People talk about downsizing, especially as a person ages, but what is rightsizing for Seniors? Rightsizing is the concept of working with what you have by making better use of an existing or new space. It is purging unwanted items one no longer needs and living a more simplified life. When going through this process, giving oneself time to sort through their home is essential. Otherwise, the process can become overwhelming.

What’s the difference between downsizing and rightsizing?

Senior downsizing and rightsizing can go together. Downsizing is paring down belongings. Rightsizing is choosing the essential items for your current lifestyle and arranging a home that allows you to live there. Remember that this new stage in life may reduce what you used to do, for example, entertaining people or require you to make room for necessary medical equipment. The goal is to focus on what is important and what one needs, then eliminate what is not essential. Focusing on one’s current life situations and foreseeable expenses can help determine what is necessary to keep. Afterward, personalize your space with what is important to you while recreating the home’s appearance.

Are there any key things to remember while seniors downsize and rightsize? Yes!

• Stuff is just stuff, and life is too short, so hold onto the items that bring you joy and happiness. Don’t let your stuff burden you.
• There is a difference between want and need. People mix these two up, so ask yourself, do you need this?
• Also, why are you holding onto anything unused in the past twelve months? Should you release it and let somebody use and appreciate it?
• What can I give away or consign for someone else to reuse and appreciate it?
• When it comes to sentimental items, evaluate how many sentimental items one has. Having a” Treasure Box” to store your sentimental items is acceptable. Having several treasure boxes, rooms filled with sentimental items, or storage units is not okay.
• Photos – Only keep the images that are important to you. Technology has come a long way. Therefore, scan your photos and download pictures onto a wifi digital frame or a virtual assistant, for example, Alexa or Apple device, which rotates pictures into a frame to view.
• Don’t let e-waste, basically anything electrical, or hazardous waste stop you from your goal of rightsizing. Your city, county or local waste company can provide proper disposal places.
• Put your like items together, then evaluate how much of the same things you need.
• Less stuff equals less to clean, less to organize, less to worry about, less to store.
• The hearse doesn’t come with a trailer, meaning you can’t take it with you when you die.

How can seniors do rightsizing right?

Making a simplified home while surrounding yourself with things that make you happy is a thriving direction to rightsizing. If you feel overwhelmed, bring in help. Family and friends can assist, but there are professionals to help, too, such as professional organizers.

STAGES is here to provide resources during the aging process.