How Do You Begin the Downsizing Process? (Carrie Johnson, "Senior Move Manager")

Carrie Johnson is a Senior Move Manager (SMM), owner of Smooth Transitions of Bergen County, and a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM).
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Joe is a Certified Senior Advisor, and owner of Assisted Living Locators (Bergen County, NJ).
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[@jennifercortijo9490]

Tremendously helpful. Thank you.

[@AssistedLivingAnswerMan]

Jennifer, thank you so much for your comment!

[@feliciasampson8032]

I'm in constant downsize mode. However, as my mother nears the end of her life (and would do much better in a senior friendly environment) her knack for accumulation continues to flourish. I have spent years organizing her stuff when I visit. Within days, it looks as if I've done nothing. I've tried many times to have that conversation about clutter, and her response is the same. She begins by telling me to get rid of whatever I want, before launching into a monologue of how everything is a memory and that's all she has left. As a result, her place remains a hoarder's paradise. Since I'm likely to outlive her, I'm not looking forward to going through a four bedroom/two bathroom house filled with stuff that has been there for up to 60 years. One of the most considerate acts an aging person can do (while they still can!) is to begin the downsizing process before it becomes a loved one's nightmare. I'm glad you mentioned knick-knacks. My mother insists I can take it all to a particular business in her town (that may have gone out of business years ago) and sell it for a lot of money. No small doubt that Hoarding Disorder is now a bonafide clinical disorder (DSM-5). Thank you for all you do!

[@AssistedLivingAnswerMan]

Thank you so much for sharing these details. You are not alone in this situation. Wishing the best for you and your mother!

[@lisak1476]

You sound like such a joy to have around. No wonder she cling to things for comfort.
I’d like to ask .. how much better is it for the people who are clinging to mere items for what seems to them, any semblance of love left in their lives, than for people who would just love to toss it all into dumpsters to rid of?????

[@feliciasampson8032]

@@lisak1476 actually, she wants me to come down and says I'm the only one she can talk to. I've told her it's not about the knick knacks, but about the tripping hazards, papers everywhere, no flat surfaces to pay bills, etc. In fact, she has taken several falls and the most recent resulted in a broken hip. She was in the hospital for a month. As a result, my sister and I did have to move things around so that she could ambulate with a walker. She can no longer function without one. We didn't get rid of anything but had to move extraneous furniture, boxes and other obstacles to other rooms. She wasn't happy but she did find that she can get around easier. In sum, I'm not trying to toss a lifetime of memories in the trash; I'm trying to keep her safe so that she can remain in her home and not end up in a skilled nursing facility. Like I said, I wasn't referring to knick knacks...it's the piles of old magazines that could catch fire, throw rugs everywhere that buckle or slide, boxes of cans and bottles on the floor (which I shelve for her when I'm in town...I live out of state but have been going to see her pretty much every weekend). There's even a babystroller and a dog carrier for her dog that passed away. We had to move those to another room to make space in the dining room. Unless you are there to see what I'm trying to describe, you really have no idea what it is like to deal with a parent who hoards.

[@cindymyer3896]

Excellent Video Presentation Carrie!! Great tips for anyone beginning the move process...start small!!
Thanks for sharing..........

[@AssistedLivingAnswerMan]

Thank you!

[@kathymurray5590]

I find your suggestions fantastic! I have started purging my home but I find I obsess about contributing to trash floating on a barge aimlessly around the world! Can you help me with that?😊😅

[@AssistedLivingAnswerMan]

Thank you for sharing your comment. I will forward your message to Carrie!

[@MargaretErbe-t7s]

Please do not sit on side of bed. My best friend did thst with her daughter while she went through a trunk. SHE SLIPPED OFF THE BED AND BROKE HER HIP. It could not be repaired. She was 1 yr in hospital and then to old age home. The broken shortened her life. Rest of this video is great. I will use your tips to get ready to move in the future.

[@AssistedLivingAnswerMan]

Thank you for your comment. I am very sorry to hear about what happened to your best friend.

[@HOPEDRAKE]

I am also from Racine Wisconsin🤗

[@AssistedLivingAnswerMan]

I recently met my colleague (Jen Eastman, Assisted Living Locators) who in Racine.