If you or a loved one are moving to assisted living in Saint Petersburg, FL, or anywhere else in the world, you surely have a lot to think about. One of the biggest stressors is decluttering your previous residence when preparing to move into your new space, and it can be hard to get started and stay on track.
Below are five tips for how to declutter your space before your big move.
1. Get Started Early
One of the best ways to prepare for a big move is to start early and stick to a plan. As soon as you know you or your loved one will be moving to assisted living, come up with a schedule for your decluttering, packing, and moving process. Once you have it all laid out, things will go much smoother.
2. Use the Twelve-Month Rule
As you’re clearing out your space, a good rule of thumb is this: If you haven’t worn or used an item in a year or more, you probably don’t need it.
In particular, your closets can accumulate a lot of old clothes and shoes that don’t need to come with you to your new home. If you haven’t worn or used an item in ten years, it may be bound for the waste bin. But if it’s in good condition, consider donating it instead.
3. Don’t Keep a “Maybe” Pile
If you’re unsure of something, then you definitely don’t need it. A common mistake while decluttering is keeping a “maybe” pile.
If you or a loved one are moving to assisted living, cutting down on anything extra is the name of the game, so don’t bother keeping something you’re not sure you need.
4. Set Appropriate Limits
Whether you’re the one moving into a new assisted living community, or you’re helping a loved one make the transition, it’s important to remember there should be some limits when it comes to what’s worth keeping.
For example, you probably don’t need financial or medical records from 20 years ago. However, it might be a good idea to keep important records from the past five years.
Once you and your family have decided on the limits that work for your situation, make sure to stick with them and don’t make adjustments. If you have multiple people helping with the move, make sure everyone is on the same page.
5. Consider Your Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg Space
Whether you’re moving to assisted living, it’s important to keep in mind how much space you’ll have in your new setting.
There are many skilled nursing facilities in St. Petersburg, FL. Once you find the right one, take time to familiarize yourself with the facility and the type of living space you’ll have by taking an in-person tour.
If you’re helping a loved one move and they can’t see their new space in person, make sure to take pictures and videos to show them what to expect. This will help everyone plan out how much can be brought into the new space and simplify the decluttering process.
