How to Downsize a Lifetime

“At some point in our lives, we all will tackle the emotionally, mentally and physically draining task of downsizing a lifetime of personal mementos, documents and major possessions for ourselves or an aging family member,” said Benevia Co-founder Eric Rovner. “Downsizing is a time to review all that we have accumulated over the years and identify the critical few needed to move forward and live life to the fullest.”

Downsizing 101: Tips from Benevia

• Create a plan, goals and schedule.
• Pace yourself. This allows time to make good choices and avoid headaches.
• Begin with items and locations that are not part of daily life because they require little or no emotional energy, such as a storage locker, basement, garage, attic, utility drawer; personal paperwork, books and clothing not worn for years.
• Ask yourself one or more of the following questions regarding each item:

Life enhancement: Does this item enhance the quality of your life?
Use/activity: do you really use this? Have you used in the past year?
Fit: Does this item physically fit in the new location?
Dollar value: Does it have a dollar value?
Lifestyle: Does it fit your new lifestyle?
Quantity: Do you really need a full set?

• Use adhesive colored dots to sort items into one of the following five groups: Keep, Sell, Donate, Give Away, Discard.
• Consider family heirlooms. Share cherished items sooner rather than later, making it easier to let go and take pleasure in watching them received.
• Return all borrowed items and ask family members to remove any belongings stored at your home.
• If you think something has value, have it appraised.
• Consider transportation alternatives, such as shipping, charitable pick-up and delivery, etc.

When donating, consider the following:

“Donating can be financially advantageous in the form of tax benefits. Yet, everything you want to donate may not be accepted,” said Rovner. “If you are committed to donating as many items as possible, consider creative giving, such as donating tennis balls to your local Humane Society for animals to play with, or an old tea set to your sorority – they may have you over for tea.”

When selling, consider the following:
 

• Identify your selling priorities – highest value, quickest sale, easiest method.
• Market values may be lower than you thought.
• Estate sales often require a minimum value, typically $3,000 - $4,000.
• Selling online can be done on your own or with the help of a company.
• Auctions typically are an easy method and garner lower money.

There is more to disposing of trash and other items than you may think:
 

• Plan for the disposal of hazardous materials, such as paint and gas, and large appliances.
• Check with your local county about curbside pick-up and extra service for seniors
• Some items may be recyclable. Check with your local solid waste department.
• Shred all personal financial and insurance documents.

How Benevia’s service can help with downsizing and other transitions:
 

A dedicated Benevia Transition Coordinator creates a personalized transition plan and expertly coordinates the related details with Benevia’s network of screened service providers, at no cost to the consumer or caregiver. Benevia’s three areas of service include:

• Moving and home needs – coordinating downsizing, relocation, home modifications and sales
• Home care needs – identifying and coordinating high quality home care and placement services
• Professional services -- identifying and coordinating insurance, legal, financial and funeral planning services

About Benevia

Founded in 2003, Benevia (www.benevia.com) is dedicated to transforming the way older adults and their families navigate later life transitions. Through both personal and professional experiences, Benevia's founders identified that although there were numerous services to assist families with a specific healthcare or housing need, most families have multiple service needs. With this in mind, Benevia was formed to provide a holistic and personalized approach to the transition process. The Benevia team has successfully simplified transitions for hundreds of families and our clients appreciate the unique blend of expertise, genuine caring, and respect we bring to each and every transition we support.

In 2008, Benevia was acquired by Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage, one of the oldest and most highly respected service providers in the Greater Seattle area. Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage was founded in 1890 and has been owned and operated by the same family for four generations. After 118 years, Hansen Bros. Moving and Storage remains committed to the original mission: “To be the most trusted provider of moving and storage services whether down the street, across the country, or around the world.” For more information about Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage and the related portfolio of companies, please visit www.hansenbros.com.

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Media Contact:
Eric Rovner
1-888-BENEVIA (1-888-236-3842)
info@benevia.com