DOWNSIZING: HELP!

By Marilyn Leek

Downsizing from a large family home holds the promise of a new freedom, but where to start? Your closets are full of clothing you haven’t worn in ages (plus disco style is longer “in”). Then there’s the “spare” bedroom you’ve been stashing boxes in for years with every intention of dealing with them eventually. Your backyard shed holds equipment not used since the Reagan era. And what exactly is in the attic? You may be able to give some items to family and friends, but everything can’t move with you. Just throwing everything away seems wasteful. Surely, some of it is worth something to somebody? 

Time to call in the professionals. Chesapeake Transitions has the expertise to know if “something is worth something to somebody.” As a Certified Senior Move Manager®, we also know sorting through and deciding what to do with a lifetime’s worth of possessions can be a difficult task, not only physically but emotionally. 

We can help you decide what should move with you and measure your new space to determine what will actually fit. Together, as we empty closets and tackle the attic, some items can take you for a long walk down memory lane. Those memories are important and should be shared. We’re there not only to listen but also gently help you to keep moving forward as we continue on with our work 

Chesapeake Transitions will identify what is “worth something to somebody” and let you know if you have enough items to hold an estate sale. This will not only empty the house in preparation for sale, but it can also generate funds to help offset the cost of your move. You’ll probably agree years’ worth of National Geographics are not worth hanging onto, but we know of schools where they can be donated for use in history and art classes. We know pillows and towels are welcome at local animal shelters, and sweaters, coats, and gloves are always needed at area shelters. The point is, you don’t have to tackle the sorting and distribution of your goods on your own.

Downsizing from the family home is also about more than deciding what to do with your possessions. You may need a Realtor, attorney, handyman, general hauler, and other professionals. For almost 20 years, Chesapeake Transitions has worked with and vetted them all. We know area realtors who can not only sell your home, but also, if needed, help you find a new residence. After trying and interacting with many moving companies, we’ve found one we prefer that takes excellent care of transporting items.

The actual move to your new place can be daunting. Chesapeake Transitions can handle all of the day-of logistics. We can unpack and set up your new home – from hooking up the TV to hanging pictures to removing all the packing materials. If we’ve decided on an estate sale for your remaining possessions, we’ll keep in touch with your Realtor so they know when the house will be empty. After the estate sale, we will arrange transport for any remaining items to the charities of your choice for donation and bring in a professional cleaning company so the Realtor can show the house. 

There are many moving parts to downsizing and moving to a new home. Chesapeake Transitions can provide support, or if you wish, coordinate the entire process. We might even find a home for those disco clothes!

Marilyn Leek, a Certified Senior Move Manager® and owner of Chesapeake Transitions, has provided guidance and support for Maryland seniors and their families for nearly 20 years, including well-regarded and well-attended estate sales.