Typically, when you are getting older you may find that the house that has served you so well for many years has become too big or too much work. Maybe you now need/want a bedroom on the main floor, or maybe gardening is becoming more of a chore than a hobby. When the time comes to downsize, it’s inevitable that you’ll need to pare down some of your belongings. For many, this is not easy as these may be items that have been in your family for a while, or it just feels daunting. Here are a few ideas on how to get started. Not only will some of these suggestions help reduce the number of items sent to the landfill, but they’ll also make you feel good about helping others.
When you’re downsizing from a single detached house to a smaller house, condo, or an apartment, you will likely have a reduction in bedrooms This means extra furniture. Habitat for Humanity offers free curb side pick-up, or for a fee, in-house pickup. Just fill out the form online and let the good folks at Habitat for Humanity do the rest!
Consider your outdoor gardening and maintenance needs if you’re downsizing. If you’re moving into a strata or renting an apartment, landscaping is typically provided. You won’t be needing the shovels, lawnmowers, rakes, and weeding tools anymore.
If you’re moving into a retirement home, you’ll need to find out from the retirement home what exactly you are allowed to bring. More often than not they already have the basic furniture such as the bed and the dresser, but you might be able to bring in your favourite comfy chair.
However, before you start your donations, consider offering any unwanted items to your kids, grandchildren, friends, or neighbours. You will feel good knowing these items are going to good homes and helping out loved one’s at the same time. If you’re on Facebook, there’s a Marketplace that’s a good place to sell things. If you’re not on social media, look at Kijiji and Craigslist. If you’re not comfortable doing this, you can always get someone in your family to help you post these items. Any other items left can be donated to your local favourite charity such as Second Storey Treasures in Walnut Grove, Missions in downtown Langley, or your local Salvation Army.
Alternatively, there are companies who can help you with all of your paring down and decluttering such as Genie Senior Services. Their motto is “When you choose Genie Senior Services, you get a professional, friendly team who understands that it’s not just possessions that we’re working with, but your memories”.
Whether you do it yourself, enlist friends and family, or hire a professional, there are a host of available resources to help you get the job done with ease.
Langley Charities accepting donations (not a complete list):
Second Storey Treasures (Langley Hospice): 8948 202 St.
Mission Thrift Store: 20500 Logan Ave.
Hope for Children: 20211 56th Ave
Penny Pincher: 20560 Fraser Hwy
Salvation Army: 19733 96th Ave.
Thrifters’ Paradise 20562 56th Ave
Charities that will pick-up:
Habitat for Humanity (home goods/furniture/building materials): https://vancouverrestores.vonigo.com/external/link1/#0.4596035684875033
Big Brothers Big Sisters (clothing):
https://langley.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/clothing-donations/
Thrifters’ Paradise (housewares/china,glassware/clothing/shoes/accessories/artwork):
https://domesticabuseservices.ca/what-we-do/thrifters-paradise/
