Bruce Nemovitz

Overwhelmed' the word I hear most when I first meet with my clients. The thought of moving can bring about feelings of anxiety and fear. I just met with a wonderful woman, who has been living alone for 3 years. When I walked in and sat down, she had the look of a deer in headlights! Do you have those same fears and anxieties when thinking of a move after many years in your home?

My mission is to bring calm to the storm. Information is the best way to begin the process of letting go of the very negative emotions associated with a move. Downsizing is one of the most challenging aspects of a move. There are two factors involved with letting go of the 'stuff'. First is the thought process of making up one's mind to part with items that have not been used in the last year. Second is the honest look at one's limitations both physically and mentally. Ask yourself, can you stand on a ladder with balance, can you stand for long periods without pain, and do you have breathing problems? Are stairs a problem? These and many other questions about one's current health situation are critical when thinking about downsizing. In most cases, the overwhelming feelings about moving and the anxiety associated with it are due to the lack of planning and the idea that we can do it ourselves!

Get help! When asked by family or friends if they can lesson your load in the moving process, your answer should always be yes! There are also many services ready to assist and even do the entire move for you. These fledging companies are a needed service for so many folks who cannot physically pack, sort, lift, sell, donate, and move by themselves. These companies work by the hour, and will give you an estimate for the entire move. They will even go to your new home and unpack for you. That is full service! We have a list of the reputable packing companies, as well as movers and other services you will need.

When I go into the home of one who has lived there for many years, I break the process down to easy and understandable steps so that one is not overwhelmed by the entire process. Focus on each step, and know that help is a phone call away. It may make sense to take a very small portion of your selling proceeds and pay for a service that will make your move easy, and keep you out of the hospital!