Melanie Fletcher Stevens’ Post

The Holidays Are Coming! As the leaves start to turn and the air becomes crisp, I can feel the holiday excitement building. Halloween is just around the corner, followed by the warmth of Thanksgiving and the sparkle of Christmas and New Year! Before we deck the halls and light the candles, let’s create space for new memories by decluttering our homes! The holidays are a perfect time to evaluate what we have and all the decorations we own. I’m not big on Halloween decor, but I love decorating my home for fall and Thanksgiving and transitioning it to Christmas. Mind you, I’ll be putting up little touches as most of our holiday stuff is in storage. Most of us have holiday decorations. Chances are they’re decorations that we haven’t used for many years. Whether you’ll be decorating your home for the holidays, hosting a gathering of family or friends, or doing some holiday travel, etc. this is a great time to get some decluttering underway. Tips to Get Started on Holiday Decluttering - Start Early and Plan: Allocate specific times for each space in your home to keep the task manageable. Begin your decluttering process before the holidays. - Sort Decorations: As you unpack seasonal and holiday decorations, discard broken items and donate those that no longer fit your style or that you haven’t used in years. - Smart Storage: Create a plan for storing items that need to be put away temporarily to make room for decorations. Before you pack them away, ask yourself if they still serve a purpose. If they don’t give them to others who might appreciate them — it’ll be less for you to stash away. - As you pack away decorations from one holiday to the next, use clear bins and label them for easier visibility. - Focus on High-Traffic Areas: Prioritize areas where guests will likely spend the most time. Declutter surfaces like dining tables, coffee tables, countertops, and entryways. - Use the One-In-One-Out Rule: To keep your belongings from getting out of control, especially with the potential influx of holiday gifts, apply the one-in-one-out rule. For every new item you keep, choose an existing one to donate or discard. - Involve the Family: Make decluttering a family experience. Give tasks to family members and make decisions together on what to keep or let go. - Don’t Forget the Pantry: The holidays so often involve lots of cooking & baking. Take some time to declutter your pantry and kitchen cabinets, check for expired items, and organize your ingredients. By decluttering before the holidays, you not only prepare your home for the season but also create a peaceful and welcoming space for celebrating with loved ones. Happy Decluttering! WayMakerDMM.com Call Melanie at (770) 954-6622 Your Journey. Our Mission. #holidayprep #declutteryourhome #itsathing #seniormovemanagers #servingnorthatlanta #servingnorthgeorgia #decluttering #WayMakerDownsizingandMoveManagement #womanowned

In my work, I hear all kinds of stories from our clients and their families that bring context into each situation. Many people walk into a house and just see stuff. We know there’s much more of a story behind all the stuff. From an adult child of aging parents’ point of view, it’s frustrating to see our parents drowning in clutter. Here are bits of what we hear from adult children —       -” The hoarding tendencies were on full display when I was a kid. I grew up in a house where I couldn’t bring friends over.” -” It’s extremely difficult for us to visit. There’s no place to sit and the house is in disrepair.” -” I don’t have good memories of growing up here. The grandkids don’t enjoy spending time here. The house is dark, cluttered, and uncomfortable.”       -” There’s nothing here I want to hold on to.”       -” My childhood bedroom is still there with all the same furniture, my school stuff, etc.” One of the more tragic things I witness as a senior move manager is how our parents’ homes could reach such a state of disrepair. It’s a good opportunity for self-reflection. -Do our parents reject our willingness to help? Why is that? -Are we trusting our parents too much when they say they’ll handle it and can manage the house? -Are we distracted when we visit and don’t notice the water stains in the ceiling, the pets have taken over the house, etc.? -Are we relying too much on the sibling that lives closest to our parents to handle it? -Are we placing other things as priorities in our lives and delaying what our parents need from us? It’s a nightmare to think about getting through to our parents that their clutter needs to be addressed. Perhaps it’s time to have the difficult conversations with them about their clutter and the potential hazards it brings. How do we do that? When initiating a conversation with your aging parents about decluttering, it’s crucial to approach the topic with sensitivity, empathy, and respect. Acknowledge that their belongings have emotional value, which makes the process challenging. Emphasize your desire for their safety and comfort rather than focusing on the clutter. Suggest the idea of decluttering as a means to enhance their living space, making it safer and more functional. Let them know that they no longer need to hold onto all your childhood stuff. Focus on highlighting the risks associated with too much clutter, such as tripping hazards and the difficulty in cleaning, which can pose significant health risks. Offer to help them declutter & find them professional help like WayMaker. By showing empathy and offering practical support, they may be open to decluttering as a commitment to their quality of life and safety. Reach out to us at WayMakerDMM.com Call Melanie at (770) 954-6622. Your Journey. Our Mission. #declutteringnightmares #gethelp #itsathing #seniormovemanagers #servingnorthatlanta #servingnorthgeorgia #decluttering #womanowned

Today, join me in observing World Mental Health Day, turning our focus to the older adults in our lives. Mental health issues don’t discriminate by age — they can affect anyone, including older adults, whose mental health is too often overshadowed by other health concerns. Did you know that 25 percent of adults aged 65 and older report feeling socially isolated (Source: CDC) and lonely? Loneliness negatively impacts mental health, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, stress, & even suicide. (Source: Cigna) There’s a stigma surrounding mental health that can be even more pronounced among older generations. Many grew up in an era where mental health issues weren’t discussed openly. This World Mental Health Day, together we can help break these barriers. Let’s talk, listen, and extend compassion. Let’s make it clear to our loved ones that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. How Can We Help the Older Adults in our Life? Here Are Some Tips: - Stay Connected: Regular check-ins can make a world of difference. - Encourage Physical Activity: Gentle exercise can significantly boost mood and overall well-being. - Good Nutrition: Studies show that a healthy diet helps promote clear thinking and a stronger sense of health & well-being. - Promote Mental Health Resources: Sharing valuable resources can be a lifeline for someone in need. - Educate: Share the signs of mental health issues and the importance of seeking help. Awareness is the first step towards change. - Creative Engagement: Activities like art, music, and writing provide creative outlets, cognitive stimulation, and opportunities for social interaction. A Call to Action — This World Mental Health Day, let’s ensure our communities are places where older adults feel seen, supported, and valued. They deserve to live their lives with dignity, purpose and joy! A message from WayMaker — Recognize the value of “letting go” of “stuff”. Decluttering lightens the load and the burden that our belongings can bring into our lives. So much of our stuff keeps us in place, living in the past. We see how letting go and living more simply reduces stress, depression, and anxiety in the work we do every day. For more information about WayMaker, go to WayMakerDMM.com and call Melanie at (770) 954-6622. Your Journey. Our Mission. #worldmentalhealthday #healthyaging#itsathing #seniormovemanagers #newhomesetup #salesofpossessions #estatesales #servingnorthatlanta #servingnorthgeorgia #decluttering #WayMakerDownsizingandMoveManagement #womanowned #hispanicwomanowned

Kimberly Sweeney Rebecca Ricards Terri Fischer, CPO® The journey to creating a more compassionate, efficient, and effective Move Management experience is an ever-evolving path. That’s why since I started in this industry, I have been committed to attending the National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers Annual Conference. NASMM 2024 took place in the city of Chicago from September 26–29 2024 this year. Great ideas on the Great Lakes! Mark & I joined over 400 forward-thinking Senior & Specialty Move Management professionals committed to creating a better landscape in our field. The conference also gave us a chance to network with colleagues from all stages of move management from the U.S., Canada, and beyond. I even met Move Managers out of Australia! I loved having the chance to finally see Kimberly Sweeney with Moving Angels in person. We have been in a mastermind group with several other Senior Move Managers since last year’s conference. We meet monthly over Zoom. Other fun connections included meeting Rebecca Ricards with RR Move Co in Seattle and introducing her to Terri Fischer with Consider It Done in Kennewick, WA, whom I’ve worked with in the past. I might be in the Atlanta area, but I’ve got connections from Coast to Coast! Some of my favorite reminders and resets from this year’s conference were: - Beyond time and labor, what Senior Move Managers bring to our clients is our expertise. There’s tremendous value in this. The relationships we have within our communities and the efficiencies we bring from our experience and teams help reinforce our commitment to being client-centric. - Transitions vs. Transactions. Our clients’ lives and homes shouldn’t be reduced to a transaction. This is a major life transition, and the emotions that our clients are feeling must be honored. Sometimes the timeline should be slowed down a bit if it’s not in the best interest of our client’s well-being. - No matter our age, we all need purpose and responsibility. - As Senior Move Managers, we have to show up as the best version of ourselves because our clients are often not able to. - Relationships are far more important than ownership of things. - The life you’re meant to live is buried under all the stuff in our homes. - Lastly, AI is now being used for home and asset inventories and to get much faster fair market values for belongings. The National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers® is the leading membership organization for Move Managers in the United States, Canada, and abroad. We’re proud to be NASMM members representing the most qualified, ethical, and capable Move Managers. Dallas - we are coming your way in October 2025 for next year’s conference! WayMakerDMM.com Call Melanie at (770) 954-6622 #NASMMconference2024 #gamechanger #itsathing #seniormovemanagers #servingnorthatlanta #servingnorthgeorgia #WayMakerDownsizingandMoveManagement #womanowned #hispanicwomanowned

ACAP Cobb & Cherokee Hello, my fellow community members! Our ACAP Cobb & Cherokee Chapter program on September 19 on ‘Shielding Loved Ones from Scams and Fraud’ was eye-opening. Everyone is susceptible to falling into a scam or fraud scheme, especially aging adults. We learned great tips to better protect ourselves and our parents — from freezing credit and avoiding using debit cards and much more. We were educated on the “grandma” scam and how a generic “How are you?” text can lead to so much trouble. We also learned how to watch out for Medicare fraud in billing statements and who we can engage to help us fight fraudulent charges. ACAP October Information Topic: Importance of Being Socially Engaged and Active October 17, 2024 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Covenant Presbyterian Church (Kapperman-Williams Hall) 2881 Canton Road, Marietta, GA 30066 Free In-Person Only Gain insights from our program to combat loneliness and social isolation in aging loved ones. Learn to identify signs, understand the health impacts, and discover local resources, community programs, and leisure activities. Empower yourself to keep your loved ones socially engaged and improve their quality of life and well-being. Program Presenters: Dawn Reed, CSA, President & Founder of Aloha to Aging, Inc. and Laura Kelly, Founder at Empower Recreational Therapy, LLC To register for chapter events, see the monthly program schedule, and to obtain more information, go to the website and be sure to join our email list. You can also find recordings from past programs on our ACAP Cobb & Cherokee Chapter web page. https://lnkd.in/eE8EfKVA WayMakerDMM.com Reach out to Melanie at (770) 954-6622 Your Journey is our Mission. #preventlonelinessandisolation #familycaregivers #communitybuilding #itsathing #seniormovemanagers #newhomesetup #floorplans #salesofpossessions #estatesales #servingnorthatlanta #servingnorthgeorgia #decluttering #WayMakerDownsizingandMoveManagement #Hispanicowned #womanowned

International Day of Older Persons: Celebrating their Wisdom & Achievements Today, on the International Day of Older Persons, we pause to honor and celebrate the incredible contributions that older adults make to our communities, families, and societies worldwide. This day isn’t just a moment for reflection, but a call to action to address the issues affecting older adults. As we mark this special day, we must recognize the wealth of knowledge, experience, and traditions that our older generations bring to the tapestry of our lives. They are our mentors, storytellers, and keepers of history. They’ve paved paths in ways we often take for granted, and their contributions continue to shape our world. However, it’s also a crucial time to address the challenges they face. Ageism, social isolation, and accessibility are issues that impact the quality of life for many older persons. Today reminds us of our responsibility to ensure that our communities are inclusive, supportive, and accessible for everyone, regardless of age. Let’s use this opportunity to: - Engage with older persons in our communities. Ask about their life stories, lessons, and wisdom. These interactions are priceless - Advocate for policies that protect and empower them. Whether it’s healthcare, social security, or community programs, it’s vital to ensure that these programs are robust and responsive to their needs. - Celebrate their achievements. Whether it’s in the arts, sciences, business, or any other field, many older persons continue to contribute significantly to our society. On this International Day of Older Persons, let’s commit to creating a world that respects, honors, and uplifts our aging adults. Let’s bridge the gap between generations and build a future where every person, young or old, feels valued and respected. WayMaker’s mission encompasses respecting aging adults and honoring their life stories at a critical time in their lives of transition — Decluttering & Downsizing. For more information about WayMaker, you can find us at WayMakerDMM.com and call Melanie at (770) 954-6622. Your Journey. Our Mission. #internationaldayofolderpersons #agingadultwisdom #itsathing #seniormovemanagers #newhomesetup #salesofpossessions #estatesales #servingnorthatlanta #servingnorthgeorgia #decluttering #WayMakerDownsizingandMoveManagement #womanowned #hispanicwomanowned

“Because every picture tells a story” Amazing lunch with former PRA colleagues and friends Mary Patton and Margie McCartney, DMCP, CIS. Chicago has always been one of my fave cities to visit for work and play. And being able to see these two fabulous and talented women was so heart warming today. Covid redirected our career paths and we put our talents into action pursuing other passions. Finding this sign (which totally blurred out in this shot) was the perfect way to wrap up our quick visit!

I love it when we receive reviews and our clients are compelled to express how working with WayMaker has impacted their lives. It’s an opportunity for me as a business owner to gauge how my team and I are performing and if we are achieving our mission. I was so pleased to receive this 5-star review from Matt regarding the downsize projects we did for his mom. Here’s the review and our response. Matt: “Melanie and her team are an absolute godsend during difficult times of transition for aging parents. They make the downsizing process stress-free, allowing you to focus on caring for your loved ones. They have always been kind, gentle, and understanding with my mother and organized, responsive, and timely in their interactions with me. I cannot recommend WayMaker enough. You won’t regret it!” Melanie: “Matt, thanks so much for your kind words! It’s been an honor being part of your mom’s downsizing journey through these past moves. We have appreciated every interaction with both you and your mom and being there for your family. I’m glad we could do our part to help lighten the burden and ease the path forward. Thanks again, for placing your trust in us!” ______________________________ By choosing WayMaker, you are not just selecting a professional downsizing & move management company; you are entrusting your journey to a team rooted in service and committed to lighting your way to new beginnings. Your Journey. Our Mission. To learn more about WayMaker, visit WayMakerDMM.com and reach out to Melanie at (770) 954-6622. #google5starreview#itsathing #seniormovemanagers #newhomesetup #salesofpossessions #estatesales #servingnorthatlanta #servingnorthgeorgia #decluttering #WayMakerDownsizingandMoveManagement #womanowned #hispanicwomanowned