How to Help a Parent Prepare for a Move

Not all senior parents are prepared to listen to their adult children about downsizing, while others are ready to move. Moving requires many hands to help pack, unpack, and prepare a home for sale. Adult children can provide the help parents need as they prepare their homes for buyers and look ahead to move into their new homes. 

What to Keep, Donate, and Discard

One challenge in downsizing to a smaller space is deciding what to keep and what to discard. The decision to donate or discard a possession can be complex. Adult children can help parents sort through items as they prepare to list the home for sale with a real estate agent. 

When seniors struggle to decide what to keep or discard, help them through the process with gentle guidance. For example, help them set parameters for what needs to be discarded; broken, stained, or incomplete items must be discarded, while gently used items may be donated to a charity. 

Tackle One Room at a Time

Do not attempt to sort possessions everywhere at once. Instead, work with parents in one room at a time. Help them determine if they want to keep, donate, or discard an item. Some choices are easy; for example, modern clothes that fit move to the next residence. Old clothes that do not fit but are in great condition can be donated. Torn, stained, or damaged items should be discarded.

All pictures can and should be kept. However, photos, children’s artwork, cards, and notes also can be scanned and saved digitally. This option may be considered for all printed mementos if you wish to save them for future generations.

Know the Rules of Thrift Store Donations

Each room may accumulate bags and boxes of items that can be donated to charity. Be mindful, though, of items local thrift stores will and will not accept. Some charities do not accept furniture. Others refuse electronics, vacuum cleaners, and printers. Thrift stores like Goodwill and St. Vincent De Paul often include donation guidelines on their websites. 

Habitat for Humanity International operates ReStores throughout the country. These stores often accept appliances, lamps and decor items, furniture, and home improvement items. 

Old baby cribs and car seats used mattresses, and any item that was recalled should be discarded. Safety recommendations change often, and these items will not be accepted for donation. 

Some thrift operations, such as Durham Rescue Mission, will pick up items as long as you have two items that will not fit in a car.

Consider an Estate Sale

An estate sale is ideal for individuals with many items of value. Allowing seniors to earn some money from their belongings. Traditionally, estate sales have been held in the home. While in-home sales still occur, estate sales are also successful when run online. There are many professionals who manage these sales for seniors, and Move Elders with Ease can recommend companies and professionals to host estate sales for our clients.

How Move Elders with Ease Can Help with Downsizing

Downsizing to a smaller residence is a process. The Move Elders with Ease team can assist families in preparing homes for sale, packing belongings for a move, overseeing movers on move day, and getting the new home unpacked and fully settled. We also find professionals for estate sales, coordinate thrift store donations and more. Schedule a consultation today and learn how we can ease the transition for your parents or loved ones.