Oak Tree Downsizing Formula

When moving into an Oak Tree retirement village, most people need to consider downsizing their belongings. Often this can be a daunting task simply because of the shear size of the job at hand. We understand this at Oak Tree and have interviewed several of our residents to find out how they tackled the task. Here are their helpful tips:

1.  Go through each room and ask questions

First, start with the areas of your home that you don't use much, such as your garage, shed, the laundry room or spare room. It's easier to get rid of belongings from rooms that are mostly used for storage. And as you go through each room, ask yourself some questions about each item:

• When was the last time I used this?
• If I do use it, how often and why? What purpose does it serve? 
• Do I own another item that can serve the same purpose as this one?
• Is this item something I love? Does it have sentimental value that can't be replaced? 
• Can I get by without it? Would I have to replace it if I choose to get rid of it?
• Is it in good shape? Will it last for a long time?
• Does it need repair, and if so, how much will that cost and is it worth the price?
• Do I know someone else who would benefit a lot more from its use?
• Does it serve a purpose in this new life that I'm moving to?

2.  Start thinning out your belongings in advance

Take some time each day, or one morning each week, to go through that jammed wardrobe or overflowing filing cabinet and start clearing out.

3.  Have a look at the layout of your new Villa

This will help you decide what furniture to take with you.

4.  Talk to other residents

A  great way to meet your new family. Pop into the retirement village and chat to other Residents and see how they have fitted out their Villas.

5.  Once you get to the packing stage, use a colour-coded system to organize all of your boxes

Choose a colour for each room and mark the boxes destined for that room with a coordinating colour sticker. You can also do the same thing numerically; for example, if room No. 1 is the kitchen, then all boxes marked No. 1 will go there.

6.  Label three bins To Keep, To Sell and Charity (bins should be manageable when full).

For the average downsize, keep only one-third to one-half of your belongings.

7.  Have a garage sale. Give away, throw away, or recycle everything else.

Sell anything that would possibly be of use to someone in a garage sale. You can also try selling them to any second-hand or thrift stores in your area or why not consider the trading post or e-bay?

8.  Get an objective opinion.

 If you can't decide whether to keep or kiss that dusty '70s-era sewing machine goodbye, it might just be the kick you need.

9.  Remember your goal

As much as downsizing may seem hard, remember you have an easier, care-free way of life awaiting you at Oak Tree – look forward to meeting new friends, enjoying new activities and feeling secure and comfortable in your new home.

10.  Start a new chapter in life

One of the best ways to settle into your new home at Oak Tree is to invite your friends and family around to see your new place. Remember – whilst you are making some changes to your life it does not mean you are forgetting your old life. Think of this simply as the next exciting chapter.