Rightsizing with the Right Mindset: How to Downsize with a Smile
As people age, it is common to not be able to keep up with household chores or the upkeep on a large home. What used to be a simple task can become daunting and could possibly become harmful to yourself or your loved one. It is this that scenario leads many people to consider a senior living community where they can downsize and become free from stress – and worries. Downsizing, or what is better known as ‘rightsizing’, should be looked at as an opportunity and a bonding experience, not an ending to your old way of life. There are many ways to transform your rightsizing experience into a meaningful event to be treasured just as much as the items you love.
According to Peggy O’Neill, Sales and Marketing Director at Lions Gate, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Voorhees, New Jersey, even though downsizing is a good thing, it can sometimes have a negative connotation. “When a lot of people think about downsizing, they think of it as something you are forced to do because you are moving and can’t take many of your possessions with you or because you have too much stuff and need to get rid of it. Many times, this could not be further from the truth,” Peggy states. “Just because you are downsizing, it doesn’t mean you have to throw away all of your treasured items, and it certainly shouldn’t be looked at as a bad thing. While you may be moving into a new phase of your life, it doesn’t mean your past needs to be forgotten. Instead, it should be celebrated. That is what the concept of rightsizing is all about.”
As opposed to strictly downsizing, rightsizing is the concept of adapting your keepsakes into your exciting new life. If you are moving into a senior living community where there is less space (but also less responsibilities!), you will have the opportunity to take your most beloved possessions with you and fit them into your new home while leaving unnecessary items behind. “The rightsizing experience can not only clear your mind and create lasting memories,” Ed states, “but it can help you to feel more liberated.”
WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT RIGHTSIZING YOUR LIFE?
- It’s liberating. Think of all of the things you have to do on a daily or weekly basis. Cleaning, yardwork and maintenance on a home – these things can become more tiresome over time and it can be wonderful to not have to deal with the tedious tasks of homeownership. Rightsizing to a community can free you from having to do all of this and more.
- You have more time for you. By rightsizing to a community, you can not only focus more on what makes you, you, but you can also have more time to do what you want to do. Rightsizing can help you to fill your days with what you love to do instead of tasks you have to do, leading to more purposeful and fulfilling days.
- Live on your own terms. Without the responsibilities that come with owning a home, you have more freedom to pick up and go as you choose. Don’t feel like cooking dinner? That’s good, because you don’t have to. Want to take a trip to the theatre or travel? Go for it. Thanks to rightsizing, with less worries and less responsibility, you are free to come and go as you please.
“If rightsizing seems like a daunting task, know that there are ways to make it easier,” Peggy states. “For example, it may be easier to tackle this task one room at a time. Try making three different piles in each room, one for trash, one to keep and one to donate or give away. This can make the process easier while keeping you organized and on task.”
FIVE WAYS TO MAKE RIGHTSIZING TO A COMMUNITY EASIER
- Donate. While sometimes it can be hard to let go of items that you previously needed and love to have, it can help to have a motivation to leave them behind. If you or a loved one are having trouble parting with items, it can be helpful to think of all of the people who could benefit by your giving it away. It can be much easier to rightsize if you think about giving your items to someone who needs them more than you do.
- Pass It Down. If you have jewelry or other pieces in your home that mean a great deal to you, such as your mother’s pearls or a painting from your grandfather, consider passing down these items as family heirlooms. You may be giving up these items, but you are also creating memories for your loved ones and a legacy for future generations.
- Store It. Put some items in storage that you can’t quite part with yet. You can even let your family members hold on to some items just in case you end up needing them at your senior living community in the future. As time goes on, you may come to see that you do not need all of the things you kept in storage and may even decide to go through it in order to rightsize some more.
- Have a Yard Sale. If there are some items that have too much value to give away but don’t need to become family heirlooms or can’t move to the community with you, consider having a yard sale in order to make some money while you rightsize your life. You may end up making enough money to purchase some new decorations or furniture for your new home that may fit better than what you would have taken otherwise.
- Consider Consignment. This can be a helpful tool for rightsizing to a community. For items that you don’t need to sell right away, consider consignment. This means the items will be out of your way but there is still the potential for you to make money off of them. Keep in mind that the place you give these items to will take a percentage of whatever your items sell for. Make sure to find out all details of how and when you will get paid, as well as how much of a percentage they take of it.
YOU’VE RIGHTSIZED YOUR LIFE, NOW WHAT?
Let Lions Gate’s community help you find where you fit in. You’ve given your lesser beloved items new homes, passed down the heirlooms to loved ones and sold what you no longer need, now come visit us and find the right home for you! Come enjoy our exceptional dining experiences, special events and educational opportunities and find out for yourself how liberating a move to our community can be!
EXPERIENCE, LIFESTYLE, CARE, COMMUNITY AND TRADITION AT LIONS GATE
Lions Gate, located in Voorhees, NJ, offers a continuum of lifestyle and care options rooted in Jewish traditions and values. Whether you are in need of Independent Living,Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing or Rehabilitation Services, Lions Gate has you covered.
Our mission at Lions Gate is to enrich the lives of those we serve through quality and compassionate care consistent with our heritage and values. We strive to provide programs and services that inspire well-being, as well as social, cultural and spiritual independence.
As a full-service community rich in wellness programs, meaningful experiences and educational opportunities from Lions Gate University, Lions Gate allows residents to connect with those who share their interests and cherished traditions. Our goal is to provide residents with an active, worry-free lifestyle filled with ways to connect with others, pursue their passions and be engaged in everyday life. While we focus on Jewish customs and traditions, we welcome people of all faiths to the Lions Gate family.
Through our affiliation with Jewish Senior Housing and Healthcare Service, we also offer three senior living communities for those with limited incomes.
