I got some assistance last week from a technology guru and honestly, what a load off my shoulders! Like many of my clients and their #families I am an expert at some things but definitely not in all things. I appreciate knowing that there are reputable folks out there to help me #navigate those other areas of #life – the ones where I am not as knowledgeable or confident.
I can remember taking some basic computer courses years ago but the thing is that once we master one program or social media application – the industry goes and changes things on us. I was pretty much self-taught in that area and there is a lot that I don’t know. Of course I had purchased and installed anti-virus software and malware protection but were these the right choices for me and were they the most cost effective? In retrospect, maybe not. It can be hard to keep up in a rapidly changing world without #specialists to help you navigate through the maze of all of the available #options.
Most of my older clients haven’t moved in thirty, forty or fifty years. When they did move they also usually transitioned to larger space that they have since furnished, sometimes more than once. They enjoyed decades of #acquisitions – those décor pieces that were “must haves” and all of those #gifts from well-meaning friends and family that just seem to keep on coming… .
For many it is a situation of: “If there’s space – we’ll fill it”. The couch that was replaced in the family room a few years ago may now be in the basement along with a lot of party and serving ware from the many years of hosting at home.
Let’s face it as we get older, we don’t entertain as much as we used to and when we do, it tends to be #simpler. Sure it’s nice to enjoy a properly set table and have the choice to use some of these things when we have guests over but life has a habit of throwing a few curve balls at us and really, when did you last use those second and third coffee makers that have been tucked away on a shelf “just in case”? In case what?
So what do you do with all the items that you just don’t need anymore? This is when it is nice to have a strategist in your corner. Every situation is different and there is no “one size fits all” solution.
Sometimes well-meaning family members and friends offer advice but are they really aware of what will work best in your situation? I can’t tell you how often I hear the words: “Oh I’ll just call a dumpster” when really that may not be the most cost effective or environmentally friendly choice that could be made.
I organized a couple of on-line #auctions for clients recently with greatly differing results. One had some very unique and collectable items within it and the other honestly did not. One of my clients did very well financially from this method whereas the other saw very modest returns. The bottom line though is that for both clients, this approach afforded the most cost effective way of #clearing their houses of the items that they no longer wanted. These auctions are one option but, for other clients in different situations, other downsizing methods might work better. In other circumstances a combination of approaches will work best.
Being able to navigate the current world of #donations, on-line auctions, #shredding services, #movers and junk pick-ups allows me to guide my older clients and their families through seamless transitions in a strategic way with reputable suppliers.
The old adage: “You don’t know what you don’t know” rings true and a strategic Senior Move Manager who understands the current lay of the land can help. Not only can we reduce the stress of your upcoming transition, we can provide knowledgeable and sensitive objectivity throughout a process that allows you to begin to enjoy your new home immediately. Your art is installed and there are towels in the bathroom(s). Frankly life is too short to wait for your grandson to possibly come over in three or four weeks to hang your favourite mirror in the hall. Bonded and insured we do the worrying so that you don’t have to. It’s all good and we can help you to decide which tailored solution will work best for you.
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