Downsizing for aged care living – creating a smooth transition

Is your loved one thinking about moving into a Gold Coast aged care home? Even if they’re ready for the change, they might be feeling a bit nervous about the whole downsizing and moving process. To help them with the transition, here are some practical tips for downsizing for aged care living.

Start with a plan

Moving house is a stressful experience for many people, and it can seem like an overwhelming task when viewed in its entirety. To make it easier, we recommend breaking it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, create a list of what needs to be done and prioritise the most important things first. This can help make the process seem less overwhelming.  

Start early

Don’t leave things to the last minute. It’s never too early to start packing and decluttering. Once you decide to move, begin sorting through your loved one’s belongings. Find out what they want to keep and what they are willing to part with. Starting early gives you a head start on packing and gives them plenty of time to make decisions about what’s important and what can be discarded.

Let go of some items

While this can be difficult, downsizing means they’ll need to let go of some possessions. It’s important to consider the following: 

• Functionality: Assess how useful an item is. When was the last time they used it? If it’s been over a year, they likely won’t miss it.
• Sentimental items: Keep items with special meaning that will make your new home at HillView Care feel more like ‘home’. If space is limited, consider passing them on to a close friend or family member.
• Multiple items: Let go of duplicates. Downsizing is an opportunity to simplify and create space for other essentials.

Sort by category

When sorting through your loved one’s belongings, categorise them into four groups: keep, sell, donate, and throw away. This method helps you systematically go through your items and decide what to keep and what to let go of. Items still in great condition can be sold or donated to charity shops.

Sell unwanted items

Selling unwanted items is a great way to downsize and earn some extra money before moving into aged care. Consider options like garage sales, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, second-hand shops, and community noticeboards.

Make items digital where possible

Digitalising can save valuable space. Transfer video cassettes, CDs, DVDs, and photos to digital formats and store them on the cloud or a hard drive. This frees up space for other items and keeps their memories safe.

Keep important documents safe and handy

Ensure their important documents like passports, birth certificates, and house deeds are kept together in a secure, easily accessible place. This also applies to medications and prescriptions to avoid searching through boxes during the move.

Extra tips for downsizing:

1. Stay organised: Label boxes clearly and keep a record of what’s inside each box.
2. Seek help: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, or professional movers. Having extra hands can make the process smoother.
3. Stay positive: Focus on the positives of the move and the new opportunities it brings. A positive mindset can make the transition less stressful.

Downsizing and moving into a residential aged care home may seem a huge task, but with proper planning, you can make the transition smoother and less overwhelming. Remember, it takes time, and once you move in, your loved ones will have plenty of opportunities to make their new space feel like home.

If you’d like to take a look at the rooms at HillView Merrimac or Ashmore, we’d love for you to visit! Book a tour online, or call us on 07 5559 3222.