Senior News Line: Downsizing help

Sometimes we just don’t want to face the truth, so we ignore it as long as we can. But eventually it becomes clear: We need to downsize.

Just the word can be painful as we contemplate moving to a smaller place and likely needing to get rid of many of our belongings. And then there are all the details — what to keep, how to pack, lifting those heavy boxes.

The good news is that we don’t have to do it alone. The National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers — learn more online at www.nasmm.org — can steer you toward move managers in your area, people who are trained in all aspects of moving seniors.

In the “Find A Move Manager” section of their website, put in your ZIP code to find people in your area.

In my town I found three companies. All advertise stress-free moves and help with organizing, downsizing and relocating.

It seems they can do it all — starting with the decluttering that will be necessary for any move to a smaller place.

They organize which belongings go to which family members, arrange for the sale of valuables or donations to charity and even take care of trash disposal. And that’s just the first step in the process.

What I like best is that they’ll do the packing. Then on moving day, they’ll be there supervising the movers, dealing with the utility companies to get the power turned on in the new place and, surprise, they’ll even unpack on the other end and haul away the empty boxes.

Moving to a smaller place might not be what we’d like to do, but when it becomes necessary, it’s good to know that we don’t have to do it alone.

There are experts who know what to do and when. That should make the whole process much easier.