DOWNSIZING

Great information from. www.seniorcareadvice.com:

In most cases, the need to downsize is a function of the need to move. Moving from the family home can be one of the most stressful events an older adult ever faces. Tough decisions have to be made about what to take and what to do with the things that are being left behind. A lifetime of accumulating cherished treasures presents a particular challenge in these situations.

Very often, there is added stress because the move is a result of an illness or death of a spouse. However, even the healthiest and most independent seniors often find relocation physically and emotionally demanding.

Be prepared for the following challenges:

1. I don’t even know where to start! – downsizing and moving can be incredibly overwhelming. In even the smallest of living situations a starting place can be virtually impossible to identify.

2. I can’t do this by myself – defining a time and a place to start is critical.

3. The value of everything – almost EVERYTHING will hold a sense of value to the owner . . . . . . a memory of a place, an experience, a cherished friend. And with those memories come endless stories. Sharing stories may help with the sense of loss that comes with giving up these tiny legacies. Be patient . . . . this will take some time.

4. What will happen to the things that I cannot take with me? — The disposition of cherished articles is complicated at best. Some people worry that their prized possession will end up with someone who won’t appreciate the value and take good care of it?

5. I can’t stand to watch my things get sold – If a sale is part of the process, it might be wise to not involve the senior in the pricing and actual sales event when it occurs.

6. Resistance to giving things away . . . “I can’t give things away until I know what people want.”

Tips for managing the process:

1. What will the next living space look like? – Develop a plan that shows how much can realistically go with the senior to her next place.

2. Start small . . . one drawer at a time, one shelf at a time. Develop a game plan for where to start the process. Begin in the place or room that the senior uses least.

3. Determine the things to keep, give to family and friends, sell, donate or throw away.

4. Work with professionals. Consider a moving company or move manager.

5. If you have a sale, encourage the senior not to be on site at the event.

6. Take pictures. A photo album lessens the pain of losing something and is much more portable than the actual items themselves.

End-of-Summer Cleanup Time!

   





Kids are Back-to-School... 
Time to clean the house!









Whew! The SUMMER "vacation" is over, kids are back to school and now ...

DEEP BREATH - it's time to find your life.

             WE CAN HELP!


The closets and dressers with clothes they outgrew this summer (by the way how does that happen!)  
The art, created, the papers that are left from last school year,

             WE CAN HELP!  Our ladies are EXPERTS at organization.  

We call it "play".  

I love it when I open my closet and my clothes are arranged by type and color and everything is neatly folded.


I love it when I go to my children's play area and toys are sorted and in labeled bins.  

I love it when my garage has all the tools organized , floor swept and you can actually get the car in.  
I love it, when I need to find that one vase for flowers my husband sent me in my storage room and I know EXACTLY where it is.

    ...No it's not a fantasy.  We are here to help!!

Just call us and
CONSIDER IT DONE!

I don't know about you, but spring can't come soon enough.  The reasons would overwhelm you so I will not make a list as I am sure you have your very own.  Our family has enjoyed games, puzzles, old movies and yes games on our electronics.  We introduced the game of "Spoons" to our grandchildren on a snowy day. We had a great time and now a deck of cards and some spoons means fun wherever you are. 

Recently we have been getting calls about helping to organize closets and storage areas.  There are always hidden treasures, things you forgot you had and clothes that help make new outfits.  Organizing by color, type, and style can help you find things that have been "hidden" and suddenly it is like you have been shopping.  It also helps you to see what you actually need. 

Storage areas can be overwhelming and yet getting them organized helps to make more room for things that need to be stored and help you with decorating your home with things you haven't displayed for some time.  After the holidays I am always looking for something to perk things up and often find it in a storage tote. 

                          If YOU need some help with organization just give us a call and ...
                                                           Consider It Done!

                         

The Holidays - 2013

 

October is not even half over and we are already thinking about Holiday plans.

Decorating, party planning, invitations, menus, shopping . . .

It can make your head spin!

 

Take a deep breath, and decide what is most important to you.

 

If enjoying the holiday with your family is at the top of the list,

 

Call us and let us do the work.

 

 

Then . . .

 

Consider It Done!

 

Shopping

For some of us shopping is therapy, for others energizing, and yet others DREAD the process.
Whether it is change in season, change in size (hate that one), or just need to update your wardrobe, we can help.  Shopping with or for individuals who aren't able or just don't like to shop is a process.
Here are some tips:

1.  Look at what you have that works for you.
2.  Take care of mending, alteration, laundry and dry cleaning.
3.  Put what you already have into outfits to see what is still needed.
4.  Look in magazines or online and see what is currently available and pick some styles, colors and looks that you like.
5.  Make a list by type of clothing of what you want to add to your wardrobe. 
6.  Take your measurements - I know I hate that part - and be realistic about what size you need.

TIME TO SHOP

If you don't have the time, or just don't like shopping, just call us and we can help.  If you parents are needing some help with clothing choices, we can help with that also.

 

We can come and go through the process of preparing to shop, do your shopping with you or shop and bring it to you for a "fashion show".  We can put outfits together for you and do returns, exchanges whatever you need. 

Just give us a call and . . . Consider It Done!

 

 

Moving / Downsizing

 We Can Help!!!

My husband and I just finished moving out of our 2 story home WITH finished basement in which we enjoyed 21 years of Junior High, Senior High, College, and even grandchildren memories. 

If this sounds like something you are considering and you have lived in your home for more than 10 years - this is a warning.  BE PREPARED for this to take much longer than you thought it might.  First of all there are the boxes marked memories - and there are at least 2 for each member of the family.  Then there are the toys you saved from your children that your grandchildren are now enthralled with.  Then if you are like me, there is all the things you brought home when you retired - teachers especially have tons of this . 

Having JUST had this experience, there are many things I would do differently and I want to help you avoid the pitfalls I found.

We can be your MOVING CONSULTANTS!

That means everything from getting bids from movers, to stopping and starting utilities, to arranging for care of pets or children during the moving days, refreshments during the move, cleaning the house AFTER you are gone so you don't have to do that.  If you are moving locally, making arrangements for small rental truck for all those little loads that need to be moved AFTER the movers take the big stuff.  Working with seller and buyer agent to make sure house meets agreed upon points of concern. 

Yes - we can take the stress out of your move.  No, you can't go to a movie or out of town probably, but we will be there to make sure your moving day is as painless as possible. 

Downsizing or moving is difficult at best .  However, we will do all we can to make it run smoothly.

So . . . .

Just call us and . . .

Consider It Done!

913-205-8542    913-231-4025

Gift Baskets

We are approaching the time of the year when it seems we are needing a gift frequently to celebrate with family and friends.  Mother's day, end of school year, graduation, Father's day all of these celebrations and more where you want to remember someone who is special to you.

At Consider It Done, LLC we can help .  It can be as easy as a gift certificate of our services - emailed to you or the individual you are buying for.  It can also be a gift basket of favorite things or pick up  and delivery for a surprise Spa Day.  We are your on-call Concierge and we are available to make your gift the best surprise ever!

Just call and . . . Consider It Done!  913-205-8542 and 913-231-4025.