Making a big transition with a loved one? Here are some tips that we’ve found helpful in times of change.

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  • BEDROOM

    • Bed

    • One or two nightstands

    • One or two dressers
    (a second dresser may fit in the closet for extra storage)

    • Bedding
    (two sets of sheets, blankets, pillows, comforter)

    • Curtains

    LIVING ROOM

    • Seating
    (small sofa, chairs with arms, rocker)

    • Small table(s) with shelves/drawers

    • Wall décor

    • Curtains

    • Lamps

    • Clock

    • Throw

    KITCHEN

    • Small table or drop leaf table

    • Small number of dishes and glasses to use every day

    • Small amount of silverware

    • Coffeemaker / kettle

    • Microwave safe bowls/dishes

    • Trash can

    PERSONAL ITEMS

    • Clothes
    (don’t forget hangers and be mindful of closet space)

    • Shoes and non-skid slippers

    • Medications

    KITCHEN

    • Dish soap

    • Dish washing cloths and drying towels

    • Laundry basket

    • Laundry detergent

  • • Collect and keep together important papers: deeds, wills, Durable Powers of Attorney, medical records, military records, diplomas and degrees, birth certificates, passports.

    • Make a preliminary plan in the new suite of where major furniture will go. Measure carefully. If pieces can serve more than one purpose, all the better.

    • Complete change of address forms (think about credit cards, bank accounts, investment accounts, Medicare and Social Security, voter’s registration, driver’s license, newspaper/magazine subscriptions, your lawyer, accountant, insurance agent, place of worship)

    • Divide furniture and possessions into four categories:

    1) Definitely save (most useful, most beloved, most meaningful items)

    2) Possibly save (revisit these items later, keep paring down)

    3) Donate/sell/give away

    4) Discard

    • “Gift” early. Earmark special items for your loved ones and distribute them.

    • Get rid of clothes. Donate or sell things you don’t use. By paring down your unused possessions, you’ll have fewer boxes to buy and to move, plus you can get a boost for the donation on your next tax return.

    • Donate entertainment. Donate old videos, DVDs, etc (local shelter, Veteran’s home, etc)

    • Multi-purpose furniture is key. Everything should have meaningful purpose. Consider a couch that converts to a bed, a small table with leaves. Bookshelves are a great way to add more surface area while also using vertical space.

    • Consider a family storage unit. This allows you to keep your possessions without crowding your living space. In a smaller space, a single object can really change a room. So simply switching objects from your storage unit to your new suite can totally re-make your living area.

    • Eliminate rooms you won’t have in your new home. You won’t have a garage or office space so nearly everything in those spaces will need to be sold, donated, tossed, or relocated.

    • Get rid of duplicates. Now is the time to reduce clutter.