Before You Move Into Your New Home... Why Not Get a Game Plan! 
Times change and unlike our parents and grandparents, many of today’s seniors are making changes that often include selling the family home and moving to one that better fits their lifestyle.
This may mean finding homes that are smaller, on one level, have security, and are easier to maintain.
Recently Room Service Home Staging was asked to help with a game plan for a “young” senior who was doing just that. She knew that because of limited space and configuration, she would not be able to take everything she had. And she wanted a plan before she moved.
Working together we first photographed all of her furniture in her current condo.
Step 2 We measured her sofas, tables, chests and other pieces that she hoped would make the cut. Eye-balling works if you’re playing golf but not if you’re hoping to fit a 10 foot wide media center on a 9 foot wall.
I walked through each room and listened to my client as she told me what she really 
felt she needed at her new home and what she could easily sell, donate, give away or trash. This is helpful because sometimes it takes the verbalizing of these thoughts to help the client realize that she really didn’t need the piano that she never played.
Our next step was a trip to her new home to photograph and measure all of the spaces. I gave her some inexpensive and relatively easy tips that she could use to make this new space her own.
My client will soon be making the journey to her new home and I know that with her game plan at the ready, she’ll have a smooth and less stress-filled move.
And one more tip...
Sometimes taking with us those items that may not serve any other purpose but to make us feel at home in our new space is reason enough.
If you’re planning a lifestyle change and a move, enlist the services of a professional Home Stager. We can help you with your Game plan for your move!
eXp Realty - Willoughby, OH
When You’re Ready To Move, I’m Ready To Help
Kathy, this is such a great idea I have to re-blog it. My one friend does this every time she moves and in two days it's like she's been there forever. Thank you for writing such a great post!
Apr 23, 2012 10:44 PM
Home Star Staging - Plano, TX
Plano Home Staging, Dallas Home Staging, www.homes
Excellent tips Kathy for anyone thinking of space planning for a new residence, whether down or up sizing. It saves so much hassle in the long run when you plan!
Apr 23, 2012 10:49 PM
Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes - Fairfield, CT
Connecticut Home Stager
This has become a wonderful add-on to my business too, Kathy. As Stagers, we can envision new uses for items people want to keep, but may not have room for otherwise. For example, one client had nondescript bedside tables, which I suggested she donate, and we substituted two similar, but different, Victorian washstands that she really wanted to keep. She was delighted with the idea.
Apr 24, 2012 01:18 AM
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD
Very good advice for those that on the move. Downsizing can be a very difficult task.
Apr 24, 2012 01:21 AM
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign
Ed and Tracy- thank you and best of luck to you in 2012 as well.
Dorie- many thanks. Moving is hard enough but when you're having to decide what to keep after years of living in the same home.. it just adds to the stress.
Ginny- you can't be practical about everything and sometimes we just want to take something because it makes us smile.
BARFF- thanks to Ilene. You and I know that there are certain treasures that make us smile just by being there.
Debbie- you are so right about that. Think of all of the things we've purchased over the years that we just don't need.
Joanna- thanks for the reblog. When you're young and moving chances are you're heading to another great adventure...perhaps in a new town or larger home. For seniors it's hard to part with memories.
Janis- you're right..many don't ask for help. I think having a 3rd party like a stager or Senior Move specialist can help with the transition.
Christine- thanks for reblogging. I have friends like that...every picture is hung in two days.
Karen- especially when it comes to what furniture will fit. It's a shame when they move it to the new home and it doesn't work.
Julia- I'm so glad you're adding this to NESTINGS. I think you can make it exciting for them so they are looking forward to the move.
Roy- yes it can, and thank you for my beautiful pink flower.
Apr 24, 2012 02:09 AM
Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR
"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"
Kathy ~ I've been providing more of this type of service too, for people who are young seniors but who want to downsize. It's amazing how many things we accumulate in our lives that we can actually live without, when we really think about it!! Moving from a home you've lived in for a number of years can be stressful and sound advice is always appreciated.
Apr 24, 2012 02:10 AM
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!
Hi Kathy,
Before You Move Into Your New Home...Why Not Get a Game Plan!
This is excellent advice to all home buyers. I can't imagine this not already being on the Golden Star list .... Suggested and hope to re-post next week.
Apr 24, 2012 02:47 AM
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign
Maureen- as you and both can attest to, we do tend to "collect" a lot of things through the years. If only our space grew accordingly.
John (QMan) - thank you kind sir but I fear that my allotment of gold stars has reached its peak this week. Thanks for planning to reblog it!
Apr 24, 2012 03:34 AM
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager
It's such a helpful service for new home owners, regardless of age. I've been asked to consult on new homes after assisting clients to sell...they see how helpful the professional assistance is in preparing their home for sale, and will ask "do you help people who aren't selling?" It's always a great pleasure!
Apr 24, 2012 04:40 AM
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate
Kathy, suggested this post. I never thought about a home stager helping seniors moving from a large space to a smaller space and needing help/advice on what to take and what to get rid of.
Apr 24, 2012 06:48 AM
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor
Dominion Fine Properties - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739
Kathy, I really like this idea. Sometimes the sentimental value of things do overpower the usefulness, but a plan in advance will help.
Apr 24, 2012 10:02 AM
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign
Sharon- I love helping homeowners get settled in their new home! It's an exciting time for them and in this aspect of our work, we get the opportunity to work with what they want.
Rebecca- Thanks for the Suggest! Yes, Home Stagers aren't just for sellers!! I've worked with Buyers who need some help in deciding on a property before they sign on the dotted line. And I've worked with Buyers after or as they are moving in to help them get settled, with suggestions on paint color and easy updates they can make.
Conrad- I strongly believe that it helps the person with the transition, especially if they are seniors. No one wants to feel as if everything is being taken away from them.
Apr 24, 2012 10:08 AM
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional
Kathy, this is a great story. I think we stagers can be a valuable aide for sellers as they buy and move into their new homes.
Apr 24, 2012 10:38 AM
North Shore Suburbs & Chicago Real Estate - Evanston, IL
Hi Kathy:
I really like this post. For seniors, and really for just about anybody downsizing. Organization and having a game plan will certainly make things easier, and take much of the stress out of this big move.
Apr 24, 2012 01:14 PM
Fluff My House! Home Staging Inc. 250.486.6369 - Summerland, BC
The FlufftasticStager from Summerland, BC
Kathy, great post! I agree with Sharon, it doesn't matter what their age, it's useful info! I also love your comment about taking some items with you because it will make your new house 'feel' like home! Absolutely!
Apr 24, 2012 01:31 PM
Beth Lester Designs - Torrance, CA
Home Staging & Interior Decorating
Not to mention that there can be a lot of emotions involved as they say good-bye to some dear old friends (their mother's rocking chair, for instance).
I love helping clients prepare for their new season in life. Great post, Kathy!
Apr 25, 2012 03:05 AM
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital
Kathy,what a greta idea! Dick and I are trying to combine two households, and I've almost talked him into having a stager help u.
Apr 25, 2012 06:18 AM
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign
Juli- we all have to have some things from the past to hold onto.
Janice- I think it's a service we need to market.
Carie- moving is so stressful. A game plan helps. Thanks for stopping by.
Peg- I don't know about you but I have sentimental items that make me smile whenever I walk by them.
Beth- you're right. There are favorite pieces of furniture or art work that won't fit in the new home and it's hard to "say goodbye" to them.
Pat- Oh merging 2 homes... that can be fun! Let me know if you need help finding someone!
Apr 26, 2012 01:11 PM
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON
Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!
Great tip Kathy, especially the very last one. Yes, sometimes the item just says 'home'. Suggested because it deserves it!
Apr 26, 2012 10:04 PM
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