Transitioning to smaller home or facility. Allow 2-3 months.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Start conversation early — Involve senior
- Choose destination — Independent/assisted living, smaller home
- Measure new space — What fits
- Sort room by room — Save, possibly save, donate, discard
- Sentimental items — Photograph, offer heirlooms
- Important documents — Wills, POA, records in safe
- Digitize records — Scan, online plus backup
- Sell/donate — Estate sale, charity, tax receipts
- Professional help — Senior move manager (NASMM)
- Open-first box — Bedding, toiletries, meds, flashlight
Common Mistakes
- Everything at once
- Family deciding alone
- Too much furniture
- Not updating legal docs
- Insufficient processing time
Pro Tips
- Would I buy again today test
- Agent referrals for managers
- Community coordinators
- Farewell open house
- One year rule