Downsizing & decluttering in later life

Meirion Shaw, founder of thehomemover.co.uk shares her experience and challenges of helping older clients downsize, including the emotional and logistical hurdles, the need for early planning and preparation, family dynamics, and the role of third-party support.

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From the conversation:

The decision to downsize can have multiple reasons; whether a move needs to be made to a care home, mobility issues making a larger house impractical, the need to raise funds for the cost of care and so on.

Plan ahead, preferably a number of years in advance. Often downsizing or moving occurs too late and is a more stressful experience for the older relative or friend.

If the house is being put on the market, do the first declutter before formally putting the house up for sale. 'Start with the sock drawer' or the cupboard under the stairs.

Never tackle something with anything that holds deep emotional value in that first declutter.

Make a list of all major items in the house and decide what to take to the new home.

Declutter in short, sharp bursts and perhaps invite a friend to talk to whilst you do it.

Bring in a valuer to assess the value of items. This can aid family negotiations and sibling rivalries.

Label all boxes clearly with the room they belong to, to make unpacking easier.

Research charities, organisations and local people in need, to make donations of unwanted furniture and other items.

Aim to recreate a familiar environment in the new home by reusing familiar furniture or the placing of items. This is especially important in cases of dementia.

Identify local organisations that can provide companionship and support for someone with dementia after they've moved.

Research removal firms and check their online reviews. It might be worth asking other people for their experiences or recommendations.

Moving a relative into the family home can be tricky. You're often moving them to an area where they don't know anyone. Meirion's recommendation is to bring them fully into family life, rather than them living in a separate 'annex'.

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