By Cheryl Farkas

As we move through time, it’s noticeable that each generation has a statement to make about possessions and what that means to them.

Moving from “the person with the most toys wins,” to “reducing your carbon footprint” is quite a change, as certified Senior Move Managers know very well. Downsizing a home involves shedding belongings; it’s the emotions associated with belongings that are difficult to shed.

Most people don’t downsize because of guilt, feeling they are responsible for family heirlooms, pictures, items related to family traditions and history. Most of these items are just stored and don’t serve a purpose.

Plan ahead, mostly for the unexpected emotions that go along with your possessions.

• Start finding family members who want these heirlooms.

• Identify objects that just take up space and ask yourself if you can live without them.

• Go through each room asking yourself if you would buy that item new today.

• When was an item used last or do you keep it just in case you might need it?

• Does it have sentimental value, or is it valuable? What is its value today?

More than just a moving company, “Home To Home” can take you through this transition and help you with these difficult decisions. Whether moving or downsizing, Home to Home makes it as stress-free as possible. Its organizational experts and designers can help you sort through a houseful of personal possessions, heirlooms and collectibles.

Jos Jansen, the owner, says “We, as a company, do it ourselves. We have our own employees and moving truck. We do not outsource our moves or downsizing projects as many senior move managers do.”

By offering a floor plan service to evaluate how the dimensions of furniture and household goods will fit into your new location, Home to Home can help with what doesn’t fit. They can ship items to family, sell your extra items at an estate or tag sale, take them to a consignment store, discard or donate them to a charity of your choice.

Home to Home does free home assessments. You’ll have a healthier, lighter, guilt-free lifestyle with less stuff to clean and store.

Jos Jansen, a certified Senior Move Manager and owner of Home to Home in Guilford, along with the experienced staff, graciously tends to the needs of their clients. For more information on home transitioning, call 919-386-9761, email info@hometohomeguilford.com or visit www.hometohomeguilford.com.