The Edna Project--Part I

    As a stager, I come in contact with many people from all stages of life. One of the most rewarding, yet challenging situations, is assisting with a senior move. While all moves are stressful, senior moves have their own set of complications. Many times, they are moving due to failing health or the need of additional care. Often their family is out of state or aging themselves, and both parties can be overwhelmed by the amount of work involved. For example, there is a collection of furniture and personal belongings that has been building for decades. Just tackling the “stuff” alone can be stressful, and emotional. In addition, there is often a fair amount of updating and renovation that needs to be done before putting the house on the market. Deciding to do the work themselves is often out of the question and finding contractors for these jobs is just one more thing to add onto the list. And let's not overlook the importance of organizing the move into the new apartment and making the client feel that they are in a familiar place, surrounded by the things they love. There are so many facets to this event that it's no wonder that there is an increasing number of senior move managers available to assist families as they navigate this chapter in their lives. Check out the The National Association of Senior Move Managers^® to find a certified senior move manager in your own state.

Clutter and an excess of furniture is the main problem in this room.

Welcome now to Edna's place. All of the above are factors in this particular job. On top of all of that, Edna is working on a very limited budget, as are most seniors. But she wants to move on and sell her house as quickly as possible. While I turn to the family and other willing helpers to assist with the elements mentioned earlier, I have a very clear role and duty. It is my job to get the house ready for the market. Our mission: create a space that appeals to a younger buyer without breaking the bank. Here are some pictures so you can get an idea of what we are working with. 

It's hard for the average person to imagine how great a space can be if it's full to the brim with stuff. However, a trained eye can immediately pick out the features of the room and begin a design plan on the spot. For instance, this room has a beautiful fireplace and large windows! We need to buyer to see those as well! Here's a sneak peak at what a little clearing out can do:

Check back soon to see the final product!

This bathroom has the potential to be a spa-like oasis, but a buyer will never be able to look beyond the paper. Task number one--paper removal! Click here to see my tutorial on stripping paper:

Here are some more of the spaces that we will need to update and stage:

We've got our work cut out for us! Make sure to check back in the following days for updates on the project. I'll include tips and lessons learned along the way.