Written by Morgan Lanser, corporate storyteller
YOU DID IT. You made the decision to move to Garden Spot Village, Frederick Living or The Exchange. Now you are faced with a daunting task—downsizing. But it doesn’t have to be daunting, and it doesn’t have to happen all at once. Tackling one room or project at a time can make downsizing feel manageable.
It is natural to accumulate belongings over the years. Organize items into groups—the ones that bring you the most joy, and are practical, come with you. Consider giving other items to family members or community organizations.
Consider multipurpose furniture. Maybe a coffee table that has built-in storage or a sofa bed that converts to a sleeping area for guests. This eliminates the need for extra pieces that may clutter your new space.
Community centers, schools and churches help provide for those in need. Consider these organizations for things like kitchen dishes, household basics, clothing, even furniture. This gives value and meaning to your items.
Creating a separate fund for proceeds from sold items can help keep you organized. Use these funds to support your move.
Downsizing provides an opportunity to bless others in your community or use proceeds to help fund your move. Some Garden Spot Village residents have continued to downsize even after settling in. Christel Huxley purchases seasonal décor from Garden Spot’s onsite thrift shop, Share & Care. After she enjoys it for a season, she donates it back. Not only does this cut back on her storage needs, but it also benefits the Benevolent Fund. If you spent years building your collection of books, consider donating them to the library—where you can still enjoy them without the worry of storage. You may even find a new favorite book!
Downsizing is more than moving into a smaller place—it is intentionally creating space for what matters most. It will be a sentimental experience and that is okay. Enjoy reminiscing as you make progress and get excited for your next chapter.
And if there are a few large items you simply can’t part with, consider our nearby storage units, ELANCO Self Storage.
Need a little extra space as you simplify? Consider ELANCO Self Storage, conveniently located near Garden Spot Village. Visit elancoselfstorage.com to learn more.
Morgan Lanser, corporate storyteller & project manager for Garden Spot Communities has built her career at GSC — starting in dining services as a student. She brings cross-departmental knowledge and experience, focusing on communication across all communities.