Downsizing? 4 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Unwanted Stuff

GLENDALE, Calif., Oct. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of the National Association of Senior Move Managers recently reported that 98 percent of their senior clients downsized before relocating.

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Downsizing before a move can be both liberating and overwhelming. But for seniors who have acquired many possessions over the years, it can be an especially daunting task. Seniors planning a move into smaller living spaces should begin the downsizing process about 90 days before moving, says Greg Gunderson, owner and president of Gentle Transitions, a senior relocation services company located in Manhattan Beach, Calif.

"The most time-consuming part is the decision-making process," Gunderson says. But even after deciding what stays and what goes, Gunderson says one question remains:  "What's the best way to get rid of the items I don't want?" From donating a book collection to selling a grand piano, here are four ways to give possessions a new home.

1. Hold an estate sale. Partner with an estate sales group that can facilitate the auction or sale of belongings at the home.
2. Contact an auction house. Consider letting an auction house take over the sale of high-end valuables such as antique furniture, artwork or collectibles.
3. Donate to a charity. Thinking about passing some possessions to those in need? Call the charity (for example Salvation Army, Goodwill) in advance to give them a list of the items that will be donated.
4. Hire a paper-shredding service. Because financial, bank and private documents can contain confidential information, Gunderson says it's important to practice caution when removing them from the home.

Downsizing can be an essential part of seniors' transition to a new home. Another important step is finding the best housing solution to meet current and future needs. A free guide from MySilverAge.com addresses common questions about senior living and offers helpful resources to ease the transition. Find out:

• When is the right time to move?
• What are the available housing options?
• Are there services to help with the moving process?

Download the full guide for all of these answers and additional senior living tips: http://www.mysilverage.com/seniorhousingguide.

About MySilverAge
MySilverAge is a website and online resource center, brought to you by be.group, that is designed to help seniors enjoy "what's next." MySilverAge brings together thought leaders on the subject of successful aging, leading intelligence on healthy aging and senior living, and expert tips and advice for creating the home, community and relationships in which seniors can thrive.

About be.group
As one of California's largest nonprofit providers of senior living communities, be.group is committed to creating communities and services that make the lives of older adults more fulfilling. be.group's dedicated, well-trained staff is devoted to helping its residents and clients discover new ways to embrace life's possibilities and new options for exploring their potential. Follow @begroupliving on Twitter.

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SOURCE MySilverAge