Rightsizing for Retirement Living

Many people often ask the question: How do I downsize for a retirement home? But the term downsizing doesn’t quite fit the situation. Let us help guide you with some tips and tricks to make rightsizing for retirement living easier.

Downsizing vs Rightsizing

Many people aim to downsize before moving to a retirement living community, also known as independent living. While downsizing represents reduction, it lacks purpose. On the other hand, rightsizing has a clear goal in mind.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word rightsize as “to undergo a reduction to an optimal size.”

Regardless of the term used, the idea of letting go of items can be daunting, leaving many seeking help. Concordia periodically features speakers on the topic at its open house events, such as those recently held at Concordia Haven Retirement Apartments and Concordia at Sumner.

“Downsizing can be emotionally taxing,” said Cheryl Aughton, the Havens’ Independent Living Life Transitions Counselor. “Letting go of belongings takes time and reflection.”

When to Start Rightsizing

Concordia has helped guide many new residents on rightsizing for their new homes. Cheryl said she recommends beginning the process between 6 to 12 months before the big move.

This gives the person time to sort, sell, donate or gift items — especially larger items, like furniture, or more valuable items, like collectibles and jewelry.

Cheryl recommends a phased approach.

• 12 months out: Begin with low-emotion items.
• 6 months out: Work room-by-room through more personal spaces.
• 3 months out: Finalize what’s going with you; pack infrequently used items.
• 1 month out: Pack essentials and arrange for donations or pickups.

“Starting early avoids a rushed or overwhelming experience, especially for seniors with health or mobility concerns,” Cheryl said.

Measuring the Move

People moving to retirement living have lived long, full lives, often collecting a lifetime worth of belongings in the process. While rightsizing, it’s important to keep the new space in context while making selections.

Many retirees go from a 2,000 to 3,000 sq. ft. home to a 500 to 1,200 sq. ft. apartment. Some Concordia communities have units that vary as much as 500 sq. ft.

Due to the variety in unit sizes, it’s important to inquire about the space beforehand, especially if it includes furniture, appliances or extra storage units. Taking tours offers the best perspective on these spaces.

Maureen Sirianni, Director of Admissions for Concordia of Bridgeville, often offers “downsizing” tips for seniors considering retirement living at the touring stage.

“Once they have toured some communities and spoken with others who live in the community, reducing becomes real,” Maureen said.

Maureen said most residents come to see that some of the things they remove from their lives are replaced by common spaces found in their new communities.

“The rest of the community is their home too, such as their game room, their living room, their dining room, their patio or porch,” she said. “Once they realize that those spaces are already furnished it helps future residents see what is easier to donate, gift, sell or place on the curb.”

Making the Right Selections

Once you have a good idea of the space, start with simple, easy steps. Sorting items helps people visually see categories of items.

Cheryl suggests sorting items into four key categories: keep, donate, sell and trash.

Start with items that have no emotional attachment, including unworn clothing, old papers, unused items, duplicate items and outdated technology.

Big, bulky furniture is also a sure bet to ship out, but some people may have attachments to furniture. Other items that might be harder to get rid of include collections, photographs and hobby equipment.

Cheryl recommends taking photos of more sentimental items, digitizing old documents and gifting family heirlooms.

“Figuring out what’s worth keeping involves a mix of practicality, emotional value and available space,” she said.

Where to Offload Items

After taking inventory with rightsizing in mind, it’s time to move the items. Keeping with the list above, here are a few suggestions on ways to let go:

Sell: Selling items is easier than ever. From the comfort of your own home, you can sell online or through digital marketplaces. You could also stick to more traditional methods, such as yard sales or classified ads.

Donate: You can donate items to various nonprofit organizations, such as Salvation Army. Many of these types of organizations often give back to senior citizens, so for those entering retirement living, it might feel thematic to send their excess to its store. Some of these stores even offer free pickup for seniors looking to offload some of their items, as well as having many stores all over the country.

Trash: All the stuff designated as junk can simply be put in garbage bags and left on the curb. You could slowly dole it out through regular pickups, or you often can pay an extra fee to your garbage collection service for extra bags or bulkier items. If you have a lot of stuff and little time, a dumpster may be the way to go.

Ultimately, you don’t have to do any of this alone. Christina Wahlen, Director of Marketing for Concordia of the South Hills, said the letting go of things can be hard for many people. That burden can be shared by others.

“It’s important to focus on the outcome,” Christina said. “Ask for help from family, friends or a company.”

Right Mind for the Right Size

Rightsizing is a process that takes time and thought. It can be as much a mental strain as a physical one. It’s hard to let go of things, but for many, it’s the right thing to do for their physical and mental health. With its many amenities and all-inclusive benefits, moving to retirement living can also have a positive effect in those areas of health.

For example, Concordia prides itself on offering its residents a worry-free lifestyle. Concordia retirement living residents don’t have to worry about mowing the lawn, fixing appliances or paying dozens of different bills every month. It’s all covered.

“Rightsizing can be an exciting new chapter for seniors moving to a retirement community because it offers the freedom to focus on what truly matters,” Cheryl said. “Rather than a loss, rightsizing becomes a step toward more comfort, convenience and a worry-free lifestyle tailored for enjoyment and ease.”

This guide was likely a lot of information to take in, but don’t stress. We’ve got tons of professionals, who are here to help you throughout your research and move-in process.

To learn more about a location near you, where you can take a tour or get in touch with an expert, visit Concordia Lutheran Ministries | Overview of Locations (concordialm.org).