February 28, 2025
Moving to a Senior Living community is an exciting new chapter, but it can feel a bit overwhelming. Many seniors wonder how they'll manage the transition, especially when faced with a lifetime of possessions they've accumulated. Downsizing is a powerful way to simplify the transition and sets the stage for a stress-free start. At Royal Oaks, we support new residents in this journey, so we’re excited to welcome downsizing expert Matt Paxton, known from the television show Hoarders, to share insights from his new book in a special event on campus. Keep reading for a few downsizing tips and more details on this upcoming event.
Moving to a new home in a senior living community can feel like a monumental task, but downsizing is a smart way to smooth the transition. Getting rid of belongings you no longer want or need lets you create a space that works for the next chapter of your life and helps you focus on what truly matters. Clearing out extra clutter also helps reduce stress, providing a smoother transition to a more manageable and comfortable living space. By only holding on to your most meaningful possessions, you pave the way for a fresh start that makes moving more organized and less overwhelming.
Downsizing can save you money and energy every day. By reducing your belongings, you’ll spend less money on upkeep, maintenance and storage costs. In addition to the monetary savings, you cut down on the time required to take care of these items, freeing up more hours in your day to enjoy everything your new community offers.
Parting with unwanted items may also offer financial gains. Many seniors find that selling or donating items they no longer use can bring extra cash or tax benefits. It’s a practical way to lighten your load while potentially boosting your finances. Best of all, a right-sized home designed for convenience makes everyday life easier.
Matt Paxton, a top downsizing and decluttering expert, suggests keeping only items that spark joy and serve a real purpose in your life. He recommends starting small by tackling one area — a single room, a closet or even a drawer — and working through it a little at a time. This approach makes the process more manageable and even fun as you rediscover memories and decide what truly belongs in your new home.
Don’t be afraid to lean on family, friends or a professional organizer. Getting support turns the task into a collaborative project that may prompt unexpected laughter and shared stories.
Matt also has some clever advice when it comes to donating. Before you donate clothes, electronics or books, think about whether the nonprofit you’re sending it to can use it.
No matter how you discard unwanted items, always look for money or important notes hidden in pockets or pages. He suggests selling items with value that you don’t want and donating cash to nonprofits instead of items they can’t get rid of.
If you’d like even more tips from Matt Paxton, he’ll be appearing at Royal Oaks on March 13, 2025, for a free, humor-filled downsizing presentation. Matt hosts the hit shows Filthy Fortunes on Discovery and Legacy List with Matt Paxton on PBS, has been an extreme cleaner on Hoarders for 15 seasons and is the author of Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff. He’ll share five practical tips to right-size your lifestyle without stress, with a Q&A session to follow. Seating is limited, so be sure to save your spot today.
At Royal Oaks, our community is all about making your move as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Our homes, villas and apartments are thoughtfully designed for ease and comfort, with natural flows and layouts to maximize space and function. They also include advanced smart-home and security technologies to blend with the elegant aesthetics that make your new home welcoming.
Our community is just as warm and welcoming to help new residents feel at home the moment they arrive. Like our upcoming downsizing presentation with Matt Paxton, we offer plenty of resources and events to help guide you along the way to support a seamless transition to our Life Plan Community in Sun City, Arizona.
Downsizing is a positive step toward a more fulfilling, stress-free lifestyle. It clears the way for a home that truly reflects your personality and makes everyday living easier. When you let go of the unnecessary, you make room for what really matters.
Don't miss Matt Paxton's expert advice — join us at Royal Oaks for this special event! His practical tips and down-to-earth insights will inspire you to right-size your life without the stress. Want to hear about other exciting events? Contact us at 623-208-6621 to learn more about our vibrant community and the many events we host
