by Katherine Pair | Feb 6, 2023 | Downsize Declutter
When it comes to downsizing and decluttering, older adults often face a lot of emotional and logistical challenges. As a son or daughter, you want to help your parents navigate this process as smoothly as possible. Here are a few tips to help them get excited about decluttering and transitioning to a lifestyle that supports their changing needs:
- Start small: Begin by tackling one room or area at a time, rather than trying to declutter the entire house all at once. This will make the process feel less overwhelming.
- Set clear goals: Work with your parent to set specific goals for the process. This could include a timeline for when they would like to sell the house, or a certain number of items they would like to get rid of.
- Involve them in the process: Encourage your parent to be an active participant. Ask for their input and opinions on what items they would like to keep, and which they would like to get rid of.
- Make it fun: Introduce a theme or game to make the process more enjoyable. For example, you can have a “memory box” for sentimental items, or a “donation box” for items that can be given away to charity.
- Hire professional help: A senior move manager can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the downsizing and decluttering process. They can handle all aspects of the move, including sorting, packing, and coordinating with movers. They also provide emotional support and help alleviate feelings of anxiety and loss.
Hiring a senior move management company can reduce a lot of stress and be cost-effective because they act as a neutral, third party, have been through this with other seniors, and are connected to trusted, local professionals. Your move manager can also serve as a single point of contact for all the details and logistics, making the process simple and hopefully, enjoyable for your parent.
Rightsizing and decluttering can be a transformative and enjoyable time. By starting small and setting clear goals, you can help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for your parents. Letting go of things no longer needed and making space for what truly matters can bring a lot of joy and open doors for new opportunities. It’s also a great time to reconnect and reflect with your mom or dad while encouraging them to look to the future and live fully.
by Katherine Pair | Dec 20, 2022 | Uncategorized
Age Friendly Mecklenburg is a community-wide initiative that works to improve the quality of life for older adults in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. The initiative brings together various organizations and community members to plan and coordinate services and resources for older adults. These organizations include not-for-profit, higher education, faith-based, private, and governmental organizations, as well as community residents. A list of some of these organizations with links to their websites is included below.
Age Friendly Mecklenburg’s Action Plan aims to address the needs and access to services for older adults in the county. The Action Plan is guided by the AARP’s Eight Domains of Livability, which include
- outdoor spaces and buildings
- transportation
- housing
- social participation
- respect and social inclusion
- civic participation and employment
- communication and information
- community and health services.
Through its Action Plan, Age Friendly Mecklenburg works to improve outdoor spaces and buildings to make them more accessible and inviting for older adults. This includes things like making sidewalks and crosswalks more accessible, installing benches and shade structures, and creating public spaces that are welcoming to older adults, improving transportation options for older adults in the county..
Age Friendly Mecklenburg is also committed to making housing more affordable and suitable for older adults in the county. This includes things like providing access to affordable housing options and working to make homes more accessible and safe for older adults.
Check out some of these organizations that provide services and resources for older adults, making Charlotte, NC a great place to enjoy your life, no matter what age.
- The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: This organization offers a range of services and resources for seniors, including book clubs, computer classes, and health and wellness programs.
- The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Senior Center: This organization provides a variety of recreational and educational activities for seniors, as well as services such as health screenings and transportation assistance.
- Mecklenburg County Aging Services: This organization offers a range of services and resources for seniors, including home care services, transportation assistance, and programs that promote socialization and engagement.
- Charlotte Community Health Clinic: This organization provides access to affordable health care services for seniors, including primary care, specialty care, and preventive services.
- NC Coalition on Aging: This coalition is a dynamic group of organizations and individuals that work collaboratively to give voice to issues that affect older North Carolinians. The Coalition engages in a variety of activities and efforts that focus on issues of common interest across our membership.
- Age Friendly Mecklenburg: This initiative brings together various organizations and community members to plan and improve services for older adults in Mecklenburg County. The initiative has been instrumental in helping the county earn AARP/World Health Organization certification as an Age Friendly Community.
by Katherine Pair | Dec 20, 2022 | Move Management
Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for seniors. Not only do they have to grapple with the emotional aspect of leaving a home they may have lived in for decades, but they also have to navigate the logistics of packing up their belongings and finding a new place to live. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous moving companies take advantage of seniors by charging exorbitant fees or providing subpar service.
One way that seniors can protect themselves from being taken advantage of by a moving company is by working with a move management company. A move management company is a professional service that helps clients plan and execute their move, from packing and organizing their belongings to finding and coordinating with a reputable moving company.
Seniors may be targeted by moving companies that offer low estimates for the cost of a move, only to dramatically increase the price once the move is underway. These companies may claim that the client has more belongings than they initially thought, or that the move is more complex than they anticipated. In some cases, they may even charge for services that were not included in the original estimate, such as packing or storage.
Moving companies may also take advantage of seniors by providing subpar services. This can include using unprofessional or untrained staff, using inferior equipment to move belongings and in some cases, seniors may find that their belongings are damaged or lost during the move.
The Real Estate Transition Team can provide peace of mind and help seniors avoid being taken advantage of by providing expert guidance when choosing a moving company. We have first-hand experience with these companies and can speak to their integrity and professionalism, indeed we count on it as part of our services to our clients.
by Katherine Pair | Dec 19, 2022 | Downsize Declutter
The holiday season is a time for family, tradition, and making memories. It’s also a great opportunity to take a little time to help your older parents declutter their home. This might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually a wonderful way to spend quality time with your loved ones and help them downsize as they age.
One of the biggest benefits of decluttering with your older parents is that it can make their home safer and more comfortable. As we age, it’s natural to accumulate more stuff, and it can be easy for things to start feeling cluttered and overwhelming. By going through some old memories and helping your parents decide what to keep and what to let go of, you can help them create a more organized and spacious living environment. This is especially important if your parents use walkers or other assistive devices, as clear pathways and open space will make it easier for them to maneuver around their home.
Decluttering can also be a great way to honor your parents’ history and preserve their memories. As you go through their belongings, you’ll likely come across items that hold special meaning or significance. This is a great opportunity to sit down and listen to your parents’ stories and learn more about their lives. You might even discover some things you never knew about them! You can go a step further by preserving old photos and negatives with a scanning service like Scan My Photos.
Of course, decluttering can be a difficult process, especially for older adults who may have a hard time letting go of things. That’s why it’s important to approach it slowly and with sensitivity. Your parents may need some extra time and support to make decisions about what to keep and what to part with. Be patient and understanding, and remind them that the goal is to create a more organized and comfortable home, not to get rid of everything they own.
Once you’ve decluttered, don’t forget to donate your parents’ gently used items to organizations like Goodwill. This is a great way to give back to the community and help families in need. Plus, it can be incredibly rewarding to know that your parents’ extra clothes, dishes, and other belongings are being put to good use by someone else.
In the end, decluttering with your older parents is a wonderful way to spend quality time with them and help them downsize as they age. It’s a great opportunity to honor their history, create a safer and more comfortable living environment, and give back to the community. So, if you’re home visiting with your parents this holiday season, take a few hours to sit down with them and help them declutter a little. You might just discover some new memories and find that it’s more fun than you thought it would be!
by Katherine Pair | Dec 13, 2022 | Active Retirement
As people approach retirement age, they often start to consider where they want to spend their golden years. For many, this means leaving behind their current home and moving to a new location that offers a more affordable cost of living, a pleasant climate, and access to amenities and activities that they enjoy.
One city that offers all of these benefits and more is Charlotte, North Carolina. Charlotte is known for its relatively low cost of living, particularly when it comes to real estate. Housing in Charlotte is more affordable than in many other major cities, which makes it an attractive option for retirees looking to stretch their savings.
In addition to its affordable housing, Charlotte also offers a pleasant climate that is ideal for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. The city has a moderate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. This means that retirees can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities year-round, from hiking and biking in the nearby mountains to relaxing on the beach.
Charlotte is also home to a thriving arts scene, with a variety of galleries, theaters, and performance spaces that offer something for everyone. This makes it a great place for retirees who want to stay engaged and active, whether they are interested in attending concerts, plays, or exhibitions.
Overall, Charlotte is an excellent choice for retirees who want to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank. With its affordable real estate, pleasant climate, and access to outdoor activities and the arts, Charlotte offers retirees everything they need to live a happy and fulfilling life.
If you are ready to make this move and would like to work with a Certified Transition and Relocation specialist, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. The Real Estate Transition Team is a move management company that will tailor to your unique needs and goals.
