In this episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia speaks with Jeannine Bryant, a right sizing expert, about the challenges and emotional aspects of helping seniors transition to smaller living spaces. They discuss the concept of right sizing, the importance of planning, and when to seek professional help. Jeannine shares practical tips for decluttering, navigating family dynamics, and handling crisis situations, especially for those with memory issues. The conversation emphasizes the emotional journey involved in sorting through belongings and the importance of timing in the moving process, along with resources available for families.
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Takeaways
Right sizing is about finding the perfect balance in living space.
Planning ahead is crucial for a smooth transition.
Professional help can ease the burden of moving.
Emotional attachments to belongings can complicate downsizing.
Start the decluttering process early to avoid overwhelm.
Focus on keepsakes that bring joy and memories.
Family dynamics can create tension during the moving process.
Crisis situations require careful planning and support.
It's important to respect the wishes of the older adult.
Resources are available to assist families in the transition process.
Rightsizing expert Jeannine Bryant is the owner and CEO of Changing Spaces SRS, a senior move management company in Lincoln, Nebraska. She has helped provide rightsizing and relocation services to seniors since 2010. During that time, she has been actively involved in the downsizing and moving processes of thousands of older adults.
She is the author two books on the rightsizing process, Keep the Memories, Not the Stuff and Ready to Rightsize? A step-by-step guide to your rightsizing journey.
Keep the Memories, Not the Stuff is a helpful guide for anyone who has trouble letting go of keepsakes. This practical how-to will help readers gain a new perspective on life, love, memories, and our stuff. This book offers thoughtful insights into the grieving process, as well as practical tips and hands-on advice for letting go without the guilt.
Ready to Rightsize? A step-by-step guide to your rightsizing journey: For older adults and their loved ones is the essential guidebook to anyone undergoing a transition and moving to a smaller space. Jeannine prides herself on offering the kinds of practical tips and inspiration to get people motivated to start sorting through their belongings and undergoing their own rightsizing journey.
She provides free resources filled with downsizing tips for older adults on her website www.EasyRightsizing.com, including downloadable worksheets, books, and an online course to guide people through the downsizing process with ease.
Bryant has been featured on numerous podcasts and is a regular contributor on various TV news stations. Originally from North Dakota, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA and a Master of Arts degree from University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
Website: https://easyrightsizing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EasyRightsizing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easyrightsizing/
