I sneak around the corner in my red shoes. If he sees me, he will scold me. I shouldnt be wearing them, he says. They are dangerous. Maybe he is right, but I love my red shoes. They make me feel alive. They make me want to dance. They remind me of when I was young and could wear any shoes I wanted. Now, at age 91, my step is slower. I no longer dance. The physical therapist at the assisted living facility where I live tells me I should be wearing sensible shoes, flat with Velcro closures. I do most of the time, but today I want to feel young. I slip on my red shoes. Everyone notices. They all like my red shoes, expect for Elizabeth, who thinks red shoes are risqu, no matter your age. That adds to the fun. My step is lighter in my red shoes and so is my spirit. Perhaps that will help me move quickly enough not to get caught by the physical therapist. It is easy to tell our aging loved ones what they should and should not be doing. Often the motivation is genuine concern for their safety. But it is important to remember that each thing they are asked to give up represents part of their identity. Something as simple as the shoes one wears can impact the way they view themselves. So, approach the topics which need to be addressed to keep your loved one safe, but do so gently, respecting the person and recognizing what youre asking them to do may not be as simple as it seems. Patty Masterson-Kane, LCSW and Patty Hemphill, LCSW are partners in Elder Care Options, a Geriatric Care Management Agency. They help families coping with issues related to aging and changing care needs and can be reached at 201-848-8539.

The Real Upside to Downsizing.When it comes to moving, we are all looking for ways to maximize the process while reducing our stress, responsibilities, errands, and belongings.  The definition of downsizing is reduction.We have all been there in one capacity or another collecting too many items in our home.  From your closet to the kitchen junk drawer, maybe your spare room, or garage - it can happen anywhere.  When you are moving, cleaning out these areas on your own can be a challenge.There are solutions and resources to help with downsizing. Hiring a professional move management team trained to help make the right downsizing decisions is a start.  Some experts say the process of minimizing excess in your home can feel liberating.  How you move matters so these 6 downsizing surprises will hopefully inspire you to start the journey.Here are 6 surprising benefits to downsizing:1. Honoring your decisions means honoring you and your desire for a happier life.2. Once you get started you wont want to stop. Before you know it, you will be done.3. Saying yes to donating is rewarding. Donating is all about helping others.4. Your feelings will guide you toward success. Keep what you love, pass on the rest.5. Reliving stories is a wonderful and necessary part of the process.6. Your children will thank you. Maybe not now but they will definitely thank you later.Article Submitted by Patti Nanney with WayForth | WayForth Senior Moving Services

1. Do Your Research Dont just hire the first mover you come across. Look for online reviews and ratings from past customers. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the company. Look for mover associations and certifications that prove the company is legitimate.   2. Get a Written Estimate Always get a written estimate of the total cost before signing a contract. Dont rely on verbal agreements or estimates over the phone. Know exactly what youre paying for, including any additional fees or surcharges. Some scam movers will offer a low quote initially, only to hike up prices later by adding fees not mentioned in the contract. 3. Insurance & Coverage Ask if they carry insurance and find out what type of coverage, they offer in case something is damaged or lost during the move. Legitimate movers will carry insurance that covers damages that occur during transportation. Without it, youll be responsible for the costs of any damage.  4. Review the terms of Service Take your time to review the terms carefully and dont sign it until you understand everything. Read the fine print and ask for clarification on anything you dont understand. Look for the cancellation policy in case you need to change your moving date or cancel entirely. A legitimate mover will make sure you understand everything before you sign.  5. Get their Contact Information Get contact information for the company and their employees in case you need to follow up on anything during or after your move. Make sure to get a working phone number and email address for the company in case anything goes wrong. If you have any questions, contact the company directly rather than relying on a third party. Make sure the company provides accurate addresses to avoid fraudulent activities.  6. Make a List (or Request One) Make sure to make a list of the content in your home, especially your most treasured items. Or get a copy of the inventory list with all items being moved. Dont be afraid to ask for a copy of the list, even if the movers are in a hurry. Make sure the inventory list is detailed and accurate to prevent damage, missing or stolen goods.  7. Never Pay the Full Amount Upfront Legitimate movers wont ask for full payment before the move is complete. Theyll usually only ask for a deposit upfront (a 25% deposit is the standard). Instead, pay the deposit and only pay the full balance after the move is complete, and youve verified that all your items are there and in good condition.  For more information on how to protect your move, read our blog here!  Let WayForth help you with your next move by utilizing our personalized services. These include downsizing, space planning, packing and moving, unpacking, storage and settling into your new home. Contact our moving professionals today at 1.844.WAYFORTH. 

Here are WayForth's 5 tips for selling your house quickly and for more money: Stage Your Home One of the most important steps in selling your house is staging it effectively, but also efficiently. Buyers need to be able to envision themselves living in the house, so take time to declutter, deep clean, and repair any necessary items, but dont go overboard. But at a minimum, focus on decluttering, removing personal and unnecessary items and leaving the home as clean and open as possible. Price it right Setting the right asking price is essential if you want to make a quick sale with minimal time on the market. Working with an experienced realtor who can provide some insight into both current market conditions as well as comparable listings in your area is critical. Take Good Photos In todays digital world, many people will be seeing your property online before they even set foot inside it. Investing in quality photographs that can accurately capture how great your space looks will help attract more buyers and entice them to schedule a viewing appointment faster. Make Repairs (but not renovations) Buyers have high expectations when it comes to buying a home, and many struggle to see past even basic defects, so before listing yours make sure all those minor fixes have been addressed from squeaky door hinges to cracks in drywall to leaky faucets! Leverage Social MediaSocial media is an incredibly powerful tool that can help reach potential buyers matched specifically for your house! Once the listing is complete and your realtor is ready to launch the marketing campaign, be sure to share the listing on your own social media and encourage friends, family and especially neighbors to do the same.  At WayForth, we can help you with almost every step of the process, while also making sure you get settled in with minimal stress wherever you might be going. We can get you started whenever you are ready by doing some basic decluttering and packing. Give us a call at 817-697-4478 or go to our website to learn more!