Many of us are now, or soon will be, helping our parents downsize and move. Moving a parent is accompanied with unique challenges and emotions. One of the most difficult and trying times in life is losing a parent. The grieving process also often includes the task of sorting out and moving their cherished belongings from their home. Not only is there the task of sorting through a home lived in for decades, the task is compounded with item-by-item decisions: what stays, what goes to the parent’s new home, what goes to your home, what goes to your siblings’ homes, what goes to storage and what goes to charity; all enveloped with the deep emotions that come from saying goodbye to a lifetime of belongings and a well-loved home full of treasured moments.
It is not easy boxing up memories. The organizational and physical tasks associated with planning and implementing such an emotional move can be overwhelming for the entire family. That’s why it’s okay to ask for help. Sometimes, someone outside the family can be just the right figure to assist all of you through the transition. Did you know there are actually professionals that can assist you? They guide families through the daunting process, showing you where to start, how to sort your parent’s belongings and then help you sell the valued items. After all, you shouldn’t go through it alone.
Here is some insight on these specialized experts, as well as tips to get you through the process and find closure.
Ask for Help
After walking through your parent’s home, I am sure your to-do list includes items like clean out the attic, sort out cherished collections, figure out what to donate, what to sell, and what to keep. Your emotions are already running high and these to-dos are adding to them. Allow the pros to assist you through the steps and be by your side. There are organizations, like the National Association of Senior Move Managers(NASMM), that help you find and qualify a Senior Move Manager®. Did you know there was such thing? Well, there is! They specialize in assisting families with the daunting process of cleaning out a parent’s home, downsizing and moving items to a new residence. They successfully manage the move and any emotional trauma that comes with the transition.
Does your parent own valuable antiques and artwork that there just isn’t a place for? Local auction houses are another great resource for help. Auction houses, like Abell Auction, personally guide clients through the entire process of selling valuable belongings. First, they will evaluate and assess auction items, then remove the auction items in a discrete, non-disruptive manner and deliver them safely to their warehouse, where they will be stored and insured until auction. Finally, they auction the items off at their weekly or quarterly auction and send you a nice check. Qualified auction houses ensure their clients’ possessions get the care and return they deserve. An auction is often the best and most cost-effective way to sell that rare and valuable item.
Share and Celebrate the Memories
For the items that are sentimental, keep them in the family by giving them to loved ones. Of course, first follow your parent’s wishes or the bequests your parents outlined in their will or trust. But, for those items that aren’t included, here is a way for the treasure to get into loving hands. Don’t just divide the left over items into piles; why not throw a party in your parent’s home! It is a great way to celebrate your parent’s life in that home and shares the memories with family and old friends. Ask each family member and friends to pick one (or more) of the items and take it home with them. Your parent’s beloved things will be in a home where you can visit them often and it will make closing the door on that home easier.
Remember, this journey is not an easy one. Be sure to lean on others for help and guidance. The process of sorting through your parent’s home is actually a healthy one. It allows you to remember; and if your parent has passed, it allows you time to grieve; and gives you the satisfaction of giving everything a new life. Providing closure on a well loved home and well lived chapters in your family’s lives.
Looking to buy or sell in the Nevada County area? Give a Coldwell Banker agent a call today!
