Senior Downsizing Stories

Shirley doesn't mince words when she recalls the day she decided to move from her mega sized house in New Berlin. Following the death of her husband, she realized the house with all its memories and history could no longer be part of the future. The straw that broke the camel's back, however, was the $400 she paid someone to rake and remove leaves. She was vulnerable at the time and is still troubled by the transaction, she says, but doesn't agonize endlessly over the unfortunate experience. The three decades Shirley and her family spent in the home were witness to the structure's gradual signs of wear and tear. It had basement problems and needed flooring, plaster, window and door repairs and paint. The roof had needed immediate attention a few years before and had been repaired. 'I had buckets all over collecting drips', says Shirley. The condition of her house and the work required to update and maintain it convinced Shirley to find a more suitable residence. Although she claims to being very disorganized, she tackled her dilemma with a strategic plan. Shirley made a mental note of all the housework, the repairs and baby sitting of contractors hired to do the work. 'You know,' she confides, 'they never show up when they promise. That just wasn't for me. I have too many other things I prefer doing'like sewing, bible study classes, visiting my grandchildren and having the option of traveling to other parts of the world.' She refers to a recent missionary trip she and 12 others took to Belize in Central America. Her course of action was to downsize the home's contents and find a suitable place to live. This was, after all, a major change in her life style and had to be done judiciously. She now lives in a 970-sq. ft. senior apartment close to Elmbrook Church where she attends services and close to her doctor and dentist. It has two bedrooms, two baths, living and dining rooms, kitchen, convenient laundry equipment in the apartment and parking space for her mini van. The facility offers reasonably priced meals if desired, shopping trips, tours, and many planned activities. She's made friends and has become a helpful shopping companion to several women who are unable to get out without assistance. Deciding to move and the move itself was a piece of cake for Shirley and she obligingly offers suggestions to others considering relocation. First she says, take an inventory of each room's contents. Next, invite family members to take whatever they desire. Then hold a rummage sale and donate to charity anything in good condition but not sold. Contact a consignment center to sell any equipment of value and dump everything else. Finally, don't look back, just move, she says. You'll never miss the stuff you didn't take with you. I've worked with many folks just like Shirley who have great stories to tell. We can all learn from others who have taken the voyage successfully.