Downsizing Seniors Immobilized by Their Stuff, Can't Make a Move

Dec. 2, 2011 - PRLog -- Each day hundreds of seniors across the country decide it's time to transition into a  retirement community where the living space is greatly diminished but so are the daily demands and responsibilities of home ownership. The supportive, safe environment of a senior community is also a big impetus for those making this later life move. Problem is, letting go of home maintenance, yard work, and big heating bills is easier than facing the daunting task of sorting through and letting go of years of accumulated belongings that fill the house to the brim.

"What are we ever going to do with all this?" is a common refrain uttered by seniors conflicted by this emotionally charged dilemma. Frequently the answer is--nothing. Immobilization caused by not knowing where to start, what to keep, or how to deal with the large percentage of things not moving with (and truly, the kids don't want the stuff) can result in a crisis style move at some point down the road precipitated by illness or worse. Unfortunately, control over decisions affecting the when where what and how of the next phase of life can be compromised for seniors who wait for such a scenario. And so goes the "stuff vs. the move" dilemma.

What to do? Accessible, senior tested and approved help is now available online at www.decisivemoves.com in the form of an 84 page guide not surprisingly titled "Decisive Moves, A Step By Step Guide for Seniors Downsizing into Retirement Living Space". The guide gets right to the point on it's front cover in a cartoon depicting a female downsizer desperately clinging to the china cabinet filled with her grandmother's place setting for twelve, as her husband stands pencil in hand, making the list of "furniture to move to condo".

For the last eight years "Decisive Moves" author Gretchen Robinson, with backgrounds in Psychiatric Nursing and Professional Interior Design, has helped seniors take control of this not for sissies downsizing move. Letting go of about seventy percent of one's belongings is a hard pill to swallow for many, who have spent a lifetime attaining and attaching to them. "This is no cakewalk" Robinson says, "but a positive proactive approach and a concrete plan that includes specific solutions, strategies, and space planning lessons makes each phase of this move a lot more manageable, a lot less stressful "The bottom line of course is that none of the stuff in this world goes with it's owners to the next one. "This is the "less is more" phase of life, and once that philosophy is embraced a majority of seniors report loving it!" Robinson says of former clients.

A big proponent of the recycle machine, the author devotes a chapter to sources and venues for selling all kinds of belongings. Recycling helps those letting go of their things feel better knowing someone else will benefit. It also keeps stuff out of the landfill, another feel good benefit.

It would be nice, even wonderful, if everyone could afford a senior move manager. As this is not the case, a resource like "Decisive Moves" offers the next best affordable solution for seniors who need all the help they can get to deal with this challenging later life transition. For more information visit www.decisivemoves.com.

Contact:  Gretchen Robinson
E-mail: gretchen@decisivemoves.com
Mobile: 319 331 2062
Website: www.decisivemoves.com

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The"Decisive Moves" guidebook is a resource for seniors and their adult children facing the challenges of a later life move from a home full of accumulated belongings to the limited space in a retirement community. The guide offers concrete solutions and strategies for dealing with this demanding transitional move.