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Senior Times - January 2025 Page 5%u2022 We%u2019re not-for-profit. We focus on people not profits.%u2022 We%u2019re one of the few financial institutions in the country that share our profits by paying our members an annual Cashback Rebate.%u2022 We%u2019re 100% local and committed to the betterment of our communities.%u2022 We%u2019ve been serving the residents of Southwest Michigan since 1951!Join OMNI Community Credit Union today!Federally insured by NCUAWITH THEGUYS!BANKGOOD LIVE, WORK, PLAY LOCALLY?(866)OMNI-WOWwww.omnicommunitycu.orgFederally insured by NCUA Equal HousingOpportunityFunded in whole, or in part, by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.The words may seem new but families, and companies, have been doing it for a long time. As we successfully make our way through the years we all discover that we may not need the space that we once did. Children grow into adults, work space demands change, hobbies change, or maybe travel and adventure has become a new priority. And that%u2019s the point. Over time priorities change and the place we call home should change alongside those priorities. Downsizing might not mean what you think. Most will assume that means that your home must change to a smaller footprint, which is not necessarily true. Look first at the priorities that are the reason for the change. It might mean that you are now experiencing a mobility issue and the furniture size and location should change to allow you to navigate in your home at reduced risk for injury. Your L-shaped couch that easily seats six may need to be downsized (or rightsized) to a couch that seats three comfortably. It might mean that living upstairs can be hazardous and you need to transition your living space to be at ground level, which opens the upstairs for a new purpose such as renters. Or maybe, the addition of a stairlift could be just what you need if you still desire to use this space. It might also mean that a bit a decluttering needs to occur as well. See the article starting on page 8 for tips on how to get started. Downsizing can also be referred to as rightsizing your home. Some may call it reorganizing or remodeling. If your desire is to stay in your current home then rightsizing what is in each room for your new needs matters. It goes well beyond your couch but also includes changing oversized furniture to something that allows for your ease of movement as well as for those who will be sharing your home. Consider the use of all your furniture, which could include your dining room table, desks, beds, dressers, end tables, and more. Each room of your home should be evaluated based on current needs but also consider needs five-ten years in the future. As you begin the process of rightsizing the items inside your home you might even discover that it is time for certain sentimental items to be shared with others. Rightsizing your current home for some may require remodeling considerations. Accessibility to spaces and surfaces that make completing daily activities possible could include lowering countertop heights; lowering access to cooking, refrigeration, dish washer, or laundry; lowering access to cabinets, closets, and storage space; raising access to plugs for electronics; adding supports for toileting and showering or possibly a walk-in shower; and much more. For others, raising countertop height may make it easier. Consider access to the home as well, which may require the addition of a ramp, but also widening door frames. While the list here is not exhaustive you may come to realize that rightsizing or downsizing may mean what many traditionally think of... A new home that has already considered all of your needs. A newly constructed home with these considerations in mind may be just what you need. For others, moving to a retirement or independent living community could be a great next step.If your decision to downsize is based on a reduced need for space then looking for a smaller home might be what makes you happier in your home. It is still important to consider current and future needs but also where family, friends, and favorite activities are located. Once a new home is secured the moving process can be made less stressful with a plan. Priorities about what you want to keep and what can go to others is important. Sort before you go. Consider what should move first such as beds and furniture that may need room for reconstruction. Identify boxes that should be opened first; most definitely toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, toiletries, bed sheets, medications, medical needs, and any other items critical to you. Last onto the truck is what comes off first. Ideally you can schedule the activities for moving over a period of time so that it%u2019s not as overwhelming. Once you%u2019ve made your decision the sorting process should begin, if not before. Use your pre-moving time wisely. Don%u2019t move something that will be going somewhere else. Move it out before that even happens. Whether downsizing and rightsizing mean reorganizing your home, remodeling your home, or moving to a new home your current and future needs should be the measure for change. RESOLVED TO RIGHTSIZE OR DOWNSIZE YOUR HOME?By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher