CHAPTER 1: I'M NOT GOING ANYWHERE -- looks at the challenges faced by senior citizens when it becomes time to move...including:

• the benefits of downsizing
• the perceived loss of independence
• life changes often require other changes

CHAPTER 2: MAKE THE CHOICE WHILE YOU STILL CAN -- offers some proactive tips for choosing making the shift while you are still healthy and can be in control of the move...including:

• things to consider about your current home's location
• questions to ask about neighborhood and maintenance issues
• a realistic look at your physical limitations
• more gains than losses -- things to look forward to at a retirement community

CHAPTER 3: PERSUADING LOVED ONES TO MOVE -- provides some advice for children and other family members of seniors who need to move but are cautious about how to discuss the idea of downsizing...including:

• introducing the subject delicately
• looking at the financial picture
• it's all a matter of perception
• a realistic idea of what to expect

CHAPTER 4: HOUSING OPTIONS FOR SENIORS -- examines the possible choices for downsized or assisted living for the elderly...including:

• one-level living
• condos and townhomes
• retirement communities
• special facilities
• deciding which is right for you
• a gradual transition

CHAPTER 5: HELPING SENIORS SORT AND SHED -- offers some tips for helping seniors prepare to work through the cleaning out process...including:

• starting small
• know your timeline
• considering health and other limitations in advance

CHAPTER 6: HIRING A PROFESSIONAL -- takes a look at the idea of working with a professional organizer or senior move manager and the many issues to consider...including:

• getting a qualified referral
• what to expect from a professional
• a note on the chronically disorganized
• how to work with a professional
• long-distance support
• an objective viewpoint

CHAPTER 7: DECREASED POSSESSIONS, INCREASED EMOTIONS -- examines the emotional upheaval experienced by all parties involved as seniors begin the process of culling their possessions...including:

• role reversal -- who's the parent and who's the child?
• calling in a professional
• gender issues -- mothers and daughters and sons
• sibling rivalry -- sisters and brothers
• looking at things from your point of view

CHAPTER 8: WHAT I WISH I COULD TAKE -- takes a look at the decision making process, choosing what to take and what has to be left behind...including:

• questions to ask to know what you will need
• will your furniture fit?
• finding a safe floor space
• looking at your new lifestyle

CHAPTER 9: SORTING IT OUT -- offers some tips for helping seniors organize their belongings for the move as they make those hard choices about what to keep...including:

• order out of chaos -- organizing before you clean out
• the importance of reminiscing
• creative ways to pare down the piles
• from frugal beginnings -- putting all those extras to good use

CHAPTER 10: KEEP, PASS, OR TOSS -- provides a simple system for sorting your belongings according to the path they will take as you downsize...including:

• what things will go to your new home
• what things will be given away, sold, or donated
• what things will be discarded altogether
• the value behind charitable donations
• recycle versus trash

CHAPTER 11: GIVING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS -- examines the idea of passing family treasures and memories on to other loved ones who will appreciate them...including:

• is it really worth giving to anyone?
• do they really want it and love it?
• deciding who gets what
• avoiding emotional chaos
• sharing the wealth

CHAPTER 12: ITEMS FOR SALE -- outlines some possible places you might decide to put some of your discards up for sale...including:

• ebay
• antique dealers
• appraisers
• specialty dealers
• auctions and estate sales
• taking the first offer...
• ...but don't get taken

CHAPTER 13: A PLAN FOR MOVING OUT -- outlines the steps that will be involved in getting packed up and moved from the old house...including:

• organizing the move
• packing boxes
• hiring movers versus do-it-yourself
• interviewing and hiring a moving company
• what to expect from movers
• what the movers shouldn't move
• utilities and your new address

CHAPTER 14: A PLAN FOR MOVING IN -- offers some tips for getting your new home unpacked and set up...including:

• coordinating your move with the retirement coordinator
• special requirements
• use the floor plan
• the first night

CHAPTER 15: SAYING GOODBYE AND SETTLING IN -- examines the process of getting acquainted with your home...including:

• a ceremony to say goodbye to your old home
• unpacking the right way
• finding storage in unexpected places
• using vertical and hidden spaces
• staying safe

CHAPTER 16: AFTER THE MOVE -- talks about some of the issues related to settling into a new community, routine, and lifestyle...including:

• avoiding accumulations
• gifts for the storage challenged
• the emotional roller coaster
• making small daily adjustments

CHAPTER 17: SENIORS OF THE FUTURE -- takes a look at the way the elderly may be living in the years to come and what that means in terms of life changes and downsizing for those looking forward to retirement down the road...including:

• moving around means more chances to clean out
• fragile family connections
• less focus on homemaking and possessions
• some tips for staying organized
• keeping your stuff under control

APPENDICES -- offers a number of valuable resources for seniors and their families...including:

• finding professionals
• charities
• useful information
• senior move managment services
• professional organizing services

FORMS -- provides a number of forms and logs for tracking vital information during your move...including:

• moving checklist
• details of new location
• downsizing checklist
• auction, estate sale, donation records
• mover details
• utility details
• service, subscription, and mail forwarding details
• retirement accounts, social security, pensions
• insurance policies
• doctors and dentists
• room-by-room furniture checklists