Moving into a senior living community is a big life change. Whether you’re preparing for your own move or helping a parent, one thing becomes clear very quickly: you can’t bring everything with you.
This guide will help you figure out what’s worth keeping, what’s better to digitize, and what you can confidently let go of. It’s not just about saving space—it’s about preserving the memories that matter most.
🗂️ What to Digitize Before the Move
Digitizing gives you access to things you care about—without taking up physical space. Once scanned, these items can be saved to a computer, tablet, or even a digital photo frame for easy viewing.
Good candidates for digitizing:
- Loose family photos and photo albums
- Important documents (wills, military records, legal forms, home deeds)
- Handwritten letters, postcards, and notes
- Family recipes
- Children’s or grandchildren’s artwork
- Newspaper clippings, awards, and memorabilia
If you’re helping someone move into memory care, digitizing family photos can also be used to create a printed photo book or slideshow. It’s an easy way to bring comfort and familiarity into a new space.
📦 What to Physically Keep (Even in a Small Space)
Not everything should be digital. A few carefully chosen physical items can help maintain a sense of home and identity.
Keep these with you:
- One small photo album or a few framed pictures
- A favorite piece of artwork or decoration
- A cozy blanket, quilt, or small heirloom
- A labeled file folder with current legal, health, and financial paperwork
- Medications, medical devices, and everyday tech (tablet, phone, headphones)
📌 Tip: Prioritize items that are used regularly or offer emotional comfort. A single special object often means more than a shelf full of “just-in-case” items.
🗃️ What to Let Go Of (Without Guilt)
Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. A move is an opportunity to release items that no longer serve a purpose, especially when you have a digital backup.
Time to part with:
- Duplicates (like sets of dishes, mugs, or towels)
- Bulky furniture that won’t fit in the new space
- Decorations with no strong emotional tie
- Manuals, paperwork, and receipts that are available online
- Clothing that no longer fits, or won’t be worn in the new setting
📷 If something feels hard to let go of, take a photo first. You can save it in a “Memory Items” folder for safekeeping.
📱 How to Digitize (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
Digitizing doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few easy ways to start:
Use your phone:
- iPhones: Use the Notes app → New Note → Camera → Scan Document
- Android: Use Google PhotoScan or Microsoft Lens for photos and documents
Hire a local service:
If you have boxes of items, I can help. I scan, organize, and label everything into easy-to-navigate folders you can access on any device.
Save and share:
Use a flash drive, Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox to store and share files with family members.
🧭 Make the Move Smoother with These Tips
- Start early. Give yourself time—it’s easier to make decisions without pressure.
- Work in sections. One drawer, one box, or one shelf at a time.
- Digitize as you go. Each item you scan is one less thing you need to pack or store.
- Involve family. But also set boundaries—this is your story to preserve.
💡 Try This Quick Starter Task
Today, pick one of these and complete it:
- Find 10 photos you want to digitize
- Empty one small drawer or memory box
- Make a list of documents you’d like to have scanned
- Call a family member and ask if they’d like copies of your recipes, letters, or photos
Even a small step can bring peace of mind.
Your Story Still Belongs to You
Downsizing isn’t about erasing your past—it’s about choosing how to carry it with you into the future. With the right mix of digital and physical keepsakes, you can create a living archive that fits your new space while honoring your full life story.
And if you’d like help with scanning or organizing, that’s what I do. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
This post is part of the Digital Organization Series, where I walk you through everything you need to know about scanning, organizing, and managing your digital files. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your system, you can explore the full series here: DIY Series.
Lalistyle Studios 