|
Smaller Spaces Newsletter
|
|
 Moving into a smaller place can take months to prepare for...and sometimes can take years to recover from! Most of us will move a few times on the path towards the ideal setting in which to enjoy our golden years. This newsletter is designed to provide useful information for anyone on this path. I hope that you find it helpful and enjoyable!
Anney Fagan
Owner, Act Together Moving Services
|
|
Keep It Down Low
Typical one or two bedroom suites in a retirement community (independent or assisted living) have minimal storage space, so using every possible space-saving technique is important in order to have your possessions safely accessible.
I emphasize safely because it's so important to avoid having to climb
 onto a step stool to grab a wine glass, book or blanket. However, many seniors' apartments I have seen have a few high cupboards and shelves that the average person cannot reach without going on tiptoes or climbing onto a stool. Instead, use baskets and dividers to maximize your lower cupboard, shelf and drawer space. Three small baskets can triple the amount of items you can store on a shelf. Stash away items that you don't use very often (Christmas decorations, past years' files etc) on those hazardous top shelves. When you need to access things you've stored up top, ask the maintenance guy, care aide, family member or friend to help you get them down. Taking the time to reorganize your cupboards and closets will save room, and might even save you from a tumble. Totally worth it! |
|
Space Planning
I don't really like the word "downsizing" but let's face it; you might have to part with 50% of your belongings in order to fit into your new place. Painful! But also an opportunity to shed pounds of stuff and clear your life of clutter.
I always begin with a list of basics that my client will need in order to be comfortable, then draw a floor plan of the new place and add the furniture to the plan. Then we look at storage space: closets, cupboards and drawers.
Based on storage, we can decide what to keep and what has to go. That way the reality of physical space helps you make your decisions. The essential questions "Do I love it, Do I want it, Do I need it?" will now include "Can it fit into my new place?" If not, it's time to say goodbye.
Interested in this? Go to Victoria Lifestyles magazine to see Anney's full article.
|
