Be More with Less Helping Seniors Downsize for a Smooth Move to Senior Living

Change is inevitable, but that doesn’t make it a bad thing. In fact, change can often open doors to new opportunities—regardless of your age. It’s even more fulfilling when the change that occurs is one that brings you closer to where you belong.

At Sumter Senior Living, conveniently located in The Villages® community, we want you to live life to the fullest. Spend time with friends. Take care of your health in our fitness center and indoor heated therapy pool. Explore enriching interests at the library, theater, and arts and crafts studio. With Florida sunshine, caring associates, and friendly neighbors, you’ll feel the warmth right away. Sumter Senior Living is the change you’ve been waiting for.

But there’s still work to be done. You don’t want to be weighed down by clutter as you step into your new, carefree lifestyle. The first chapter of your new life is titled: Downsizing.

Why Downsize?
Before you can determine the why of downsizing, you need to understand what it means to downsize. More than just reducing, downsizing is the act of decluttering and moving into a more manageable home. TIME magazine identifies benefits, such as:
. Less home maintenance
. Lower utility costs
. Lower real estate costs
. Improved cash flow and nest egg growth
. Added free time for travel and hobbies

Many seniors also decide to downsize because of lifestyle changes and the desire to simplify life.

Certified financial planner and founder of 2050 Wealth Partners, Lazetta Rainey Braxton says, “Some people get tired of doing all the maintenance that comes along with the big house. They’re not able to cut the grass and do the hedges, repairs, and painting—all the costs associated with maintaining a large home.” Who needs the hassle of cleaning and maintaining a residence? Now, more than ever, you deserve to spend your time doing the things you love most.

How to Clear the Clutter
The first step is determining what to keep. Room by room, decide what stays and goes. Be sure to keep appropriately sized furnishings for your new home to bring comfort when you move.

After you’ve set aside your must-haves, consider donating what’s left to a worthy cause. It makes you feel good, and you can get tax deductions if you keep your donation receipts. Libraries take old books. Local schools can use working musical instruments for band. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, Goodwill, and homeless shelters will take gently worn coats, clothes, and shoes. Rest homes and low-income senior housing take gently used medical equipment. Old bedding, sheets, and linens can go to animal shelters. Habitat for Humanity accepts donations of: tools, gardening supplies, recreation equipment, furnishings, and appliances.

But you still might find yourself asking: How do I get rid of “stuff”? One sentimental plate on display can be more meaningful than keeping the whole 12-piece set hidden in a box. Take the less is more approach, and use this as an opportunity to make some pocket change. Have a yard sale! If you have a housekeeper, landscaper, or handyman, consider asking them if they want to have, or buy, the things you own related to their trade. And hire a junk hauler for the rest!

Dispose of sensitive documents through “shred events” sponsored by organizations like United Way. Funds go to a worthy cause, and you can rest easy knowing your private information will be safely destroyed.

If there are a handful of things you still can’t seem to part with, or you’re unsure if you’ll need or want them later, rent a storage unit. Renting a storage unit is an inexpensive, short-term investment until you come to a decision on the things you left behind. Once you feel comfortable deciding what stays and goes, you can cancel the storage unit and fully enjoy your new, decluttered lifestyle.

A Place Where You Belong
Now that the clutter’s gone, it’s time to embrace change—ensuring you live and age gracefully in your next chapter. Moving into a senior living community can help rejuvenate your spirits after the hard work of downsizing.

Sumter Senior Living is proud to offer a continuum of living options to suit all needs and preferences, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care—all on one beautifully landscaped campus.

Managed by Grace Management, Inc. (GMI), a leader in providing the best senior living experiences, Sumter Senior Living has elevated industry standards by delivering exceptional living experiences, while providing the resources seniors and their loved ones need to make important life decisions. GMI is a subsidiary of CPF Living Communities and is ranked in ASHA’s 50 largest seniors housing owners.

For more information or to schedule a personalized visit, please call (352) 674-3600 or visit www.SumterSeniorLiving.com.

Sumter Senior Living
1490 Killingsworth Way,
The Villages, Florida 32162
(352) 674-3600
www.SumterSeniorLiving.com
Assisted Living License Number: 12227