Downsizing in the Golden Years – Resources for New York City Seniors

In an effort to help educate New York seniors about the resources available to help them age comfortably and happily, I co-hosted a small seminar with two wonderful women who also work with seniors.

The panelists and topics covered:

Melissa Smith, a licensed real estate agent with Corcoran covered topics related to your property:

• Downsizing options

• How to keep existing property in the family/converting to rentals

• Factors to consider when finding your next home

Melissa Goikhman, an Estate Planning Expert and Attorney covered wills/trusts and asset management topics:

• Planning for asset management in the event of incapacity

• Planning for the smooth/painless transfer of assets

• Difference between wills and trusts

Katie Hustead, a senior move manager and co-owner of Paper Moon Moves covered downsizing and moving:

• How to get started with downsizing your possessions

• How to sell, donate, and discard things you will not be keeping

• Tips for a successful move

We hope you enjoy the video of our panel, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you feel our services can be useful to you or someone you love – www.papermoonmoves.com.

Seminar on Issues Around Aging, for You or a Loved One

Last week we were honored to be included on a panel gathered to help New Yorkers learn about services available for themselves or aging friends or family. Attendance was robust and our fellow panelists offered some terrific solutions for helping New Yorkers age comfortably – whether they choose to age at home or to move to a senior residence.

The video is a bit long because there was so much information to be shared.

Here are the featured panelists:

• Bill Herbst, Compass Real Estate.  Real estate broker and Founding Member of CompassPlus, a nationwide division of Compass to serve the special needs of older clients.  

• Katie Hustead, Paper Moon Moves. Senior move specialist, helping older adults with every aspect of the moving process.

• Diane Trunececk, CarePatrol.  A free service that helps find the right living solutions for seniors.

• Marni Blank, Begin With the End. End of life and legacy planning, death doula services, and after loss support. 

• Frank DiMaggio, LifeWorx. A provider of concierge-level in-home care.

• Barbara L. MacGrady, Esq., Davidson, Dawson & Clark. Trust and estates attorney.

• Michael Silverman, Silver Lining Insurance.  A provider of long-term care policies.

Decluttering is an act of love

Look around your home. You probably see a lot of stuff you love. Maybe you have bookcases full of books you’ve read or plan to read one day, maybe you have art that you have collected one piece at time. There is the furniture you have spent your entire adult life accumulating, and maybe an assortment of cool and unique decorative items you have curated. It’s all good stuff, right? Somebody would be lucky to have it all if you were no longer here, right? Your stuff would never pose a problem to anyone, would it? 

For fifteen years, my husband, Joe, and I have owned a small business in New York City clearing out estates and helping seniors move. People hire us for a variety of reasons – a parent has died and their apartment needs to be emptied, an aunt needs to move into a senior residence, a friend with dementia can no longer safely live alone and needs to make room in her home for a caregiver.

The one thing every job has in common is that there is suddenly a large amount of stuff that has to be moved, sold, donated, or discarded. And it usually has to be handled quickly. All of these things have been peacefully sitting in our clients’ homes, not drawing a lot of attention to themselves. But, suddenly, they become the focus of everybody’s attention, and they cause a tremendous amount of stress.

Here's the sad truth about our stuff. The vast majority of it is no longer worth anything. Especially if you have to sell it all within a deadline. In fact, removing our stuff is likely to take a lot of time and cost a lot of money. And it will all have to be removed someday. That day may come without warning but it will come with a price tag and a deadline.

All that stuff in your home, all that stuff you love, you have collected your whole life, right? It has taken you years to accumulate it all. Now imagine someone you love having to deal with it all in a matter of months, or possibly weeks.  

If you rent your home, would your landlord allow your family to keep the lease long enough for your family to sell every last piece of furniture? Most likely, not. If you own your home, how long do you think your heirs will be able to pay to maintain it while they try to find a good home for every piece of art? This is not a happy thing to think about, but I can tell you it will be a very real problem for someone you love. 

Most people aren’t aware that this will be an issue, but we see it every day. We know this problem is lurking inside every home, all over the world. Whether you’re forty, fifty, or eighty, you need to realize that your stuff will someday become a burden to someone you love.

I believe the greatest gift you can give to the people you love is to start taking steps to downsize your possessions now. We have blog posts to help, starting with this basic step-by-step guide: Decluttering: Where do I start?

What happens during a sorting session with Paper Moon Moves?

One of the main roles we play when planning a client’s move is helping our them sort their belongings so they can decide what to move to their new home and what to sell, donate, give away, or discard. We call these sessions (surprise, surprise) sorting sessions.

Some clients need just a few sorting sessions, some need many. It really depends on two things: how quickly they make decisions, and how much “stuff” they have tucked away in their home that needs to be sorted.

I use the word stuff to differentiate these items from furniture. Decisions about which furniture to bring are made when we prepare a floor-plan of the new home (discussed in this previous blog post). The “stuff” is everything else:  clothes, books, kitchenware, decorative items, photos, files, and anything else filling the drawers, closets, basements and attics of a home. 

We schedule sorting sessions to fit our client’s move schedule. If they are moving in a few weeks, sometimes we have to schedule a lot of sessions in a short period of time. But if they are moving months later, or don’t have a move date scheduled yet, the sessions can be spaced out. Each session is at least four hours long, but typically not much longer than four hours. 

At the start of each session, we select an area to work on. We always try to set realistic goals. If you aim to take on too much at one time it can be exhausting and discouraging. We  often suggest to our clients that we start with areas that will be easiest for them – in other words, stuff you don’t care all that much about. If a client is an avid reader and has a huge book collection, we may suggest starting with something else, like clothes. If they never cook, we may suggest starting with their kitchenware.  

Sorting is an exercise that isn’t familiar to most people. It can feel awkward and overwhelming at first. So if you start with things that are not incredibly important to you, you can get into the habit and get more comfortable with the process before you tackle the stuff you really care about.

Once we have decided where we will sort, we go to that part of the apartment and try to stay there for the duration of our session. We help our client get comfortable on a nice chair or sofa and then we start lining up objects for them to see. This may involve pulling things out of a closet and placing them up on a coffee table, right in front of our client, so they can make decisions about what is important to them.

As they decide, we pack up things they want to donate, or we make a pile of things they want to give away. The things they want to keep we put right back where it came from, so it’s ready to be packed by the movers.  

There really isn’t a short cut to this process, I’m afraid. There’s no magic wand we can wave to make all the sorting just happen without any effort because everything in a client’s home is something they have chosen and, thus, something with meaning to them. So everything needs (and deserves) to be looked at, to be touched briefly or held, and to be considered. Only then can a client make a good decision about it.  

We often get resistance to the process. “I can’t possibly get rid of any of my books” or “There is nothing in this closet I don’t need” are things we hear a lot, at first. But once we get into the work, most clients are able to let go of a lot of their things.

The best thing about this process is that we have solutions for the things our clients aren’t keeping. A lot of people (rightfully so) get upset if they think their possessions are going to go into the landfill. Our staff knows that there is a lot that can be donated, and some things that can be sold. The landfill is our last option.

It’s been very satisfying to see how happy our clients are once they have done some downsizing. This includes the ones who were most reluctant at first. Most often, it allows them to appreciate the items they kept that much more.  

Sometimes clients tell us it feels like their things are new again. And we almost never hear anyone regret parting with something. Usually they feel like a weight has been lifted. I used to be amazed by this but I now realize that most people don’t want a lot of clutter in their lives and really want to shed things. They just haven’t taken the time or invested the money into hiring a company like ours to take them through the process.

Floorplan Design Part II – measuring furniture and designing a floorplan

Once we have a good model of a client’s new apartment (and lots of photos to show them) we measure their furniture and help them design their new space. We use MagicPlan for floorplan designs. There are other apps and tools available but this is the one we find most useful.

Here are the tips and steps we take to design a floorplan with a client:

• If possible, do this with a partner. This way one of you can do the measuring and one can enter the furniture into your app.

• Take lots of photos and make sure you have a good photo of each piece of furniture. These can be useful later when you are making changes to the floorplan.

• If possible, have the client present for this part of the floorplan design. They will be telling you which pieces of furniture they love and which ones they don’t want to move to their new place.

• Measure all the furniture the client owns – even things like small side tables and magazine racks.

  • Make a list of all the furniture with dimensions (width x depth x height). Height is not often a factor but it should be noted anyway, and it should definitely be noted if a particular item is tall or likely to be placed underneath a window.

  • Make sure you label your photos so it is obvious later which furniture is which.

• When measuring, take a moment to examine the piece. Be sure you are measuring in the widest space. Sometimes legs at the bottom are wider than the top. Sometimes furniture has lips at the top. Rushing this step can lead to items not fitting in the new apartment.

• Try to name each piece of furniture the same way the Client describes it (if they call a hutch a china cabinet, label it as a china cabinet on the floorplan and in your notes).

• Make a note of any items the Client stays focused on: these key items need to be a priority on the floorplan.

• Pay attention to comments the Client makes about their present apartment set up; if they love having the sofa next to the bookcase, try to give them the option of arranging it the same way in the new place.

• Talk about TV viewing and computer use in the new place. Where will they do both?

• Think about the functionality of the layout, particularly based on the Client’s current routine. Where will they pay their bills and write notes? Do they love to read and gaze out the window? Then maybe their favorite chair should be next to a window in their new place.

• If you are designing a floorplan for an apartment that you have not seen in person and are using someone else’s measurements of the new space, always remember that it may not be 100% accurate. For example, radiators and deep windowsills that take up permanent room space are often not depicted. Keep this in mind if you find that the Client wants to bring a lot of furniture and it seems the new apartment will be cramped.  

Once we’re done, we like to save the floorplan as a pdf. This way the floorplan can be shared with all the stake holders in the move – most often the client and their family. For moves out of New York City, we share it with the move managers who will be meeting the movers at the new apartment and directing the furniture placement. A well designed floorplan allows anyone to step in and smoothly manage the move day. 

Floorplan Design Part I – measuring a new apartment

One of the first steps we take when helping a client move is designing a floorplan. This involves helping them decide which furniture they will move into their new apartment. After we know the furniture that will be moved, it becomes easier to decide how much “stuff” to bring to fill this furniture.

For example, if a client currently has four bookcases but – after completing a floorplan – we realize they can only move one bookcase to the new apartment, we now know how many books they can bring and how many they should give away or donate. Once we know which bookcase is being moved, we will often empty it and help the client fill it with only the books they will be bringing.

This process helps make it clear how many books will fit. Suddenly the thought “I need to downsize my book collection” stops being theoretical and the downsizing goals become clear because we now know exactly how many books we are able bring.

The first step in designing a floorplan is measuring the future apartment and building a model of the empty apartment. We use an iPad app called MagicPlan. There are other floorplan apps available but this is the one we find most useful. Many apps have 3-D options and other high end features, but we’ve always found those to be bells and whistles which look flashy but do not really make any difference in your decision making. Our method is simpler and gets you the same results.

Here is our checklist for measuring a new apartment:

• Take your time when measuring a new apartment. Make sure you are getting accurate measurements, checking twice if necessary. If you are sloppy at this point, it will become an issue on move-in day.

• Ideally, bring a partner with you. Your partner can do the actual measuring, leaving you time to enter the space accurately into your app, floorplan tool, or notebook.

• Take a lot of photos. I can’t tell you how often we have referred back to photos when talking about and planning a move for a client.

• Note windows, electrical, and cable outlets and make sure you have photos that include these.

• Measure the ceiling height and take photos of the ceiling so you can remember what overhead lighting (if any) is in place. Also, sometimes a section of a room will have a lower ceiling than the rest. This matters if you’re thinking of putting a bookcase or high cabinet there. So be sure to note it.

• Measure and take photos of the insides of closets; specifically, measure how long rods are for hanging clothes.

• Make notes of any areas that block space for placing furniture. For example: a radiator that sits against a wall, or a bump-out in a wall that is hiding electrical equipment.

• Make notes about the windows: do they have curtains or another type of treatment? Are they floor to ceiling or can you place a piece of furniture under them?

In the bathroom, answer a small checklist:

• Is the shower/tub accessible?

• Are there grab bars next to the toilet and shower/tub?

• What kind of storage is available in the bathroom? Measure cabinets and take photos.

• Is there a shower curtain?

• Will the bathroom need bathmats?

In the kitchen, answer a similar checklist:

• What appliances are available? Do they appear to be working?

• How much storage is available? Measure and take photos of the insides of cabinets and the pantry (if there is one).

• Are the cabinets all easy to reach or are some going to be too high for our client to access easily?

Once we’ve completed the above, we can prepare an accurate model of the apartment for our client. Then we bring this to our client’s current home to measure their furniture and prepare a floorplan. In our next blog post, we will cover this part of the process.

Understanding Senior Move Management

Understanding Senior Move Management: How Paper Moon Moves Can Help

Moving is often a challenging experience, but for seniors, it can be particularly overwhelming. Whether downsizing from a longtime family home, transitioning to a senior living community, or relocating closer to family, the process involves emotional and logistical complexities that can be difficult to navigate. This is where Paper Moon Moves comes in—a company dedicated to making these transitions smoother and more manageable.

What Are Senior Move Managers?

Senior move managers are professionals who specialize in assisting older adults and their families with the process of moving. Unlike traditional moving companies, senior move managers offer a comprehensive service that goes beyond just transporting belongings from one place to another. We understand that moving in later stages of life often involves much more than just packing boxes; it requires compassion, patience, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of seniors.

At Paper Moon Moves, we focus on easing the stress of moving by handling every detail with care. Our services include:

• Planning and Coordination: We work closely with you to create a customized moving plan that fits your specific needs. From deciding what to keep, donate, or discard, to scheduling movers and managing timelines, we take care of all the logistics.

• Sorting and Downsizing: Moving often involves downsizing, which can be an emotional and difficult process. We assist with sorting through belongings, helping you make decisions about what to take with you and what to leave behind. Our goal is to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

• Packing and Unpacking: Our team ensures that your items are packed safely and efficiently. Upon arrival at your new home, we also unpack and organize your belongings, setting up your new space so it feels like home from the moment you walk in.

• Settling In: Beyond just unpacking, we help you settle into your new environment by arranging furniture, hanging pictures, and making sure everything is in its place. We aim to recreate the comfort and familiarity of your previous home in your new one.

• Emotional Support: We understand that moving can be an emotional experience, especially for those leaving a long-time home. Our team is trained to provide the support and understanding needed during these transitions, making the process less daunting.

When Might You Need a Senior Move Manager?

There are several situations where hiring a senior move manager like Paper Moon Moves can be incredibly beneficial:

1. Downsizing: If you’re moving from a larger home to a smaller one, whether it's an apartment, condo, or senior living community, downsizing can be a challenging task. We help you determine what’s essential, manage the sale or donation of items, and ensure that the transition is smooth.

2. Health-Related Moves: When health issues necessitate a move to a more supportive living environment, time is often of the essence. We can expedite the process, handling all the details so you or your loved one can focus on adjusting to the new setting.

3. Long-Distance Relocation: Moving closer to family or to a new city can be a daunting task, especially when it involves long distances. We coordinate everything from afar, ensuring that your belongings arrive safely and that your new home is ready for you.

4. Estate Transitions: In cases where a loved one has passed away or is moving to assisted living, we assist with the estate, helping to organize, distribute, and manage the belongings left behind. This can be an emotionally taxing process, and our team is here to offer both practical help and emotional support.

5. Aging in Place: Sometimes a home becomes too cluttered to navigate safely. Or you need to free up space for a caretaker to stay there comfortably. Or maybe you just want a bit more breathing room. We can help you downsize and organize your home. There's no move but your home may feel brand new when we're finished. 

Why Choose Paper Moon Moves?

At Paper Moon Moves, we understand that every move is unique. Our personalized approach ensures that your specific needs are met, and our compassionate team is dedicated to making your move as stress-free as possible. We take pride in handling the details, so you don’t have to, allowing you to focus on the excitement of starting a new chapter in your life.

Whether you’re planning a move in the near future or just considering your options, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in making your next move a smooth and positive experience.

Organizing Life's Daily Demands Interviews Paper Moon Moves

We were honored to be interviewed by Peter Gordon, a certified daily money manager and owner of New York Financial Organizers. In this interview, we discuss the main reasons people call a senior move manager as well as what happens to your belongings if something were to happen to you. How difficult would it be if your executor or family members suddenly had to come in and figure out what to do with all of your stuff? I talk about my sister and how I want to avoid leaving her a big confusing situation to manage if my husband and I pre-decease her.

We have partnered with Peter over the years when clients have found that staying on top of paperwork has become too challenging for them. He and his business partner patiently help their clients re-gain control over their bills.

We talked about how we both help elderly clients prepare for the future:

We talked about the reasons people call a senior move manager, and how to think about what would happen to all of your stuff in an emergency.

”Since 2009, Paper Moon Moves has been sorting, selling, donating, and managing our clients’ cherished belongings, and ensuring that they have just what they need for the next stage of their lives. If you’re faced with the challenge of downsizing and moving a senior you love or handling an estate, Paper Moon Moves is here to help.”