Moving Day Ready is really moving made easy for retirees looking to downsize

Knickknacks, a vintage 12-person china set, the cherry wood armoire and oodles of clothes that are just sitting in a closet might be considered a treasure in one’s home, but in an independent living apartment — not so much. When people are transitioning into retirement and making a move to a community like Cantata Adult Life Services - Assisted Living Services in Brookfield, Illinois, the first call to make is to a reputable moving company that can help navigate the downsizing process from a larger home to a smaller one.

“People don’t realize how much busier they will be after they move into a new living community,” said Bridget Hurst, manager of Moving Day Ready. “There are so many more activities and outings there to keep them busy. Most places have some type of meal plan, so individuals find they don’t need a half dozen cookie sheets, countless cooking utensils or frying and baking pans. They just won’t have the time to use them or even want to use them.”

The locally owned company specializes in helping individuals downsize, pack and move more efficiently and affordably. In addition to traditional moving services, Moving Day Ready also helps with junk removal and donation drop-offs and can even provide help with unpacking in the new home.

Hurst understands that downsizing from a family home can be a very stressful experience for individuals. She offers a few tips for those preparing for a move to a senior living facility.

Start sorting through and getting rid of things immediately after signing a contract.

Don’t wait until moving day. Begin with the visible stuff: stacks of newspapers or magazines lying around, drawers full of old mail, knickknacks on tables and shelves that no longer serve a purpose. Clothes that haven’t been worn in years but are still hanging in the closet.

“Most people don’t realize how much of this stuff they have just lying around. Things they’ve collected through the years and just get used to seeing on that one particular shelf,” she said. “They just think they’ll bring everything with them.”

Set a specific date for family members and friends to pick up items they want.

When Hurst meets with a client for the first time, she asks to see a floor plan of the new home, which helps provide a more realistic view of what will fit and what will not. The large sectional that might have worked in a four-bedroom home probably won’t work as well in a one-bedroom condo. For adult children who may have expressed an interest in the oversized couch or perhaps the antique dining table and china cabinet, Hurst recommends setting a pickup deadline for these individuals, with the caveat that the item will be donated if the date is missed.

Deliver new purchases directly to the new address.

According to Hurst, most seniors will replace an old mattress and box spring or even purchase a smaller couch or kitchen table. She recommends that the items be delivered directly to the new home, eliminating the need to move something twice.

Eat from your pantry and fridge first.

As most independent living facilities provide meal plans, there’s no need to move a lot of food from the home. Another suggestion is to stop buying things in bulk, such as toilet paper and paper towels.

Hurst said the Moving Day Ready team also helps individuals set up the new kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, as well as install electronics, so that the home is ready to be lived in that day.

“You’ll feel at home in no time,” she said.

To learn more about Cantata Adult Life Services - Assisted Living Services, please visit cantata.org. For more information about Moving Day Ready, please visit movingdayready.com.

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