Downsizing, To Move or Not to Move? That is the Question

Thanks for the reminder John. We are at the "younger" end of people making housing decisions, because when we bought our home 38 years ago, it was intended for our young family. Since our previous experience was to stay in a home for a few years and move on, we never expected it to be what our girls call our "forever home" so it is not an ideal layout for aging, containing stairs all around.

But, it is ideally situated, within 2 miles of both daughters, close to good access routes, convenient to shopping, with excellent medical care of all types within 10-20 minutes. Oh yes, and my gardens!

So we continue to vigorously clean and dispose of unneeded possessions, trying to limit obstacles and make it easier to store/find that which we do need. Our son-in-law has a plan to install an actual elevator if needed, so we can continue to have total access to house and garage. Every update or remodel project includes a plan for accessibility in the future.

So - to date - cleaned 3 sheds, storage area, porch, laundry room (except 3 cupboards), guest room. The biggies to come: garage, sewing room, Jerry's workroom.

@johnbishop We moved in to this house barely 2 years ago, and it is our last place to live. We carefully considered the property before buying. The front walk leads up to the porch, no steps, which is good for me. While I could navigate the three steps down on back porch before, that is not possible at this time, but able to go around from front porch. We are pulling out the fancy soaking tub previous owners put in, and replacing it with a low-sill shower, to have better access. I continue to downsize my considerable fabric/yarn/paper stashes. Now to get my husband to sownsize his tools....
Ginger

Ginger- We are going through everything too. We are remodeling, as you know, but right now we are at a standstill. The painter was horrible and is no longer a consideration. Since we will be replacing a couple of our cabinets around an island that will give us more light and a feeling of openness I need to find places for pieces that I want to keep. It's so hard to get rid of certain things.

DAve is going through all of his files, but that means reading everything, EVERYTHING! I guess nothing will happen for years to come in his study! lol

My daughter's floor installers quit after tearing the old floor out of the living room and hallway - and after sanding the bedroom and putting down just one coat of poly. At least after a long discussion with me, they refunded most of our deposit. Too bad, we have used these guys for 30 years, and recommended them dozens of times, but the younger generation is taking over...so toady she's looking for a new flooring guy. I'm her painter, so unlikely to get fired...

I get it - I have my own "Dave" - he got mad when I threw away 25 yo empty cardboard boxes (which are just "black holes" with his ADD) and put tools used once a year in the tool shed to make room for stuff we use every week. Now we are negotiating how many shelves I can have for my tools in his (our) garage...

As I empty more spaces and find I don't miss things, it gets easier & easier to let go. Especially since we live in a neighborhood with a very active "Buy Nothing group for finding new homes.

Sue

I used to have 4 bookcases. Now I have one, plus two little shelves in another. I have decades of my writings, but won't give those up. Under our custom made king size captain's bed, we have a long storage area that rubs the length of the unit, between the drawer on each side. Seasonal clothes in totes are towards the door, and long-term storage in up under head of the bed. It works well. Our kitchen has more cabinets than we can use, and hold some food prep things that are used once a year [or less]. Still negotiating to get that stuff outta here!
Ginger

I keep passing on all but favorite books to stay within our one bookcase and 2 shelves in sewing room. My sister in law and daughter have every known kitchen appliance and gadget so I can always borrow. I keep paring down clothing...last month I donated 300 yards of fabric for charity sewing by the local guild, but there's a lot more where that came from!

I'm stuck here
No cash No options left. Pension slashed after years of working hard.Sucks. Sick old Can't afford anything.Hanging on..

@dianrib Good morning. You sound very down-in-the-dumps. This has been such a hard year for everyone . Did your hard times come on suddenly or has it been a slow and steady process?
Have you tried contacting social services in your town?

Dian After I survived Stage 3 breast cancer- double mastectomy, severe osteoporosis, and now Stage 3 chronic kidney disease I could join you easily.

I won’t though bc I know there is always one more option. You are looking for that by writing to us. We’ve all been there. Having no cash is the scariest. I lost insurance at the end of cancer treatment. I went for my final appointment and the desk said I needed to pay $65,000 for that one appointment. I left. My doctor called me and said to reschedule and there would be no charge. There is always an option Dian. And it is never to decide all is lost. Go to nearest church for food. They will set up up w food bank. Call utilities they will pay your bills from an account that customers give to for people like you.
Please reach out to any of your doctors to find free prescriptions. Depending on your illnesses, they can find longer term help for you.

Most of all, please keep talking and reaching out. We are here for you. My God bless you and look into your particular needs. 🙏

Dian, I encourage to look up "My Help Navigator" https://myhelpnavigator.auntbertha.com/ It is a social care network that connects people and programs — making it easy for people to find social services in their communities. You will find free and low cost help in your area.

Here's the link to My Help Navigator: https://myhelpnavigator.auntbertha.com/