Practical Tips and Resources for a Smooth Transition to a Maintenance-Free Senior Living Community
Arbor View Senior Living was recently featured in a Patch article sharing simple, effective tips for downsizing in retirement. From early planning to making your new space feel like home, the article highlights how Arbor View helps make the move to senior living easier and less overwhelming. Read the full article below or on Patch’s website.
Downsizing is about more than just moving to a smaller space—it’s a chance to simplify your life, focus on what truly matters, and embrace a new chapter. At Arbor View Senior Living, we know that transitioning to a 55+ independent living community can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it involves years of family memories and cherished belongings. To ensure a well-planned, coordinated move, check out this list of best practices and download our new consumer guide: Downsizing and Preparing for a Move to Senior Living.
Start Early and Plan Ahead
One of the most important steps in downsizing and preparing for a move to senior living is to give yourself plenty of time. Start planning months, if not years, in advance. Take inventory of your home and create a timeline with key milestones, such as sorting through each room, deciding what to keep, and scheduling donation pickups or estate sales; be mindful when shopping for new household items. Breaking the process into smaller, more manageable tasks can help reduce stress and keep you on track.
Declutter Strategically
Decluttering is at the heart of downsizing. Begin by sorting your belongings into four categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. Focus on one room or category at a time, such as clothes, kitchen items, or books. Ask yourself whether each item serves a purpose or holds sentimental value. Contact the leasing expert at your new community and request a floor plan of your residence to help determine what pieces will fit in your new space. For items that are hard to part with, consider taking photos to preserve the memories without keeping the physical object.
Enlist Help
Downsizing doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Involve family or close friends who can offer support and help with decision-making. Professional organizers and senior move managers can also provide expertise. Ask your leasing agent for recommendations on local businesses specializing in senior moves or visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) website for resources in your area. NASMM members are experts in helping older adults and families with organizing, downsizing and relocating. Their services often include house cleaning, estate sales or auctions, realtor selector, and preparing your home for prospective buyers.
Making Your New Space Feel Like Home
After moving, personalize your new space with meaningful items like family photos, artwork, or a favorite chair. Create a cozy and welcoming environment that reflects your personality. Adjusting to a smaller space takes time, but familiar touches will make it feel like home.
Focus on the Benefits
While saying goodbye to a home can be emotional, keep your sights on the benefits of your new living environment. Maintenance-free communities, like Arbor View Senior Living, offer a host of advantages that simplify daily life. Say farewell to the hassles of mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, or repairing leaky roofs. Instead, enjoy peace of mind with services like housekeeping and on-site maintenance, giving you more time to focus on the activities you love.
Embrace Life Enrichment Opportunities
At Arbor View Senior Living, we provide more than just a place to live—we offer a vibrant lifestyle rich with opportunities for personal growth, social engagement, and wellness. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, engaging activities, and the freedom to live life to the fullest without the burden of home maintenance.
Celebrate the Journey
Downsizing is a significant life change, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and renewal. Moving to a smaller, more manageable space can lead to a fulfilling, stress-free retirement. With thoughtful planning and support, this transition can bring greater peace of mind, enrichment, and joy.
To make the transition even easier, Arbor View Senior Living created a FREE Downsizing Guide! It’s packed with expert advice, practical tips, and a printable checklist to help you stay organized and reduce stress. Download your copy today!
To learn more about Arbor View Senior Living, call 303-268-4747 or visit arborviewsl.com. Our leasing professionals are happy to provide a free consultation, schedule a tour, and talk about decisions that come with coordinating a move.
