D and J, my commitment was to ensure you felt supported and confident every step of the way, so you could make decisions on your terms and timeline- and I’m so grateful to hear that this was achieved! Thank you for your thoughtful Google review. “We recently downsized and completely changed our lifestyle and community, which was a big life change.  Janet was wonderful at understanding our goals and needs to ensure that it was a success and things went smoothly, on a tight timeline.  She is a wonderful realtor and human, using an efficient and effective balance of new technology / tools, combined with a traditional work ethic and class. She was very responsive, engaged, intuitive and just a joy to work with.  You can tell she enjoys this work and is excellent at it.  Janet delivers what she commits to and more.”

If you want to throw your or your parents into a state of disbelief, I suggest offering to look up how much their/your antiques are worth. Unfortunately for most of them, not much. (The valuable items are always a surprise! (Sign up to receive our e newsletter, HOME with HELM where our next issue shares more on that topic.) Downsizing—or, as many of you know, I prefer to call it "Rightsizing"—can be a bittersweet process. Letting go of items that hold sentimental value, like family antiques, can be especially challenging—especially if your family or friends aren’t interested in taking them. But don’t worry! There are plenty of meaningful and creative ways to rehome or repurpose your cherished belongings. Here are some ideas to ensure your family antiques and other items find a new home where they’ll be appreciated:

1. Donate to Historical Societies or Museums If your antique has historical or cultural significance, reach out to local historical societies or museums. They often welcome items that help preserve a story of the past and can keep your heirloom in good condition for future generations to enjoy.

2. Sell to Collectors or Antique Shops Collectors and antique dealers may be interested in your items, especially if they’re rare or have historical value. Take time to research or get your piece appraised so you can find the right buyer. This approach not only rehomes your item but can also provide a financial benefit.  Ask me for my list of appraisers. Some of my clients have had great success on Facebook Marketplace. You’ll need to be a little tech savvy and patient and open to dealing directly with the public. 

3. Gift to Someone Who Will Appreciate It If your kids or close friends aren’t interested, think outside your immediate circle. Perhaps a niece, nephew, or distant relative would cherish the piece. Alternatively, you might know a friend or neighbour who has admired it over the years. Bring up the topic and let people know you are looking for good homes for some of your pieces. You’d be surprised how fast word gets around!

4. Organize a Community Swap or Auction Host a small gathering where you and your friends exchange items you no longer need. A community auction could also be fun—where proceeds can go to charity. This way, your antiques may end up with someone who truly values them, while benefiting a good cause. This takes time and is a lot of work, yet can be fun!

5. Contribute to Local Theatre Groups Theatres often seek unique items to use as props or set pieces. Your antiques might become a star on the stage, living a new life in the spotlight! 

6 Donate to Charities or Second-Hand Shops Church thrift stores, and other charitable organizations often accept antique and other donations. Even though your children might not want the piece, another family might be thrilled to add it to their home.

7. Document the History Before parting with your special pieces, take the time to document its story. Write down its origin, significance, and any special memories associated with it. Whether you pass this along with the item or keep it in your family records, it’s a way to honour the item’s legacy.

8. Consider Professional Auctions For highly valuable or rare antiques, explore professional auction houses. These services can help ensure your item finds a buyer who appreciates its worth, and you may earn a significant return. 

9. Embrace Letting Go Finally, remember that rightsizing is about creating space for the future while honouring the past. Parting with an antique or item doesn’t erase its meaning or the memories tied to it. Focus on the joy it will bring to its next owner.

Whether it’s finding a new owner, breathing new life into an old piece, or using it to support a cause you care about, there are countless ways to honour your family antiques and items as you move into the next chapter of your life.

If you’ve had success with passing items on, I’d love to hear your story. 

As we age, many of us want to stay in our homes for as long as possible—a desire to remain in familiar surroundings, maintain independence, and preserve the comforts of our space. It’s important to acknowledge that it requires ongoing effort, particularly when it comes to maintaining the home itself if you live in a detached home more so, than a strata style home. Unfortunately, many older adults struggle with home upkeep due to physical limitations, or simply where to go for trusted professionals and this can lead to safety risks and increased stress. And yet, these are precisely the kinds of chores that must be taken care of to ensure that your home remains a safe, comfortable, and secure place to live. A well-maintained home is not only important for your safety but also contributes to its resale value should you decide to move later on.

Why Home Maintenance Matters for Seniors

There are several reasons why maintaining your home is especially important as you age:

1. Safety: Simple tasks like clearing ice from walkways or fixing broken handrails can prevent accidents that could lead to serious injuries, like falls. 85 % of senior hospital visits are due to a fall! Winter weather poses additional risks, especially when ice and snow make walking treacherous. Keeping gutters clean, and maintaining your heating system also help protect against potential hazards that could arise.

2. Comfort: Aging often comes with increased sensitivity to temperature and environmental conditions. A well-maintained home—one with properly sealed windows, functioning heat, and a good ventilation system—provides a more comfortable living environment. No one wants to be dealing with a drafty house or a heating system that stops working in the middle of winter.

3. Resale Value: Even if you plan to stay in your home for the long term, it’s worth keeping it in good condition for future resale. A well-kept home retains its value and may be more attractive to potential buyers should you decide to move, whether due to health reasons, lifestyle changes, or family needs.

4. Peace of Mind: Living in a home that’s in disrepair or feeling overwhelmed by the tasks you can’t manage can be stressful. Having a plan in place and help on hand can alleviate that burden.

Winter Is Coming: Seasonal Tasks for Home Maintenance

As we enter the colder months, it's important to think about the seasonal chores that will need to be done. These tasks may seem small, but they can be physically demanding and, if not handled properly, can lead to dangerous situations. 

The Importance of Having a Support Crew!

Many seniors end up struggling because they either don’t have the physical ability to perform necessary home maintenance tasks or they don’t have reliable, affordable help. While some are hesitant to ask for assistance or are unsure where to find trustworthy help, it's important to build a crew of reliable, professional helpers who can assist with both regular upkeep and seasonal tasks. This is where at HELM, the concept of "building your crew" becomes essential. Having a trusted group of family, neighbours, or professionals to assist with various tasks is crucial. Whether it’s regular house cleaning, yard work, snow removal, or more specialized needs like plumbing or electrical work, the peace of mind that comes from knowing help is available can be invaluable.

Get the Help You Need
For those who may be unsure where to start, resources are available to help connect you with reputable, like-minded professionals. One such resource is Janet HELM, who offers a comprehensive list of trusted, local professionals who specialize in everything from home winterization to snow removal. Our resource list includes vetted professionals who are known for their reliability and fair pricing, making it easier for seniors to access the support they need without feeling overwhelmed.

Don’t Wait Until the First Snowfall
Proactive planning is key. Start early, reach out to family members or neighbours, and consider contacting a few professionals to get quotes and schedule any necessary work in advance. The earlier you act, the less expensive and stressful it will be when the cold weather hits, and the more likely you’ll be able to avoid any last-minute emergencies and costly repairs! 

Aging in place requires effort, planning, and support. By keeping your home in good repair, staying ahead of seasonal maintenance tasks, and building a trusted crew of helpers, you can reduce risks, increase your comfort, and ensure your home remains a safe haven as you grow older.

Does the thought of downsizing feel manageable? You’re not alone! Janet Helm Real Estate Services is here to help simplify the process. I’m excited to invite you to our upcoming FREE seminar,  Downsizing Made Easier on January 15, 2025  at 3:30-5pm, at the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre where I’ll share step-by-step how to tackle downsizing with confidence. Free refreshments will be served! To register call Janet directly at 604 730 2600 or email info@janethelm.com or call the Seniors Centre 604 925 7280 

Why Attend? 

Join Realtor® Janet Helm, a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), an expert in downsizing and transitions as she shares:

• Expert Advice:  Insights into the Real Estate Market. Strategies to ensure your home sells for top dollar. 

• Practical Tips: Real strategies to manage every step of the downsizing process.

• Real-Life Stories:  Real life experiences. How to avoid common challenges.

• Interactive Q&A: A chance to get answers to your specific questions.

In this seminar, ideal for older adults, their family, power of attorneys, executors- you’ll learn how to turn downsizing from an overwhelming, where to start challenge into a manageable step by step process allowing you to make decisions on your terms and timeline and with confidence. 

“I’m dedicated to helping you make informed and comfortable decisions about downsizing or as I like to call it, rightsizing! It’s a valuable opportunity to get all your questions answered so you can plan your next steps with confidence. I am looking forward to meeting you.” Janet

As we age, it’s easy to fall into routines and stay in our comfort zones, but staying social and tapping into your creativity are some of the best ways to keep life vibrant and fulfilling. Maintaining relationships and spending time with others is essential to a senior’s emotional and mental well-being. Here’s an opportunity to do just that!SAVE THE DATE! 
Join me at The Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver for a special Meet Me at the Gallery on Wednesday, December 4 at 10 AM! Enjoy a sneak peek into the 2025 exhibition program with Audain Chief Curator, Monika Szewczyk, followed by a festive holiday tea, live music, and fun prizes! Meet Me at the Gallery is a daytime art program that brings older adults together in a vibrant, creative space. As we age staying social is mandatory as helps to enrich lives, build connections, and keep minds active.

Senior isolation is a growing problem. Here's a wonderful opportunity to share with older adults in your life. The gallery has a drop off zone, parking close by and an elevator inside the gallery. (Gorgeous gift shop as well!) Wil I see you there? Read what the North Shore News says about the program! 

Taking a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for allowing me to be a part of your rightsizing journey, to walk alongside you as your guide during this significant transition.

I know that navigating this process wasn’t easy, thank you for telling me I was able to make it a smoother for you. After 40 years of memories, life certainly threw some surprises your way, and I admire how you managed everything with grace and determination.

From decluttering and donating to selling items that no longer serve you, to trusting my process to ensure your home sold for top dollar- your courage has been inspiring.

Thank you once again for trusting me to be your trusted advisor during this time. Wishing you all the best as you embrace your new beginnings!