You Can’t Fit 40 Years’ Worth of Stuff into a 400 Sq Ft Apartment

If you have parents, you may have noticed that they’re getting older. When parents move into retirement housing or senior care, they often need to dramatically downsize their possessions. All that stuff has to go somewhere – and many times, your place is drop off destination #1.

This can be problematic, especially if you have a tiny 400 sq ft Manhattan apartment and your parents have a two-story Colonial in Connecticut that’s full of stuff. You really don’t want them to surprise you one morning with a knock on the door and the news they’ve got a moving truck double parked in front of your building. It’s good to address the situation before things get that far. Here’s what senior living experts advise:

Start the Conversation Early

Talking to your parents about what they plan to do with their possessions can be awkward, but the process is easier if you start with small conversations well in advance of anything actually happening. It’s important to be honest but firm about your situation: if their stuff isn’t going to fit into your home, no matter how hard you try, they have to find another plan.

Explain Lifestyle Changes

Your parents may have possessions that you’ll just never use. A common example: china sets. If you’re not entertaining on a very regular basis, it’s unlikely you need full service for 24. Your parents may be emotionally attached to the china set, but they may be able to see that it’s better that the china set lives with someone who would appreciate, enjoy and use it rather than remaining perpetually in boxes taking up the limited space you have available to you.

Help Brainstorm Solutions

Your parents may have no idea what to do with their furniture, bedding and household possessions they don’t need. Talk through their options with them, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. In addition to the traditional options of selling or donating excess household items, introduce case-by-case opportunities to disperse items appropriately amongst family friends and relatives.

Offer Help To Make the Process Easier

Your parents may be overwhelmed by the process of sorting through, packing, and downsizing their possessions. You can offer to help them yourselves. You can also hire experienced professionals. Many professional organizers work with seniors to help them transition into their new homes easily. Having professional movers provide packing and transport services makes the entire process easier and much less emotional.