Early in 2020, before the pandemic hit, Mustel Group and Sotheby’s International Realty released a report on real estate trends and ageing in place. It revealed that about 86% of Baby Boomers would like to live in their current home for as long as possible. Even though older adults do not want to move, they should consider downsizing-in-place.
What is Downsizing-In-Place?
Downsizing-in-place is reducing the number of possessions you have in your home while still living in your home. It is very intensive decluttering. It is also organizing in a way to make it trouble-free for ageing in place.
Due to the pandemic, Baby Boomers who downsized into multi-unit urban high-rises may be re-evaluating the idea of sharing fitness centres and entertainment spaces with their neighbours. Their maintenance-free homes in the big city mean they are closer to restaurants and entertainment venues. But the downtown area is more populated and has fewer green spaces making physical distancing difficult. The poor air quality in the city is more challenging for those who have breathing problems. When you examine these factors, downsizing-in-place and ageing-in-place can be a great option.
The Benefits
Less maintenance: As people age, their physical stamina declines. With fewer possessions in the home, there will be less housework – and lower housekeeping costs if you pay a housekeeper.
Safety: It’s very easy to trip over a pile of clutter. You could fall if you catch your walker on a chair leg. Decluttering and organizing will make the living area as safe as possible because you can create wide spaces between furniture pieces. You can also arrange the kitchens and bathrooms so that items are in easy reach with limited bending and reaching.
Better air quality: Shelves full of dusty books and piles of mildewy boxes don’t help the air quality. Downsizing and disposing of (gifting, donating, recycling) possessions means fewer places for dust, dirt, and allergens to accumulate. Also, less stuff in the home improves airflow.
More Personal Space: Active adults may appreciate having a home gym because fitness centres are closed during the pandemic. Having space for the treadmill or exercise bike means you can safely exercise in the winter when walking outdoors is slippery.
Renovations: There may come a time when you need to adapt your home for assisted-living devices such as a wheelchair. Or you may need to renovate to accommodate a live-in caretaker. A clutter-free home will help streamline the renovation process.
Memory: Cognitive changes are common as people age. Having a place for everything and keeping everything in its place will help older adults cope with memory loss. Decluttering and organizing the filing system will help simplify bill paying and other household management tasks.
Out of Chaos Can Help
Whether you are downsizing-in-place or moving to a smaller home, the process can be daunting! Out of Chaos is here to help. We can coordinate donating, recycling and selling unwanted items and set up your home to help keep you organized. With decades of experience in dealing with sensitive situations, we have the skills and tact required to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Contact the team today through the Out of Chaos website, by email at info@outofchaos.ca or by phone at 604-813-8189.
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