Written by Julie Hillard
Life has taken an abrupt turn for most of us since March. Due to unforeseen circumstances, many of us have put life on hold while we wait to see how COVID-19 will unfold. Weddings have been postponed, proms and graduations have been cancelled and moves and real estate transactions have been paused. Life has become more complicated in some ways but simpler in others.
We now have ample amount of time to get things done that have been on the back burner for months. Perhaps you were planning to downsize during this spring, but plans changed quickly and now you are wondering what you can do to move the process forward while waiting for things to reopen.
The great news is, there is a lot you can do right from the comfort of your own home! For instance, you can begin the sorting process by creating three main piles: Keep, Donate and Trash. As you go through your personal belongings, determine what will move with you into your new home. Most likely the place where you downsize will be smaller than your current living situation, so it is important to think about space when deciding what will stay.
Place anything you decide to part with on the donate pile. Although many thrift shops, consignment shops and community donation spots are not open to customers, they are still accepting donations.
Places to drop off donated items:
Anything that is not in donation worthy condition can be disposed of. If your trash pile is larger than what your local trash hauler will take during your weekly pick up, I suggest using Waste Management’s “Bagster.”
Buy the Bagster bag at your local home improvement store. Fill the bag with items to be disposed of (strong enough to hold up to 3,300 lbs. of debris or waste), then schedule a time for pick up directly on the website.
As you sort through your belongings, start the packing process. For items you decided to keep, immediately pack them and label the box. Create a designated area in your home for “keep” boxes. This will save you time in the future when you are ready to move.
If the idea of downsizing seems overwhelming to you and you’re not sure you can do it alone, considering calling a Senior Move Manager like Peaceful Living Solutions. Peaceful Living Solutions helps you streamline the hassle of the process while also relieving the emotional and physical toll it can take. We will meet with you to discuss our extensive list of services including sorting through your belongings, cleaning, packing, and coordinating trash hauling, donations, auctioneers and movers. We can even help you set up your next space and make it your new home. Our goal is to make you feel ready and excited for the next chapter in your life.
As you continue to navigate these uncertain times, don’t put your downsizing plans on hold. Find ways to keep the ball rolling while you spend time at home. Remember, brighter days are ahead, and we are in this together!
To contact Julie Hillard, Owner of Peaceful Living Solutions & Professional Organizer, Senior Move Manager, call (717) 799-7278 or email [email protected].