So often when downsizing people get incredibly independent. They don’t seek help and they expect that if people will offer if they want to help. Meanwhile when people do offer to help, the downsizer can’t think of anything the volunteers can do.

Does that sound like you or someone you know? The independent mindset and lack of direction for volunteers can be your downfall. It marks the difference between a smooth and simple transition and a hectic, stressful, and complicated one. So, you think, if it is that easy then why don’t you put your money where your mouth is! I hear you and I will do just that.

The First Step

First, recognize that you have strengths and weaknesses when it comes to preparing your home for sale, minimizing clutter, practicing the 3Ps (Pitch, Pack, and Pawn-Off), storing your things, and moving them to the new home. Now make a To-Do list. Consult back articles of the Senior Transitions series to get started.

Second, order the list into four tiers starting with things that need to be done first, second, third and fourth. Then ask yourself the following questions to divide up the list:

1. What do I have to do because no one else can?
2. What can I definitely not do by myself (ourselves)?
3. What jobs can be combined into a work-party?
4. What jobs can others do to be helpful?

Revisit the list and move as many things from the “Only I can do it” category to the “Jobs others can do” category.

The Daily or Stop-by Volunteers

Keep the list of jobs others can do on a clipboard so that people can come over, pick a job, and cross it off when complete. Be as specific on the job list as possible so that your volunteers don’t have to pull you away from your work.

Planning for the Big Day

Now plan for one or two parties. The first party will be a packing party, the second a moving party. The packing party will take place while you are readying your home for sale. I have found that the simplest way to plan the party is by assigning one to two people to each room. Provide them with boxes, index cards for labeling box contents, tape, and packaging for fragile items.

Set up a checklist of duties for each room that includes packing and cleaning. Be specific so that your volunteers don’t pack up things you will need while the home is on the market.

An alternative to a checklist (that I have also used successfully) is attaching sticky-note signs to things. Don’t forget to indicate those things that can be thrown away or given away (you dont want those to be packed up with the things you are keeping and moving).

While your work party is there, make sure you use them to do the heavy lifting and hauling - a crucial job to be delegated. If you are going to rent a portable storage unit (and I recommend that) make sure it is in place before your party so that your volunteers can carry things out and store them for you.

Use your volunteers to take donated items away as well.

Make it a party!

• Be clear when you invite people that there will be fun and food!
• Offer a prize for the volunteer who brings the most other volunteers
• Furnish refreshments
• Plan friendly competitions and have silly prizes (like the things you want to give away!)
• Play music
• Introduce volunteers to one another and encourage them to partner up with people they don’t know well.
• Have a take-away table so volunteers can get rewards and you can get rid of things (extra pots and pans, rarely used kitchenware, knick knacks,  vases, half-used bags of potting soil - people find value in almost everything).
• Interupt the day for a buffet type meal-nothing fancy.
• Finish at the predetermined time (10:00am to 4:00pm for example).
• If the activities above make your head spin and you can feel the rising anxiety as you read them, get help. Your Realtor, a professional organizer, a friend who is more objective and organized than you are.

My final words of wisdom address a temptation you may have. I have worked with many peoplw who look around the house and can not find anything that an outsider can do. I urge you to rethink that attitude if you have it. There are many many activities that can be taken on by friends. If you can’t separate yourself enough to identify them find someone who can.

Until then, keep on track, take little bites, celebrate your accomplishments and start inviting those volunteers!