TIPS TO HELP YOUR PARENTS DOWNSIZE

Are your parents moving in with you, into an assisted living facility or perhaps into a smaller home or apartment? Whatever the situation is and wherever they plan to relocate, it’s likely that they’re moving to a smaller space. If that’s the case then they have to downsize. For some, senior downsizing may sound negative, but it actually offers several benefits like having a simpler life, getting documents and other paperwork in proper order, and the chance to see the next generation to enjoy the heirlooms.

Even if your parents are willing and ready to downsize, senior relocating and downsizing can be an overwhelming experience. Here are some downsizing tips from professional organizers.

Senior Downsizing Tips

Remove The Garbage

Downsizing just like any kind of home organizing can be considered as a series of passes. It’s easiest to begin with what they call as the low hanging fruit. It is the stuff that do not have emotional attachments, most likely isn’t good enough to be sent to the thrift store. Get a garbage bag and go for someplace simple like the linen closet, the pantry or the junk drawer in your kitchen where you’ll find lots of items that are expired. Depending on how big is the new home of your parents, you should get a dumpster, if zoning laws in your place allows it.

Determine What You Want To Take

Now that you have eliminated the garbage, the next thing that your parents have to do is to determine which items they want to keep. When they’re choosing which ones to bring, they should not think about cramming things in their new home. They should choose the things that will make their home feel comfortable and look lovely.

Give Away The Good Stuff

The third step is deciding which heirlooms to give away. Your parents will love to see their beloved items used by the next generation. However, there are instances when the parents and the kids have different tastes. Tell your parents to offer the heirlooms to their kids first and then to their grandkids and then to their friends or other relatives who may enjoy having the antique added to their desks. Tell them that it’s ok if nobody wants their stuff.

Sell Decent Items

If your parents have a lot of nice things that they can’t or won’t keep, you can tell them to sell those valuables at the thrift store. You may also help them organize a garage sale. This way, they don’t just get rid of the items they don’t want to bring to their new home but they can also earn money along the way.

Donate The Rest

If your parents don’t want to have a garage sale or bring their items to the thrift store, they may love the idea of donating them instead.

 

Call now and let our team of professional organizers help you and your parents make the senior downsizing and relocating process fun, convenient, and hassle-free.

 

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Leland, NC 28451
910-477-3768
https://www.getorganizednc.com/

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Shallotte, NC 28470
910-477-3768

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-429-8158

Cities Served
Leland, Wilmington, Shallotte, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Southport, Bolivia, St. James, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Calabash, Castle Hayne, Burgaw – Brunswick and Horry County

DOWNSIZING PROBLEMS: HOW TO HELP YOUR PARENTS CLEAN OUT

If you are busy with your career and your family life, helping your parents with senior relocating or senior downsizing can be very stressful. It can be tempting to find ways to get it done right away by taking the tough love approach. However, since you’re the adult child who’s been tasked to help out, you have to think about the feelings of your parents before you deal with the logistics.

Downsizing and Moving Tips

You need to convince your parents that they need to clean out and downsize their possessions. However, you need to do this carefully. You should position cleaning as a collaborative effort rather than as an order so that they won’t feel attacked. Use gentle words and make senior downsizing and decluttering sound like it’s a fun process.

Set Realistic Goals

Trying to find out where you have to start can be quite intimidating. That’s why home organizing experts suggest that you downsize in manageable and smaller parts. You should set a time limit when dealing with a small area of the home. Don’t forget to take breaks and provide drinks and snacks so your parents won’t feel stressed.

Decide What To Do With Their Belongings

The senior relocating process of determining what to do with their belongings can be difficult especially when you factor in the emotional connection that your parents have with their possessions. When you ask your parents to let go of their belongings that are attached to some fond memories, you should be sensitive to their feelings. In most cases, the first choice of parents is to given their loved items to their kids. A lot of people won’t understand why you don’t want to take your parent’s stuff. If that’s the case, you should find a way to help your parents understand why you don’t want to take them. If you want to suggest donations, make sure you frame it in a positive way. Let them know that the items that they’re giving away are not being discarded by passed on to someone who needs it more.

Make Their New Home Feel Like Home

If your parents is moving to a new place, it’s best to recreate the space their leaving behind so that the transition will be easier for them. Position the furniture on their new home in spots that are similar to their old house. You can also decorate your parent’s new home in such a way that it’ll look like the previous home.

 

Call now and let our team of professional organizers help your parents downsize, declutter, or move to their new home.

 

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Leland, NC 28451
910-477-3768
https://www.getorganizednc.com/

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Shallotte, NC 28470
910-477-3768

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-429-8158

Cities Served
Leland, Wilmington, Shallotte, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Southport, Bolivia, St. James, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Calabash, Castle Hayne, Burgaw – Brunswick and Horry County

HOW TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER?

You may need the help of a professional organizer because of an unexpected life change. Regardless of the reason why you need to work with an expert, there are a few things you can do to make sure that you choose the right one.

Tips For Hiring A Professional Organizer

Honesty Is A Must

Why do you need to hire an expert in home organizing? Knowing the reason will not only help you but the organizer as well. It’s the perfect way to ensure that the person you hire can help you achieve your objectives. Don’t be scared to spend some time taking down notes that you can bring when you talk to an organizer. When you know what exactly it is that you need, make sure to be honest when you’re speaking with the professional organizer. You can avoid problems later on if you keep an open line of communication. Plus, it will help ensure that the expert you hired can do the job you need.

Do Your Research

Having clear objectives is as important as looking for an expert who can assist you in achieving it. The internet is an excellent took for hiring professional organizers in your local area without having to leave the comfort of your home. Check the organizer’s website right away and find out more about the services they offer. Find out how long they’ve been in business and don’t forget to ask questions about their work.

Look For Quality Service

With any kind of professional service, the cost of the services must not be the sole determining factor when finding an expert to hire. This also applies to a professional organizer. Choosing one that offers a low price doesn’t always mean that you’re getting a good bargain. It also doesn’t mean that a high price means the expert is guaranteed to give you quality services. You have to factor in other things like the experience, level of education, and credentials of the potential home organizing expert.

Create A Budget

When you’ve determined exactly what you want and you’ve found a few firms that may do the job for you, the next thing you need to do is come up with a budge. Most professionals offer an hourly rate while others offer a package price. You need to know how much you’re willing to spend so you and your home organizing expert can set realistic objectives and prioritize them accordingly.

Talk To Your Family

Getting organized will not only benefit you but your family as well. So it’s best if your family members are involved in this project in some way. Ask their opinion as to who they think they should hire.

Call Brunswick Organizing Solutions now if you are looking to hire an expert professional organizer who can help steer you towards the path of having an organized home and life.

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Leland, NC 28451
910-477-3768
https://www.getorganizednc.com/

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Shallotte, NC 28470
910-477-3768

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-429-8158

Cities Served
Leland, Wilmington, Shallotte, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Southport, Bolivia, St. James, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Calabash, Castle Hayne, Burgaw – Brunswick and Horry County

ORGANIZE YOUR HOME TO SELL IT FASTER

The idea of moving can be a frightening thought. There’s a lot of things to do and too many details to address, which is why many homeowners decide to remain where they are now. But these shouldn’t stop you from moving to a new and better place. Selling your house and relocating to a new house doesn’t have to be stressful. Fortunately, you can hire a home organizing professional to help you with the transition.

Declutter

You need to declutter. Cut down the furniture, décor, family pictures, and clutter you have on display to a certain amount that will make your space look more inviting and open. Get rid of the excess items from your closets and cabinets and create a more spacious feel. The entryway just also be easy to navigate and clutter free.

Make A Timeline

Check your records and come up with a list of home enhancements or repairs that you have done in your house so you can give it to the people who will check your home once you put it up for sale. Don’t forget to include the dates when the upgrade or repairs were done. Having such a list tells prospective home buyers that maintained your house well.

Display Seasonal Photos

If you are selling your house in the winter, then you can leave photos of your house during summer, spring, or fall so possible home buyers can see how it looks like once everything is in full bloom.

Corral Your Clutter

You can use a laundry basket to corral the clutter by placing it near the door. It will let you get rid of the clutter easily especially for last minute visits from potential buyers. You can just put the basket in your car’s trunk when you leave.

Prepack All Excess

Pack the things that you have in excess or those that you seldom use in moving boxes. These include excess toys, decors, holidays decorations, and more. Of course, you can also get rid of all unnecessary items instead of paying to move things that you no longer need. However, if you plan to hold on to things you have in excess, it’s better to pace them in the basement or other location that’s not in the way when potential homebuyers check your home.

Take On Home Improvements

Create a list of all the things that needs to be done so your house will be better prepared for the upcoming open house. These may include painting the nail holes, replacing a piece of tile that’s cracked or changing a trip of trim, or cutting back the bushes, and etc. You can also hire handyman who can take care of all these repairs for you.

Call Brunswick Organizing Solutions now and let our professional organizers help prepare your home so you can sell it faster.

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Leland, NC 28451
910-477-3768
https://www.getorganizednc.com/

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Shallotte, NC 28470
910-477-3768

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-429-8158

Cities Served
Leland, Wilmington, Shallotte, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Southport, Bolivia, St. James, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Calabash, Castle Hayne, Burgaw – Brunswick and Horry County

 

WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER FOR YOUR MOVE

Moving can be a very stressful event and that’s why you need to hire the help of the experts. Yes, you may still be able to do many things on your own but there are instances when you’ll need the help of a professional organizer.

How can a professional organizer help?

Cut down your moving weight

Most moving companies charge by weight. Although getting rid of your extra skinny jeans and underwear might not reduce the moving weight that much but getting rid of 20 bags of books can. Before you begin packaging (at least two months before the move), you can enlist the help of a home organizing expert who can assist you in thinning out your shoes and books. These are some of the items that you may find it hard to be objective about.

There are instances when a move is the perfect time to have a furniture upgrade. Perhaps your child needs a bigger bed or your maybe it’s time to get a new table. In case you’ve got things that you no longer love, have the professional organizer help you come up with a list of items you can sell before your moving day comes. As you know, getting rid of furniture can help you cut down the moving costs.

Another tip to help you trim the moving weight is to sort things in your garage. It’s the part of your home where you store things that you don’t use or need. Ask the professional organizer to help you declutter so you can sell, donate, or throw away the things that you don’t have to bring to your new home.

Unpacking

Packing and unpacking are the two of the most tedious tasks when moving. The kitchen is the first room that homeowners unpack after moving. But many of them end up spending hundreds of dollars to eat out while unpacking. You don’t have to be one of them. Hire a professional organizer to help you unpack. Surely, the amount you’ll pay for the assistance is way less than the amount you’ll spend eating out every night as you unpack.

Advice From The Experts

While you are trying to figure out where to put your stuff in your house, a professional organizer will suggest storage solutions for spots that may have never thought of. A reliable professional organizer will offer the appropriate shelf extender, the right storage container, and provide a few out of the box ideas for spots where you can store your things in case the regular spaces are not available. In case your home has a limited closet space, a professional organizer can assist you in figuring out how you can adjust your storage so it will fit your home much better.

Call Brunswick Organizing Solutions now if you need the help of a professional organizer for your upcoming move.

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Leland, NC 28451
910-477-3768
https://www.getorganizednc.com/

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Shallotte, NC 28470
910-477-3768

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-429-8158

Cities Served
Leland, Wilmington, Shallotte, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Southport, Bolivia, St. James, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Calabash, Castle Hayne, Burgaw – Brunswick and Horry County

HOME ORGANIZING CHECKLIST FOR FEBRUARY

February is the best time of year to enjoy home comforts such as reading, watching movies, cooking big meals for your family. To help you with all the things you need to do, here’s a home organizing checklist that you can follow for the month of February.

February Home Organizing Tips

Rotate the mattress

Before you change the sheets, you should rotate your mattress first, if you didn’t do so recently. Rotating the mattress every few months can help it to wear evenly as well as extend its comfort and life.

Donate old towels and sheets

If you purchased new towels or sheets last month, you can make room for the new ones by donating the old ones. Churches and homeless shelters are in need of these things. Just make sure that what you’re giving away are still in good condition.

Clean the entryway floors

You should always keep your floors look fresh by picking up any clutter and by giving it a good mop. You can keep it clean longer by having an old towel tucked in a basket. Use it to clean any messes in between cleanings.

Cook and stock up your freezer

This is best done over the weekend. You can come up with major dividends when you spend a few hours of cooking big batch meals that can be frozen and reheated later on. These could be chili, stew, soup, or casseroles.

Organize your bookshelves

If you have bookshelves, the weekend is the best time to clean it. Organizing your home always involves tidying up the shelves. If you have books that you no longer want or already finished reading, you can donate them so you can free up space for new titles.

Refresh your entertainment area

The winter season is the perfect time to watch movies or your favorite shows. So you should make sure that the area is as comfortable as possible. Vacuum the floors and the upholstery. Don’t forget to declutter. Check your collection of games and movies. If there are things that you no longer want or use, then you can donate them as well. You should also add more throws and pillows and add dimmed lights for additional comfort.

Check your bathrooms

Don’t forget to give your bathrooms a good clean. It may be quite difficult to do so if your home is closed well during the winter season. However, the moisture buildup could result into mold growth or mildew. You should thoroughly clean the bathroom and make sure to check the grout well, the ceiling, as well as the other spaces that show signs of too much moisture.

Clean the vent

The accumulation of lint must be cleaned off from the dryer vent at least annually. It is important to get this done if you want to make sure that your dryer is working properly and prevent possible dryer fire.

 

Call Brunswick Organizing Solutions now and let our professional organizers help declutter and organize your home so it’s comfortable to stay and live in.

 

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Leland, NC 28451
910-477-3768
https://www.getorganizednc.com/

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Shallotte, NC 28470
910-477-3768

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-429-8158

Cities Served
Leland, Wilmington, Shallotte, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Southport, Bolivia, St. James, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Calabash, Castle Hayne, Burgaw – Brunswick and Horry County

ALL ABOUT DOWNSIZING PARENTS’ HOME

Now is the perfect time to talk about the future living arrangements. Even though your parent may still want to continue being independent and don’t like the idea of moving to a smaller house, this decision may be the best way to make him live longer and independently. Additionally, downsizing offers several financial benefits.

Benefits of Downsizing

Prolongs independence – senior downsizing to a smaller home, condo, apartment can help simplify the life of your parents in several ways that will eventually assist in the preservation of their independence. Before they move, they need to eliminate unneeded possessions, which means they will have fewer things to organize when they move. A smaller house is also much easier to maintain and clean.

By moving from a multilevel home to a one story house, your parent will lower the risk of his falls. A move may also let him live closer to his loved ones. With assistance from an in-home caregiver, he may be able to live independently in the smaller house for several years. And while his needs are increasing, you could expand the services of the caregiver to meet them.

Prepares them for emotional issues – selling a family house can be difficult on all those who are involved. Many memories were created there and their long-time neighbours could very well be their close friends. The comfort they feel when they are with familiar faces, stores, and streets are going to be lost once your parent moves to a different home.

It is crucial to acknowledge that this loss is true and provide your parent time to worth through all of it. It might be helpful to talk to other people who have downsized recently, spend a lot of time check other housing options, and encourage your parent to have a more active role in the process.

Research Other Resources

If your parent is having problems with this transition, you may want to seek outside support. Brunswick Organizing Solutions will help seniors as well as their families with both the emotional and physical challenges linked to downsizing.

Senior move managers have a lot of experience and background when it comes to gerontology, nursing, social work, and must share the commitment to assisting older adults. They could provide strategies and resources for saving money and decreasing stress throughout this hard transition.

Our professional organizers are also experienced and educated when it comes to geriatric care management. Aside from that, they could assist in helping you evaluate the needs of your parents and give you recommendations about appropriate housing options.

Know the Financial Benefits

You should also take note of the financial advantages of downsizing. If your parent still has to pay mortgage for his house, downsizing would reduce his monthly house payments. Even when his current house is paid off, maintenance and utility costs are reduced after his move.

In case your parent is still withdrawing cash from their retirement accounts to cover for his mortgage, he has additional advantage to downsize. Because retirement account withdrawals are often considered as an income, they might trigger more taxes on the social security benefits of your parent. Cutting back on the mortgage payment of your parent and their retirement account, could also mean lower possible tax liability.

 

Call Brunswick Organizing Solutions now if you and your senior loved one need help of a professional organizer with downsizing.

 

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Leland, NC 28451
910-477-3768
https://www.getorganizednc.com/

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Shallotte, NC 28470
910-477-3768

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-429-8158

Cities Served
Leland, Wilmington, Shallotte, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Southport, Bolivia, St. James, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Calabash, Castle Hayne, Burgaw – Brunswick and Horry County