For years, downsizing followed a fairly straightforward path: sell the home, move into a senior living community, and settle in.
Now, that path is changing.
More and more seniors are running into the same issue: the unit they actually want isn’t available. Instead of waiting indefinitely, many are moving into a smaller space first, with plans to relocate again when something larger opens up.
This shift is being driven by a broader trend. Demand for senior housing is rising rapidly, and it’s not expected to slow down. In fact, more than 4 million Americans will turn 80 in the next five years, a key age when many begin considering senior living options. And at the same time, new construction hasn’t kept pace.
At Transitions Liquidation Services, we’re seeing this play out in real time, and we’ve built a process to address it.
A Growing Mismatch in What’s Available
Many senior living communities were designed with one primary assumption: most residents would be single and need one-bedroom units. So, that’s what was built.
Today, the demand looks different:
- More couples are moving together.
- Single residents want extra space for guests, offices, or hobbies.
- Downsizing doesn’t always mean choosing the smallest option.
Two-bedroom units are in short supply. In many cases, availability depends on someone else moving out or transitioning to a higher level of care.
Plus, there’s a broader supply issue. The U.S. needs tens of thousands of new senior housing units each year to keep up with demand, but development has slowed significantly in recent years.
Moving In Before the Right Unit Opens
Communities have long had both “outside” and “inside” waitlists. Once someone is living in the community, they often have better access to larger units as they become available.
What used to be a lesser-known strategy is now being encouraged more often: Move into a one-bedroom now, and join the internal waitlist for something larger later.
It helps people get into the community sooner. It also introduces a new layer of planning.
Downsizing… With a Question Mark
We hear the same concern from clients: “How do we decide what to keep if we might need it later?”
That question comes up because the process no longer ends with one move. There’s a strong chance of a second move, sometimes months or even years down the line. Letting go of too much can create problems later. Holding onto everything creates problems now.
This is where planning becomes critical.
A Two-Phase Approach to Downsizing
We approach these situations with flexibility built in from the start.
Step 1: Planning for the First Move
We begin by creating a detailed floor plan of the new, smaller unit. Every piece of furniture is accounted for so the space works comfortably and efficiently from day one.
Step 2: Planning for What Comes Next
At the same time, we look ahead. We create a second floor plan based on a larger unit within the same community—often the largest likely option.
This allows us to identify which items may not fit now, but could fit later.
From there, we separate belongings into three clear categories:
- Items going to the new unit
- Items to be sold, donated, or discarded
- Items to be stored for potential future use
This removes guesswork (and reduces the risk of regret).
Keeping Track of Everything
Storage only works if everything is organized and easy to retrieve later. We use a detailed inventory system that tracks each item individually:
- Every piece is photographed
- Each item receives a unique inventory number
- QR-coded labels allow for easy scanning and tracking
Clients receive a visual inventory document with images and details. We can also include dimensions, which allows us to revisit the floor plan later with complete accuracy.
When a new unit becomes available, we already know exactly what’s in storage and what will fit.
Being Ready When the Call Comes
Larger units don’t stay available for long. When one opens up, timing matters. Because the planning and inventory work has already been done, we can respond quickly:
- Update the floor plan
- Identify what to retrieve from storage
- Coordinate the second move efficiently
That level of preparation makes a significant difference in what can otherwise feel like a rushed and overwhelming situation.
A More Practical Approach to Storage
For many clients, storage is part of the solution. How it’s handled matters.
We work with Gentle Giant Moving Company to provide storage that is integrated into the moving process, allowing us to:
- Maintain a consistent inventory system
- Handle items professionally from start to finish
- Reduce overall costs compared to traditional self-storage (often by a meaningful margin)
Clients don’t have to manage a separate storage unit or keep track of what’s inside it.
A Shift That’s Here to Stay
This two-move approach is becoming more common as housing availability continues to lag behind demand.
The senior housing market is already struggling to keep up; tens of thousands of additional units are needed each year to meet current and future demand.
Seniors are making thoughtful decisions about when to move, even if the ideal unit isn’t immediately available. Communities are adapting by encouraging earlier move-ins with the understanding that residents may transition again later.
That shift requires a different kind of planning.
TLS: Helping Clients (and Communities) Navigate the Process
Senior living communities want to know their residents are in good hands when they make a move. Families want reassurance that decisions made today won’t create problems tomorrow.
We’ve developed a system that addresses both.
By planning for multiple scenarios, organizing every detail, and staying ready to act when timing matters, we help make these transitions manageable.
Need help planning a move into a senior living community?
We specialize in guiding clients through complex transitions, including situations where a second move may be part of the plan. Contact Marie LeBlanc at 617-513-0433 or reach out via email to learn how we can help you move forward with clarity and peace of mind.