The Art of Downsizing Trends in Senior Downsizing

The Art of Downsizing

Trends in Senior Downsizing Every day, 10, 000 People in the U. S. Turn 65. • By 2030 – Seniors will release 26 MILLION homes into the market. Prospective downsizers outnumber upsizers 3 to 1 • • • “Downsizers outnumber upsizers 3 to 1” 60% of seniors say they have more things than they need 28% acknowledge that they’ve been advised to downsize their belongings 75% say the amount of things they own has made them reluctant to move. Seniors who moved in retirement report being happier than those that stay put. • Those that moved closer to family reported being the happiest

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: . . . A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; . . . A time to break down, and a time to build up; . . . A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; … He hath made every thing beautiful in his time. ” Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 2 b, 3 b, 6, 11 a

Three Main Questions 1. Why should I downsize? 2. How should I downsize? 3. Who can help me downsize?

Why? Top Reasons to Move Later in Life 1. 2. 3. 4. Individual Health (Safety) Beliefs and Attitudes (New Beginning) Physical Environment/Proximity to Family Social Pressures

Does Size matter to me? Will I miss some important things about a more spacious home?

Why? Top Benefits to Downsizing • Easier to Maintain • Less Time Spent Cleaning • Less Expensive • Less Debt and Less Risk • Mentally Freeing • Less Environmental Impact • More Time • Encourages Family Bonding • Forces You to Remove Baggage • Less Temptation to Accumulate • Less Decorating • Wider Market to Sell

What is your WHY? YOUR WHY BECOMES YOUR GOAL. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON THE GOAL.

How to Downsize? WARNING: It’s going to be emotional no matter what. You need a plan!

Making a Plan • Take Inventory – “Ask Yourself – If everything you owned was lost in a fire, what would you replace? ” – Divide into three catagories • Must haves • Can Live Withouts • Things I Could Replace • Know What Will Fit in the Space You are Moving To – Get Measurments!!!

Making A Plan • Secure Valuables • Get Rid of the Clutter • Be brutally honest with yourself about an objects importance/need • Be gentle with your emotional state • It’s okay to go slow • Decide to Sell/Donate/Give/Throw • Organize What’s Left REMEMBER YOUR WHY!!!!

Questions to Help De. Clutter 1. Do I use it? 2. Do I have duplicates? 3. Am I keeping it around “just in case”? 4. Would somebody else enjoy it? 5. Does this fit the lifestyle I want to live?

Don’t get overwhelmed. . . “WHEN I DRAG MY KEEPSAKES, PICTURE BOOKS, WHAT NOTS TO THE TRASH AT THE END OF MY DRIVEWAY HERE ON BEAUTIFUL BAILEY CORNER, I JUST SMILE AND SAY TO GOD, “IT’S ONLY STUFF. ” - IMOGENE FOY

Who Can Help? Family/Friends Professional Services

You are not alone! THIS IS A PROCESS THAT MANY HAVE DONE BEFORE YOU AND MANY WILL DO IN THE FUTURE.

Soon you’ll be on your way! Questions?