Talk it out
It’s time to have the chat. Raise your concerns with your parents in a secure and loving environment where no blame is placed. Frame the discussion in a positive light – look for all the benefits that could come out of your parents downsizing. Maybe there will be some spare cash for them to splurge on a holiday, or maybe downsizing could give them the opportunity to move closer to you. Look for a silver lining and lead with it.
Show sensitivity
It’s important to acknowledge the emotion involved in making the decision to downsize. It won’t be one that’s entered into lightly and your parents will likely find it difficult. Be sensitive, and stop to reflect on the good times had in the home. Don’t try to force your parents to rush into anything, let them take their time.
Don’t wait too long
As important as it is to let your parents go at their own pace, don’t wait so long that the decision to downsize is made for them. You don’t want to leave it until one of them falls ill or becomes injured and the relocation has to be done without their help or input.
Be supportive
Whenever it happens, it is going to be a big job. Let your parents know that you will be there to help them with the packing and the moving – just as they may have been for you when you first moved out of home.
Get involved
Sometimes the hardest thing is knowing where to start. Moving house for anyone is a long and time consuming activity. Help your parents to come up with a plan and work with them to get through it. Tip: start with a big decluttering session so you have less things to transport!
The task of downsizing can be a daunting one, so help your parents through it so they know they have your support every step of the way.
