Need Help Breaking Up With Your Sole Mates?
Let us help you make it through breaking up with your sole mates quickly and easily. Let’s pair this task down…
1. Take a quick pass thru your shoe collection and pull any shoes that are torn, worn and in bad condition.
Put them in a trash bag.
2. Next, get a box for donation and take a second pass through your shoe collection and pull any types of shoes that you can no longer comfortably wear or that are unstable or unsafe for you to wear.
Put them in your donation box. They may be:
- Heels
- Wedges
- Flip Flops
- Lace-ups
- Stiff-soled shoes
- Sling backs
3. Next, consider this: It’s not realistic to think that you will only keep the shoes that you will wear every day. Why? Because you may need a pair of each of the following to put in your Keepers pile:
- Dress shoes
- Tennis shoes or comfortable walking shoes
- Slippers or slip-ons that you wear around the house
4. Next, honestly look at your shoe collection and pull any shoes that you have not worn in a year. You may have loved them at the store, but found out after wearing them that they are completely uncomfortable. Resist the urge to hang on to them.
Put them in your donation box. Maybe someone else’s feet will enjoy them!
5. Take one last look at the shoes you have left. Any shoes with a layer of dust on them and in good condition are candidates for the donate box.
Be honest with yourself: You don’t want to keep shoes that you never wear even if you like them. They will just keep reminding you that you are not wearing them or that you can’t wear them!
6. Immediately take the bags of shoes that are going to the trash out and put them in the trash.
7. Immediately take the boxes of shoes that are to be donated and put them in your car so that the next time you’re out, you can drop them off.
8. Arrange the shoes you are keeping in your closet so that they are easy to see what you have and easy to reach them to put them on.
Ok, so now, you have successfully made it through breaking up with the real heels in your life and you can enjoy time with your true sole mates!
If you are downsizing or getting ready to move to a Senior Community – whether it’s a House, Independent or Assisted Living Community, give us a call at 602-620-9941 for a free consultation to discuss how Arizona Senior Moving can help you through this most important senior move.
Self-Care Tips for Senior Moving
Moving can be a daunting task for anyone, but for seniors, it can be particularly challenging. The physical and emotional stress of packing up a lifetime of memories and relocating to a new home can take a toll. However, with the right self-care tips, seniors can navigate the moving process more smoothly and ensure their well-being throughout. In this article, we will explore essential self-care tips for senior moving that can make the transition easier and more comfortable.
Moving is a significant life event that requires careful planning and consideration, especially for seniors. It’s essential to prioritize self-care during this time to minimize stress and promote overall well-being. From physical preparation to emotional support, there are several key aspects to consider when it comes to senior moving. Let’s dive into some effective self-care tips that seniors can incorporate into their moving process.
Self Care Tips for Senior Moving
Moving involves various tasks, decisions, and emotions. It’s crucial for seniors to take care of themselves throughout this period to ensure a smooth transition. Here are some practical self-care tips for senior moving:
1. Start Early and Plan Ahead
Moving requires careful planning, especially for seniors. Start the preparation process well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Create a detailed moving checklist, outlining tasks such as sorting belongings, packing, notifying relevant parties, and arranging transportation. Having a plan in place will help alleviate anxiety and ensure a more organized move.
2. Enlist Help from Family and Friends
Don’t hesitate to reach out to loved ones for support. Moving can be physically demanding, and having a helping hand can make a world of difference. Whether it’s packing, lifting heavy items, or emotional support, family and friends can provide valuable assistance throughout the moving process.
3. Declutter and Downsize
Moving presents an excellent opportunity to declutter and downsize belongings. Seniors can go through their possessions and determine what to keep, donate, or discard. Downsizing can make the moving process more manageable and also help create a fresh and organized living space in the new home.
4. Seek Professional Moving Services
Consider hiring professional movers who specialize in assisting seniors like Arizona Senior Moving. We have experience handling delicate items and can provide extra care during the packing and transportation process. Professional movers like Arizona Senior Moving can also alleviate physical strain and ensure the safety of belongings.
5. Stay Organized with Labeling
Labeling boxes and containers is essential for efficient unpacking. Clearly mark each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This labeling system will save time and effort when settling into the new home. Additionally, it will prevent confusion and frustration during the unpacking process. Ask us about our unique and efficient system of packing your belongings so they arrive safely and so that we can put them away for you quickly.
6. Take Breaks and Rest
Moving can be physically exhausting, so it’s crucial for seniors to take regular breaks and rest as needed. Overexertion can lead to fatigue and increased risk of injury. Pace yourself throughout the moving process and listen to your body’s needs.
At Arizona Senior Moving Company, we only move seniors. We are passionate about helping you have a peaceful move.
Small Ways to Personalize Your Senior Living Apartment
Moving into a Senior Living Apartment can be an exciting but strange time in your life. You’re not alone if you feel like your apartment isn’t quite yours yet. Adding your personality to the home can help you acclimate and warm up to your new life. And doing so doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money or time. Instead, use the suggestions below to spruce up your new home with minimal effort and money.
Add fresh plants
Head to a local garden store or grocery store and choose a bouquet of your favorite flowers or a new potted plant with lush greenery. Natural pops of color can make any room feel more inviting, and a bouquet placed on the kitchen island or counter or the table can cheer up your space. Plants can draw attention to central areas or fill in empty spaces. Plus, flowers make for a great conversation starter with guests.
Accent a wall
While you may not be used to the layout of your new home yet, an accent wall can help you solidify the flow of an area and add layers of your personality. There are a few avenues to choose from when it comes to accent walls: you can have maintenance paint them, strategically place a favorite piece of furniture as a focal point for the wall, or hang a large picture or picture grouping to create an accent wall.
Clean with your favorite products
Everyone’s home has a distinct smell. Typically, your home will take on the scent of the cleaning products you use. Most people don’t recognize their home’s scent, but if the smell of your new home feels strange and unfamiliar, dust your furniture with your favorite furniture polish, quickly wipe the counters with your favorite cleaner or dish soap and rag and spray your favorite air freshener or place fragrance plugins in a few outlets and you’ll notice how much more familiar and cozy every room feels.
Customize your storage
Finding a place for your belongings is a big step you can take to make your new place feel like home. From hooks by the front door to self-closing drawers and under-bed storage, think through each room in your home and how you can make it more functional.
Hang a photo wall
Display or hang your favorite photos of your family, friends, and pets on a wall where you can enjoy them. Keep them in the frames or pick new frames that match your color scheme.
Decorate the front door and add some decorations
Impress your guests by hanging a wreath on your door. Some communities allow for decorations such as plaques or figurines next to your front door. Display things to spruce up your front door and express who you are. It will help you find your apartment and introduce you to your neighborsIf y.
Spruce up an outdoor space
If you have a patio, it’s important to create a space for chatting and relaxing. Invest in comfortable chairs that will still give you plenty of space to easily maneuver your patio. A small side table or two is all that you need on your porch if your space is limited. Senior Communities often have large outdoor patios that are centrally located with comfortable seating so that you can enjoy the outdoors. Don’t take your large patio furniture for your small patio or porch, enjoy the benefits your Senior Community provides with their larger outdoor seating areas. This can encourage you to spend time getting fresh air and decompressing from your big move. Plus, it’s a great way to chat with neighbors passing by and have a safe social distancing location to enjoy a few drinks and snacks with them.
By making these changes, you can turn your new Senior Assisted Living Apartment into a home quickly and easily. Arizona Senior Moving can help you with all these ideas on your move-in day!
Top 7 Reasons Seniors Downsize
Like many things in life, there are no courses or manuals for making some of its most important decisions. Whether they’re emotional or financially driven, or a combination of both, sometimes you just have to go with your gut. And while there’s no easy answer, recognizing your motivations for downsizing can help you make the final decision on whether it’s time to stay or go.
Financial stability: Are you retired or experiencing financial hardships? Have your monthly expenses increased over the years due to the escalation in the cost of living? If so, this may be an opportune time to downsize, especially If you’re feeling a financial crunch. Selling your home for a smaller, lesser expensive place can help you to save money, reduce your monthly expenses, and possibly increase your disposable income.
Home equity: If you’ve owned your home for several years, there’s likely a lot of equity, particularly with the rise in home prices over the past few years. This may be a great reason to sell as you can use the proceeds from the sale to downsize and have some cash left over to add to your nest egg.
Homeownership: Are you tired of being a homeowner and no longer want the responsibilities of the upkeep or ongoing expense? Whether it’s due to financial, physical, or other circumstances, it may be a good time to discuss selling and explore rental options or consider a Senior Living Community.
Home upkeep: Having less maintenance is often the key reason for downsizing. Not only can it be costly, but it can also be dangerous. For example, if you’re older and have to climb on your roof to clean the gutters, you may be putting yourself at risk of a serious fall. If you’re beginning to feel overwhelmed with your home’s upkeep, it may be a good time to consider a downsizing move.
Life changes: Unexpected major life-changing events, such as divorce or the death of a spouse or partner or an illnes or injury, may require you to make some changes, both in your financial life and your lifestyle. They may even be the catalyst for making your final decision to downsize.
Lifestyle: Have you aged out of your neighborhood? Are you an empty nester and your home now feels lonely or too big for you? If so, it may be time to consider downsizing to a smaller home and into a community that makes sense for you. There are many options in the Phoenix and Sun City area for Active Adult Communities and Senior Communities that match your financial and lifestyle needs with other like-minded people.
Proximity to family: Your adult children and grandchildren may not live close to you anymore and chances are you want to be in closer proximity to them. Whether you’re retired or still in the workforce and able to work remotely, it may be the right time to sell and downsize.
If you’ve decided to begin the downsizing process, be thorough in your research—the options are endless. Whether your motivations have to do with a lifestyle change, lower cost of living, or health challenges, be sure to contact Arizona Senior Moving to assist you in your downsizing adventure “Home upkeep: Having less maintenance is often the key reason for downsizing.” “Life changes: Unexpected major life-changing events, such as divorce or the death of a spouse or partner, may require you to make some changes, both in your financial life and your lifestyle.” .
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How To Be In The Top 15% of Women With Your Shoe Collection
“According to a recent study by ShopSmart magazine, the average American woman owns 19 pairs of shoes, with 15% of women owning 30 or more pairs. How did I compare? Surely, not being a shoe person, I should be safe. So I counted the shoes in my closet. After about a dozen boots, 10 pairs of flats, and an assortment of wedges, pumps and sandals, I was fast approaching a total of 30 – and the prospect of officially being a “shoe girl.” Dreading this harsh reality, I simply skipped over several pairs of shoes that I intend to throw out at some point soon (just not today; I might need them!). Then I realized maybe I was – gulp – one of them. I had too many shoes” (Blake, 2008).
Sound familiar?
You open your closet, the prospect of moving to your new apartment in a senior community you’ve chosen motivating you to start packing and sorting through your belongings, only to be intimidated by the very first thing you see: Your shoe collection.
Shelf after shelf, stack after stack, shoes piled everywhere. Heels, flats, sneakers, and boots.
You lose count around fifty pairs, overwhelmed by the sheer amount of footwear you accumulated over the years.
Congratulations! You’re in the top 15% of women with a shoe collection!
So, intimidated by the prospect of having to sort through your shoes alone and struggling to choose the best pairs to take? Call Arizona Senior Moving Company! Our team of ladies will help you not only sort through your shoes, but also pack and organize the rest of your house so that you have as peaceful of a move as possible.
Operation Declutter
What words would you use to describe your home? If you said peaceful, clean, inviting, or organized, congratulations—it sounds like you’ve cracked the declutter code. If you said chaotic, overwhelming, or messy, let’s chat. Of course, it’s perfectly natural for your home to alternate through phases of clean and cluttered; we’re human, after all. Here are some strategies for streamlining your space.
ENTRYWAY: Establish a landing area for your keys, wallet, purse, and shoes. A console table with a small bowl can hold keys, or a tiny hook in the wall will suffice if the space is small. If you don’t have a coat closet, install coat hooks along one wall and slide a shoe rack underneath it.
KITCHEN: Let the decanting begin! Choose some jars of various sizes to hold grains, nuts, seeds, pasta, and flour. To store smaller amounts, you can save money by soaking off the labels of pasta sauce or pickle jars. This will not only make your pantry look more cohesive but also make it much easier to know what you need at the grocery store to replenish your supplies.
LIVING ROOM: One word: curate. Pretend you are staging your living room as if it were an Airbnb. How do you want guests to feel in the space? What could you get rid of to make the room more livable and inviting? If you’re holding onto knickknacks solely out of guilt, give yourself permission to toss them.
BEDROOM: Are you overwhelmed by the amount of clothing in your closet? Consider a capsule wardrobe of thirty coordinated pieces that will make getting ready for the day much simpler. Try designating a “maybe” bin if you have trouble being decisive. If you don’t miss the items of clothing in the bin after a few days, you know it’s time to donate them.
BATHROOM: Change your habitat instead of your habits. If your dirty clothes always find their way onto the bathroom floor, move your laundry hamper into the bathroom. Do you have half-full bottles of shampoo that you used and didn’t like or face masks gifted to you by well-meaning friends? To paraphrase Elsa from Frozen, “Let them go!”
Think of decluttering as a journey and not a destination. It’s a constant process of assessing your habits and establishing systems, like taking out the trash every Tuesday or hanging up three shirts before going to bed. Instagram is a great resource if you are someone who likes to follow a plan. Search #declutterchallenge for weeklong, monthlong, or even yearlong strategies. Or commit to a “no-buy month” (other than essentials) and get to the root of your motivation to accumulate. Go forth and declutter!
Easy Tortellini Spinach Soup Recipe
This easy soup recipe is from Taste of Home. A simple, but flavorful soup that will provide savory warmth in these cold days of winter. Fast and easy, all you need is a large pot and you are good to go!
Ingredients
16 frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs (about 1 pound)
1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 32 ounce cartons chicken stock
2 cups frozen cheese tortellini (about 8 ounces)
3 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 4 cups)
Shredded Parmesan cheese, optional
Directions:
1. Place the first 5 ingredients in a 6-qt. stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 10 minutes.
2. Return to a boil. Add tortellini; cook, uncovered, until meatballs are heated through and tortellini are tender, 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in spinach until wilted. Serve immediately. If desired, top with cheese.
Can be made and frozen in single serve freezer containers. To keep the tortellini from over cooking, simply wait to add the tortellini until you reheat your frozen soup and cook for 3-5 minutes.
Easy Marshmallow Snowman
Now you can bring the snowman enjoyment inside—for both kids and adults—with this recipe for a marshmallow snowman! Put him together and rest him on top of your hot chocolate or latte for a fun added touch to a warm winter’s drink.
Ingredients
Instructions:
- Break 1 pretzel stick into 4 pieces: 3 equal pieces and one small piece. Keep the small piece for later, and use the 3 larger pieces to attach the 3 marshmallows together, angling the bottom 2 so that the marshmallows sit.
- Break the other 2 pretzel sticks in half. Put 2 pieces in the sides of the middle marshmallow to make arms, and put the other 2 in the bottom marshmallow as legs.
- Put the small pretzel in the middle of the top marshmallow as the nose, and use the black gel to make the eyes, mouth, and buttons. Your marshmallow man is ready to take a refreshing float atop your latte!
Staging Your Gingerbread House
The gingerbread house has been a popular culinary treat for centuries, but it didn’t become wildly popular until it was incorporated into a certain Grimm’s fairy tale in the 1800s.
For the past few centuries, however, it has become a resource for holiday creativity for young and old alike. Much like selling a real home, the challenge becomes: How can you stage yours so it stands out from the crowd? With these seven sensational tips, using common edible foods, you can make your house the talk of the town!
Put up walls
Make the walls out of something unique, like graham crackers or pretzel logs. (Or, if you want to save time, start with a pre-made gingerbread house kit.)
Raise the roof
As you know, roofs have to be made to last, so use royal icing to apply various cereals for a sturdy, more realistic-looking roof.
Rock the house
Use chocolate rocks for a stone fireplace or as an accent to the bottom of the home.
Go green
Add some fresh outdoor scenery: wrap fresh rosemary around a waffle cone to make a tree, or tie together in a circle shape for a wreath.
Have a stick-up
Pretzels are versatile as a snack—and as an accessorizing tool. Create shutters, a fence, and a bench with pretzel sticks, and use them as a stack of extra firewood.
Walk(way) this way
The path leading to a house makes an important first impression. Make yours impressive by cutting strips of cinnamon gum and arranging them into a pattern to create a brick walkway.
Let it snow
Add a wintry finishing touch by sprinkling a little coconut on your scene.
