Is It Time to Help Elderly Parents Downsize in Mid-Missouri? Learn How to Help Them Declutter & Let Go

Discussing decluttering and downsizing can be tough. You or your parents may be resistant to the idea or worry you are trying to take control of their affairs. However, safety should always take precedence, even if it might be difficult to have that conversation. We’ve learned a lot about senior transitions over our many years of service and we are happy to help you or your parents understand how a transition with Atterberry Auction & Realty Company. 

Be Sensitive & Respectful When Suggesting Downsizing to Your Senior Parents

As your parents age, you may begin to see signs of declining mobility or trouble with their memory. If you start to feel like it would be best if your parents downsize to a smaller home or senior living facility, it can be difficult to broach the subject with them. Your parents may struggle to acknowledge their declining health or let go of a home they’ve lived in for years. 

Speak to your siblings to make sure you are all on the same page, and then address the subject of moving with your parents. The most important thing you can do in this difficult situation is to treat your parents with kindness and respect. They spent many years caring for you and it can be tough for parents and children to switch roles. It may take many conversations for any action to be taken, but if you remain loving and leave your frustrations at the door, your parents will likely become more open to the idea of downsizing. 

Ask Your Whole Family to Help Your Parents Downsize

Once your parents agree downsizing is the right decision, try to get the whole family involved. If your siblings or children live nearby, invite them over to help your parents begin to declutter. Ask everyone to bring a dish and make a day out of planning and organizing. Your parents will value the time they get to share with everyone. It will also help them to understand the value of their home is not found in material things, but in the memories made there. 

Treasure Your Elderly Parents Memories as You Help Them Let Go of Things

When it’s time to decide what should stay and what should go, be sensitive to your parents’ fond memories. One cake dish might not be discernible from another, but to your mother, that cake dish was used at your parent’s 25th wedding anniversary. Your father’s old golf clubs might be rusty and the leather grip is falling apart, but he used those clubs to teach his grandchildren the game he loves. Give your parents the time to tell the stories associated with each item. Write or record their stories to share with them or other family members later. It can be hard to let go, but sharing that time with your parents will make it a little easier.

Make Letting Go of Items Feel Rewarding Instead of Sad 

Letting go of material items may be easy for you, but your parents have likely held onto something because they were raised to hold onto valuable or items that could be useful later. They’ve also had many years to collect these items. When they are on the fence about letting something go, it’s helpful to ask them the following questions: 

• When was the last time you used this? 
• Do you already have something like this? 
• Does this item work anymore? 
• Does this item need a costly repair to work again? 

Asking these questions will help your parents to realize it would be best to pass the item along. It can be helpful to appeal to their giving nature. Remind your parents that another family member or donation center could benefit from receiving the items they no longer need. It is rewarding to give back to your community or family. 

Keep Valuable or Purposeful Items in the Family 

For some parents, there will be items they just can’t part with. This may include jewelry, photographs, tableware, letters, military medals and important family documents. Help your mother divide up old jewelry to be shared amongst family members. Scan photos and documents to be stored digitally. Heirloom items are likely well-made and beautiful and can still be treasured by family members who have the space to take them.

Downsizing Can Be Difficult But Atterberry Auction & Realty Company Can Help

If you and your parents need help downsizing, give Atterberry Auction & Realty Company a call. Our experienced team knows the ins and outs of estate sales and real estate auctions and can help you navigate any life transition. We understand your family’s items all hold special value and we will treat them with the utmost care. To learn more about our Senior Transition Services, visit our Senior Transition Page or check out our helpful video. Downsizing is a lot of work, but Atterberry can take that weight off your shoulders.