Senior Spotlight: 3 New Downsizing Resources

Did you know that our Senior Spotlight was originally inspired by our work with seniors when selling their lifelong homes? In caring deeply about our clients and striving to make their moves as stress-free as possible, we noticed that virtually every older adult we worked with shared one HUGE challenge: the amount of stuff. Over the years we have shared our work and results as SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist)® agents, defined what a senior & specialty move manager is and what association provides training (NASMM®), and shared countless tips and guides. This week we are pleased to share 3 new resources in 2024 to help seniors downsize, declutter and define what matters in their life today. 

“Creating a legacy, not a mess”. 

Author, podcast host and blogger Michelle Passoff was recently featured in The Tampa Bay Times to talk about her upcoming book and new podcast, Decluttering 55+. Years ago, she published a book titled “Lighten Up! Free Yourself from Clutter” and also ran an estate sales business. Get some great tips in her interview here and be sure to check her website as podcasts will be released soon! 

"Moving into a smaller home with fewer possessions and obligations can launch a new frame of mind. Call it an upsized mind because it allows a clearer, crisper understanding of what's most important in this new chapter of life." 

As a 25-year+ authority (and US veteran) who has helped seniors transition out of their family homes, author Ben Souchek shares his expert and drama-free advice in a new book titled “Stress-Free Home Downsizing: A Senior's Guide to Selling Your House and Simplifying Your Life.” Topics include timing, how to vet professionals that you may hire during this phase, as well as financial considerations and assessing new living arrangements. Find the book on Amazon and learn more about Ben here. 

“The most challenging part of sorting through belongings during downsizing, typically, is dealing with the emotions and memories that are linked to them.”

An article published last month in The San Diego Tribune offers some high priority and concise tips for older adults who are downsizing. The author does a great job of balancing the emotional impact with the realities of why our parents and grandparents have SO much stuff – plus what to do with it. Helpful advice includes how selecting the right professionals can give your loved ones a sense of agency, and how geropsychologists can help. Read the article in full here. 

We hope these new resources can offer you support and confidence if you or someone you love is looking to move on with less stuff. Please note that we are in no way affiliated or connected with the resources above and are sharing them for informational purposes only. 

Happy de-cluttering, 

Bobbi 

Bobbi Decker
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Broker Associate
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www.bobbidecker.com

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