The Senior Moving Checklist: What We'd Keep… and What We'd LETS-GO - (a magazine moments episode) s4e6

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It's a Magazine Moment!

Julie and Janis wrap up the Right-Sizing series by digging into a complete senior downsizing checklist from the Senior Transitions Group.

It was written for adult children stepping in to move a parent, whether for health, safety, or a house that's simply too big. It lays out six phases over three months, with 11 to 12 items per phase. (That's a lot of checkboxes. We counted. Then we needed a nap.)

So we're sharing what we agree with, what made us say "Wait… what?", and the part we loved most: the room-by-room sorting guide.

🤔 Where We Raised an Eyebrow
Changing addresses with doctors and pharmacies three months before the move? Janis, who works in a doctor's office, explains why that can send bills and mail-order meds somewhere your parent doesn't even live yet.

Make the list early, and make the changes closer to moving day.

And a house fully sorted one month before the move? In a perfect world, sure. In the real world, you're lucky if it's done the night before the truck shows up. 😅

✅ Where We Said "Yes!"
Get the floor plan early.

Their four-category sorting system lines up nicely with our Keep or LETS-GO system, though we'd still give sentimental items their own pile.

Pack a first-night box with meds, toiletries, pajamas, chargers, and reading glasses. Make the bed first so the new space feels livable.

Plus, Julie shares a sneaky-but-effective "selling" strategy from a friend that made everyone happy.

💛 Moving a Parent Is Different
Setting up familiar surroundings matters, especially with memory challenges.

Julie shares stories from moving her own parents into assisted living, including getting their favorite chairs professionally cleaned (just sayin'!) and the surprise "taco bed" that nearly knocked over her brother-in-law.

🏠 The Room-by-Room Guide

• Kitchen: A few mugs, plates, and a coffee maker. Let go of the duplicates and the big-crowd serving dishes.
• Living Room: One comfy chair, a side table, the TV, and a lamp. China cabinets need not apply.
• Bedroom: A bed that fits, nightstands, and familiar bedding.
• Bathroom: Toiletries in current use, two sets of towels, and a non-slip mat. Double-check those grab bars!
• Garage, Basement & Attic: Decades of stuff, mostly staying behind. Keep a small toolbox and a few treasured holiday pieces.
• Paperwork: Keep tax returns, legal documents, insurance, and medical records. Shred the rest, and keep important directives accessible.

🎯 This Week's Challenge
Start your "Who Needs Our New Address?" list:
banks, doctors, pharmacy, insurance, and subscriptions. Just don't send it yet!

Then share one item that surprised you in the ABC Declutter Facebook Community.

📖 Want the full checklist?
https://seniors-transitions.com/resources/downsizing-checklist

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Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!