4 Key Similar Situations of Seniors and Empty Nesters in our country.
1. How much stuff can you
get rid of?
For Liz and Jac Grimes, who are wedding officiants in North Carolina, downsizing from a 3,400-square-foot home to a 1,100-square-foot apartment meant getting rid of many things are part of the responsibility of home ownership.
The move after 27 years in their home also meant giving cherished items to their children now, instead of upon their death.
“Don’t hold onto things just because you think your children will want them when you are gone,” Liz Grimes says. “The kids are not going to want full china, silver and crystal sets, or old furniture.
“Have the kids go through the house before you move and take those things that they have said ‘When mom is gone, I want that,” and let them take it. Enjoy the fact that they are enjoying something while you are alive.”Downsizing for seniors can also require getting rid of any artwork and other mementos you’ve kept from your kids’ childhood, Grimes says.
“If something does not bring you the joy when you see it, get rid of it,” she says. “Just because a child made it for you in third grade and they are now in their 40s, you don’t have to keep it. Take a photo of it, ask if they want it back, and then discard it if they don’t.”
Much of your furniture may also be worth selling or giving away when downsizing, since it may not fit in a smaller home. Check the floor plan of your new home to see how your furniture might fit.
get rid of?
For Liz and Jac Grimes, who are wedding officiants in North Carolina, downsizing from a 3,400-square-foot home to a 1,100-square-foot apartment meant getting rid of many things are part of the responsibility of home ownership.
The move after 27 years in their home also meant giving cherished items to their children now, instead of upon their death.
“Don’t hold onto things just because you think your children will want them when you are gone,” Liz Grimes says. “The kids are not going to want full china, silver and crystal sets, or old furniture.
“Have the kids go through the house before you move and take those things that they have said ‘When mom is gone, I want that,” and let them take it. Enjoy the fact that they are enjoying something while you are alive.”Downsizing for seniors can also require getting rid of any artwork and other mementos you’ve kept from your kids’ childhood, Grimes says.
“If something does not bring you the joy when you see it, get rid of it,” she says. “Just because a child made it for you in third grade and they are now in their 40s, you don’t have to keep it. Take a photo of it, ask if they want it back, and then discard it if they don’t.”
Much of your furniture may also be worth selling or giving away when downsizing, since it may not fit in a smaller home. Check the floor plan of your new home to see how your furniture might fit.
