A move can be difficult for many people, but especially if you have to downsize. Many seniors might feel unsure about moving to assisted living because they’re hesitant to get rid of their belongings. To ease this transition, consider procuring a self-storage unit for your loved one. Here are four tips for making downsizing stress-free.

4 Tips for Downsizing for Seniors

1. Start Small

It can be overwhelming to look at an entire apartment or house and have no idea where to start sorting. Breaking the residence into smaller areas will make the task more physically and mentally manageable. Start with one room before making your way onto the next. This way, if you have to step out, you can suggest that the senior finishes a specific area. Having clear goals increases the likelihood of success and will make this process more digestible as the person adjusts to the changes of moving.

2. Create Four Zones

As you sort through their belongings, place every item into one of four boxes. There should be a box for items to keep, to go to self-storage, to put in the garbage, and to donate. Bring donation items to a local Goodwill or homeless shelter, and place anything the person wants to keep but doesn’t need in their home in the self-storage unit.

3. Take Photos

Moving to assisted living often means giving away or selling larger pieces that won’t fit in the senior's new residence. If the individual treasures something that can’t be brought to their new home, take photos so they can still remember the important piece. Snap some shots with your phone or have a professional photographer come in to document the object, like a piano that’s been in the family for generations. Then, consider framing the images, so the senior has a familiar object at their new place.

4. Consider Gifting

Once the senior has gone through their entire home, they may still have too much stuff to bring to assisted living. If this happens, encourage them to gift items they treasure to loved ones who will appreciate them. This way, the belongings are still in the family, and they won’t clutter up the person’s new home.

If you’re looking for a self-storage unit where a senior loved one can store family heirlooms and off-season items, contact International Self Storage in Anchorage, AK. The secure facility has been open since 1987, offering clean, easy-access storage solutions for residential and commercial use, including car storage. Call the International Airport Road location at (907) 563-3287 or visit the website to receive a $15 new customer coupon.