The Things I've Learned

5 Things I’ve Learned

Organize Senior Moves is proud to say that we’ve been in business for over 5 years, with more than 500 jobs in the books!  This has been a fantastic opportunity to learn about more about myself as well as my clients.  Below you will find a short list of things that our team has learned over the years.

1. You can never begin to downsize too early.  Whether you are planning to move a month  from now or a year from now -- begin the process of downsizing!  It will take longer than you think, especially if you are planning to work on your own.

2. Give yourself time.  Although similar to #1, there is a difference.  Here we are talking about the time it will take to line up the various tasks that will be needed to downsize efficiently.  It is important to be realistic about the amount of time you can spend on this process.  Do not plan to spend more than 2 hours at a time on this if you will be working alone.

3. Research your resources.  Be sure to consider and investigate all of the resources that you may need.  Get recommendations from friends and websites such as Angie’s list and Yelp.  When contacting the resources, have a general idea of what your timeline is, and ensure that the contact is able to meet your needs.    

4. Expect the unexpected.  This can be interpreted two different ways:  First, as you sort through years of accumulation you will come across things that you  have not seen in years (the good, the bad and the ugly).  Be prepared to respond accordingly.  Secondly, anticipate that their will be a bump in the “downsizing road” at some point.  Again, be prepared to respond accordingly.  

5. Ask for help.  This includes family and friends.  Senior move managers such as Organize Senior Moves are an especially valuable resource, able to establish a timeline and work schedule to help you meet your deadlines.  

Can I Cheat on Mother Nature?

A few years ago, when I was first beginning as a senior move manager, I was in a senior community helping a client move.  I came across two elderly women chatting in the hallway.  Their conversation seemed to exist mainly of comparing stories of their aches and pains.  As I passed by I overheard one woman say to the other, “Getting old is hell!”  I often think of these two ladies when something in my own body doesn’t feel quite right.  If you find yourself identifying with these women, fear not!  There are steps that you can take to mentally and emotionally ease into Mother Nature’s plans for you.  

Step One:  Honestly assess your health.  If you have not been to the doctor for a physical within the last year, call for an appointment.  Be proactive in your health care.  

Step Two:  Make both short term and long term plans in regards to your home.  Do you want to stay in the home as long as you can?  Keep in mind not only the safety of your home, but also the upkeep of it.  Would you prefer to be in a smaller home, possibly a senior living community?

Step Three:  Using both Step One and Step Two as a guideline, make proper adjustments to your health and your home.  What is crucial when making changes is that you provide yourself with enough time to accomplish what you have set out to do.  Be realistic about the amount of time each task will take.

When you’ve arrived at Step Two, give some serious thought to hiring a senior move manager to assist you with all that will follow.  Although a move may not be in your immediate plans, this person will be able to help you achieve your goals in a reasonable fashion, reducing the stress that is often associated with decluttering and/or moving.  A senior move manager such as Organize Senior Moves (Albany and Saratoga, NY as well as Charleston, SC) is available to help with this process.  You can also visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers website (https://www.nasmm.org/)  to find a senior move manager in your area.  

So, do not bother to engage Mother Nature in a battle that you will lose.  Make the most of what is available to you, and have her come back at a later time!