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“I'm moving.” It's a simple phrase, isn't it? But the simplicity of that short phrase belies the emotion, stress, sentiment, and angst hidden inside those two words. It's even difficult to say that sentence the first few times, yet when we have come to that decision with awareness and honesty, we know when it's right. Since you are reading this, you have either made the decision to move from a place that has held your heart, or you are contemplating that move. Take courage in knowing that the decision itself is the most difficult part, and the physical move can be managed. Below are tips for handling your treasures, managing the moving process, and a few local resources that we hope you find useful in your move. Do keep in mind that our on-site Village Concierge is always here for you. "No question will go unanswered!" Your Treasures Of course you have treasures you will always want to keep. Stroll through your home and make a list of those many items. Now sit down and note which items you would place on an 'A' list, and which you would place on a 'B' list for attachment, sentiment, and desire. No need to be ruthless with yourself; this move is emotional enough. Consider why some treasures are favorites, and which ones drift to the B list. Is it the emotion behind the person who gave you the item or the events involved with it? An example of this might be that family copper fondue pot. You may not have served sliced fruit or bread for dipping in 20 years, yet your memory of doing that as a newlywed or with your children when they were young is a powerful magnet. Even if an item is no longer functional or you don't know when you would use it again, but you have it on the A list for reasons your heart knows, leave it on that list for now. Review your B list. Are there any items you have loved, yet you know you could share them with someone else who loves that item or type of item, such as a collection? But before you offer to share something or give it away, consider your emotions if your offering is declined, (“How could you not want our family copper fondue pot? We used it every Christmas for 40 years!”). That's a lot of emotion for you to carry and to pass along. Instead, compile the items you enjoy yet could part with if you knew they were going to welcoming arms, and compose a short letter or e-mail to your potential recipient. Declare a date by which they must notify you if they want your offering, and note your moving date as well (they'll have to come get your gift). We're still on the B list. You have successfully, lovingly gifted several items to happy friends, family members, grown children, yet no one has claimed those few (or many?) things you have loved. You might even feel indignant, “How could they not want this! Consider why you cherish the item so much. If it was every Christmas Eve or Passover when you used that pot or plate, see if you have any pictures you can keep of those celebrations, with the item in use, in place of keeping the item. For most of us, it is the people surrounding our lives that we cherish, much more than the items themselves. It's the separating of the “stuff” from our memories that is difficult. If you don't have a photo, take a picture of that item, set on a favorite tablecloth or platter. Contact a reputable estate sales company to sell the valuable items you own that you have decided to sell. For all other items, ask if any neighbors are holding garage or tag sales, and offer a small percentage of your total sales if they would allow you to have your items at their sale (the percentage is in place of you “working” the garage sale). Back to that A list. Are these items you just want to hold on to because of their history and place in your life? Then keep them. There may be a time later when you feel like they could move to that B list, or when a photo of it might satisfy you, but don't push yourself there right now. The Process Once you have determined which treasures to keep, which to give-away, and items to sell, interview family or friends who have moved and inquire about their movers. Ask if the movers were reliable. Were they timely? Did they follow through on promises and commitments? Was the price reasonable? (Determine this by asking several different people who have moved a distance similar to you). Were the movers careful with belongings? Now inquire as to what the movers will assist you with. There are specialty movers and home stagers who work with older adults in the stressful time period of moving a household of history and treasured goods; some firms will even unpack your belongings in your new home to help make the adjustment even easier. (A short list of firms is included at the end of this article.) Get a moving contract and commitments in writing. Ask for several referrals from the moving firm you have selected, and call those people to inquire as to how their move went. Customer referrals are the best way for you to know if a company will come through for you. Specialty home stagers will help you prepare your home for a faster sale, while you are still living in your home. Their experience provides that needed perspective to know what elements, furniture, and personal items add or detract from the selling of your home to potential buyers. These same stagers can often assist you in preparing for you move to your new home, by being that voice of reason and support. Be easy on yourself! This is an emotional time filled with many memories, and while you are acting on a decision you have made, the letting go and change is difficult. Accept that, and let yourself be a weepy basket-case for a few weeks if you need to. Treat yourself throughout this process - be gentle, ask for emotional support from family and friends, and if you can't ask, then invite them for lunch or dinner out, just to be around loved ones. Resources In addition to our Village on-site Concierge, here is a list of individuals or companies we have learned of. This is not a referral by us, so you need to properly check out any business listed here. Moving companies are listed under that title in the yellow pages, but again, recommendations from friends and family can be your best resource.
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