Helping an aging parent move and downsize can be a daunting task. There are numerous aspects to consider, but one thing that is often overlooked is the importance of having a floor plan of the new space. Families tend to underestimate the value of having a floor plan when downsizing. To address this issue, I create floor plans for my clients, which can be incredibly helpful in several ways. In this blog post, I will discuss the significance of having a floor plan and how it can ease the process of downsizing for aging parents.
1. Identifying What Will and Won’t Fit
With a visual that demonstrates how furniture will fit in the new space, it becomes much easier to make decisions on what to keep and what to get rid of. This is especially important since deciding what to let go of can be challenging enough, without the added complication of not knowing what can fit in the new space. Measuring the large, essential pieces of furniture is the best place to start when developing a floor plan. Especially armoires, credenzas, shelving units or storage pieces. Knowing what furniture will fit and/or what storage space you’ll have is a great start in helping you determine what you’ll need to sell or donate.
2. Visualizing the New Space
Visualizing the new space in advance can reduce anxiety and help you get acclimated to your space. It enables you to become more familiar with the new home and envision it. You can get a feel for what lamps you can keep, where area rugs may go, where photos can be hung and how to keep the space just the way you like it. You also may find a lot of systems you have in your current home can be applied to your new home. This can be comforting to know during such a stressful time.
3. Saving Money
Deciding what to get rid of before the move saves money. It prevents you from moving items you will later donate or throw away. Knowing what furntiure you will be able to fit in your space is an indicator of what you can store. For example, if you’re corner cabinet won’t fit you’ll know the items inside will need to be reduced. The less items your movers have to haul the better your price will be and the faster your move will go. Sometimes it may even be most efficient to donate a sofa you have and have a new one delivered instead.
4. Reducing Move-Day Stress
Having a clear plan of where items belong makes move day much less stressful. Movers like to know where items belong so they can be efficient with their work. With a floor plan movers can place items exactly where they belong. This makes their job faster and prevents them from moving things more than once. This also eliminates the need for you to move furniture around yourself later saving you a broken back.
How Sara Jane Organizing creates floor plans for clients
The first step in creating a floor plan is to measure the furniture you currently own and adore. I measure the width, depth, and height of each item and also consider how doors and drawers open.
For senior communities, there may be an existing floor plan that they can provide on paper. Real estate agents may also be able to obtain a floor plan if moving to a single-family home. However, if a floor plan is not available, I can measure the rooms in the new home.
I then use this information to digitally create a floor plan and place the furniture in it. As a result, I provide you with a list of all the items that fit and another list of items that don’t fit. We review the plan together and make any necessary adjustments. With a floor plan in hand choosing what to sell, give to family or donate is much easier. If any of the furniture that didn’t fit stores a lot of items, I take that into consideration and determine with you where those items can go in the new home.
I suggest labeling each furniture item with a number that corresponds to the floor plan. When move day arrives share the floor plan with your movers. They’ll love knowing where everything belongs. Alternatively, I can be there on move day to help unpack and direct the movers.
If you need help with an upcoming move or are assisting aging parents with their move and want help call Sara Jane Organizing. You’ll talk with me (Sara Bereika) directly and we can discuss your project together. Book your FREE phone consultation here.
