Are you overwhelmed by the thought of downsizing? After living in the same house for several decades, the number of possessions can accumulate to a staggering amount. But don’t fret – there are expert downsizing and moving firms that can take the burden off your shoulders. They can do all of the work before the move as well as the day of.  In this article, we’ll share valuable insights from some of our favorite downsizing and moving firms in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston.

Expert Advice for Downsizing and Moving

Dallas – Cheryl Morgan, MOVE Method

Cheryl recommends designing your new apartment’s space plan for how you live 98% of the time, not for occasional visitors. When sorting through your current home, put “blinders on” and concentrate on selecting the items you use regularly and love. For sentimental items, ask yourself if they still hold sentimental value. On move-in day, place furniture first according to your space plan, then unpack boxes. Once all furnishings are in place, hang art and place decor. Start with your bedroom and bath when setting up the apartment so you have a place to get a good night’s sleep.

Fort Worth – Debbie Horton, The Organized Nest, LLC

Debbie recommends using vertical space to its maximum potential by utilizing upper wall space, the backs of cabinets, and pass-through doors. When unpacking, start with the areas that are the heart of your home, such as the kitchen, laundry, pantry, primary bedroom, and closet. Unpack the other rooms and spaces in the priority of how you use them. Always pack according to the new space, not the residence you are moving out of, so boxes are easily unpacked where their contents will live.

Houston – Ellen Voigt and Katherine Rush, New Thresholds

Ellen and Katherine suggest building a scaled floor plan for your new space to ensure everything has a place. For things that do not have a place, follow this plan:

• Share with public libraries, churches, or shelters.
• Sell through living estate sales or antique dealers.
• Send to a relative or family friend.
• Store seasonal decor or cherished heirlooms but avoid using storage as delayed decision-making.
• Shred old financial documents and keep critical documents together. Most people only need to keep three years of tax returns.
• Scrap items that have exceeded their useful life.

Make your new place immediately feel like home. Focus on familiarity in the form of a similar color on the wall; make space for your favorite armchair; include family photos in the décor.

Consider The Tradition

If you haven’t found your dream retirement home, consider The Tradition. Tradition Independent Living Retirement Communities offer spacious, light-filled apartments with terraces or balconies and beautiful common areas with antiques and crown moldings. Enjoy fine dining, a fitness center, and a constant flow of fun and informative social activities, and programs that foster mental and physical health. Each Independent Living Community is part of a continuum of care, including Assisted Living and Memory Care. Tradition Independent Living Communities are located in five Texas locations: two in Dallas, two in Houston, and one in Fort Worth.

Schedule a Tour Today

Ready to downsize and move to a beautiful retirement home? Visit www.thetradition.com to schedule a tour with us today! Our friendly staff will answer any questions and help make your transition a smooth and enjoyable experience.