniture, china, crystal, etc and, sadly, the younger generations don’t want it. For the most part they prefer more modern and casual furnishings. Too often customers make decisions on their own before they consult an expert. In some cases families will donate items and even hold a garage sale before calling for an estate sale. Unfortunately for those customers, there are usually too few items left to support a viable sale. Families often save the largest pieces of furniture for an estate sale while getting rid of smaller items; however, large items often do not hold as much value as the smaller collectibles, clothing and jewelry. For these reasons and more, it is best if the customer calls an estate sale professional before they make any decisions about disposing the excess contents of a house. That's where companies like Caring Transitions can come in to help. Let us make the transition process easier for you.
Caring Transitions of Coastal Georgia offers a streamlined support system to help facilitate a less
Caroline Moore Caring Transitions of Coastal Georgia
stressful senior relocation or estate liquidation, taking care of the details so that our clients can take care of themselves or a loved one. From sorting through years of memories, working with estate planners, packing for the move, coordinating movers and real estate agents, designing a functional and comfortable floor plan, unpacking and resettling, our compassionate and experienced professionals can be involved as much or as little as clients prefer. We serve as the family’s advocate, ensuring their best interests are kept in mind throughout the process. Our goal is to be there every step of the way providing the smoothest transition possible. Please contact Caroline Moore at 912.434.1170 or cmoore@caringtransitions.net for more information, or visit our website at caringtransitionscoastalga.com.
