Even if you’ve decided downsizing your home is right for you and know all the reasons it makes sense, like lowering your expenses or reducing the amount of space you need to clean and maintain, it can still be a challenge. There’s the physical aspect of decluttering and sorting your possessions, but there’s also the less talked about emotional side of downsizing.
While you can find guides on how to downsize your life and declutter, there’s less information about dealing with the emotions of downsizing. Even if you’re excited about moving to a senior living community, managing your emotions can add to your stress. If you find you’re unpacking unexpected emotions around your move, here are some suggestions to help you celebrate your past while looking forward to your future.
Dealing with the Emotions of Downsizing
The downsizing definition is moving to a smaller residence. To do that can require parting with some possessions that you know you no longer need, but still have an attachment to. That’s why it’s not unusual to have any combination of emotions come up during your move:
- Sad: You raised your kids and made a lot of memories in your home, so it’s only natural leaving a place where so much happened can make you feel sad.
- Guilty: You’re not the only one who may have feelings about your move. Your adult children might try to make you feel guilty for leaving the place that holds their childhood memories.
- Afraid: Leaving some place you’ve grown accustomed to combined with not knowing what the future holds can create feelings of fear. Yes, stepping into the unknown may make you nervous, but it can also be an exciting opportunity.
- Embarrassed: After working most of your life to get to the place of owning the big house of your dreams, moving to a smaller home may be a bit of a come down. Especially if your friends have large houses and don’t understand the practicality of your decision.
How to Smoothly Downsize Your Life
Recognize your feelings: Whatever you’re feeling is perfectly natural. If it helps, talk to a friend or speak with a counselor and tell them about what moving is bringing up and how you feel about it.
Focus on the future: If you’re moving to a Life Plan Community like La Costa Glen, think about what you’ll gain rather than what you’re losing. For example, consider the benefits of moving to a community with an indoor pool and other fitness amenities, or think about the new friends you’ll make and the activities you’ll become involved in or clubs you could join.
Start slow: When downsizing, start with the least emotional area of your home first like the garage, utility shed or spare bedroom closet. This will allow you to build momentum as you head to areas of the house that may hold more memories.
Be patient: Don’t expect to sort through all your possessions and decide exactly what you’ll keep or discard in a couple of days. Take a systematic approach to downsizing, and the process will be much less stressful.
Remember the story: Much of what we have is tied to memories from special times in our lives, important accomplishments or happy moments. Remember, each item is a symbol and letting it go doesn’t erase its meaning.
Celebrate your successes: Start simple and set personal milestones like cleaning out the closet in your spare bedroom or going through all the tools in your garage. As you accomplish each task, pat yourself on the back and allow yourself to feel a true sense of accomplishment.
Enlist family and friends: If you have children or grandchildren, involve them in the decluttering process. You’ll have the opportunity to share stories and pass along the family history.
Check the value: If you’re not sure what something is worth, consider taking it to an independent appraiser. It can help you decide if you should keep something, sell it or discard it.
Discover the Upside to Downsizing
At La Costa Glen, we feature a variety of gorgeous single story homes and spacious apartments, so you might be surprised by how little you need to downsize. To learn more, schedule a visit or attend one of our upcoming events to see everything you gain by moving into our Life Plan Community. Simply use our Community Assistant chat feature or contact us here.
