by Anna Novak

Simply Downsized

In my experience as a Washington, DC-based downsizing specialist, I’m frequently tasked with planning, arranging and overseeing a wide range of services that may be needed to complete a major home transition. I almost always bring on Professional Organizers to support my clients with projects that are too large or too specialized for my clients to manage on their own.

When you think about it, a major downsizing move is the Granddaddy of all organizing projects!  Sorting, selecting, organizing; these tasks are among the most challenging and overwhelming aspects of a move, especially when the client has lived in their home for decades.

Washington-DC area downsizers are fortunate to have so many wonderful options and specialties represented in our local cadre of Professional Organizers.  Over the past six years, I have called on them for a wide variety of skills and support, including:

Photo Organizing and Document Scanning: Helping clients organize and scan their photos and important documents before their move.

Family History Preservation: Preserving family history by organizing and safeguarding heirlooms, documents, and memorabilia.

Wardrobe Downsizing: Helping clients sort through their wardrobe and choose the best options for fit, function and their future lifestyles.

Hobby Area Organization: My clients love their hobbies! Organizing and sorting supplies helps them continue to enjoy their favorite activities in their new, smaller space.

Furniture Selection: Measuring furniture and evaluating which pieces will fit into the new space and have the most value for my clients after they move.

Kitchen Organization: I love cooking and kitchens, but they are a big job to organize, pack and unpack. Organizers help my clients both before and after their move, ensuring everything is functional and accessible.

Cataloging Items for Auction: My clients sometimes choose to catalog and sell their items online or at a local auction house.  An organizer can help with the task of creating accurate descriptions and tracking the details of auction items. 

Home Decluttering for Market: Sometimes, a home sale can complicate an already busy and overwhelming time.  Professional Organizers can make a tremendous impact when it’s time to declutter a home for market.  

Move-Day Assistance: Helping with move-ins, including setting up essential areas like the bathroom and bedroom for the first night in a new place.

Unpacking After a Move: Another significant benefit of Professional Organizing is assistance with unpacking and setting up belongings when older adults move into a senior community or smaller residence. Unpacked moving boxes and packaging materials can easily overwhelm a small apartment, making the task of settling in seem impossible.

Storage Unit Clearing: Many of my downsizing projects include addressing items that have been in storage, either onsite or offsite. Organizers can complete this type of sorting quickly and efficiently, saving my clients a lot of money and effort dealing with things they no longer use.

There are countless scenarios where a homeowner could benefit from the services of a Professional Organizer, whether they are downsizing or not. I’m thrilled to have the resources of my local NAPO-WDC chapter for all of the variety and expertise they bring to projects small and large.

For more information, contact Anna Novak.