Now that you’ve made the decision to move from your home to an apartment or a senior’s residence, you’ll have to decide which of your possessions will be going with you. This type of downsizing is not easy, since there is often a lifetime of memories attached to these items. You will want to plan ahead so that this transition is as smooth as possible.

1. Get a floor plan of your new home and plan. Sketch our where your furniture will go when you move in.
2. Make a list of the furniture items that you will be taking with you.
3. Go through your other possessions. It’s a good idea to have a friend or family member help you with this task. Take the time to share memories about each item and make a decision about whether it will be going with you, keeping in mind that you have a limited amount of space to work with.
4. Next, you will have to make choices about what to do about the items that you will not be taking with you. Ask your family members if there are any items they would like. You can contact local consignment stores or auction houses to place items you would like to sell. Both of them will look after selling your possessions and keep a percentage of the proceeds as a fee. The local library may be interested in taking your old books. Clothing and small household items can be dropped off at the Goodwill or your local church.
5. If there are any items left over, contact a junk removal service to haul it away. They will look after recycling or donating furniture, electronics or other items as appropriate.
6. Pack items for the room in which they will be used in the same box. Clearly mark where they will be used in your new home on the outside of the box to avoid confusion on moving day.
7. Try to schedule your move for the beginning of the week, as opposed to a Friday or the weekend. Moving companies are busier at the end of the week, and you may find it more difficult to get the date you want.