Bquest

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.

Whether you're thinking about your own home or helping an aging parent begin the process, senior move expert Marnie Dawson, founder of Dawson Relocation Services, has spent 18+ years helping families in the Chicago area navigate exactly this.

Her advice? Start small. Start with intention. And don't go it alone.

Here are a few of Marnie's tips for beginning the decluttering journey:

Start with something easy. Pick one drawer, one shelf, or one cabinet — not a whole room. A small win builds momentum and makes the process feel manageable instead of impossible.

- Separate the emotional from the practical. Many of us hold onto things not because we need them, but because of the memories attached. Give yourself permission to honor the memory without keeping the object.

- Sort with a purpose. Ask: Does this go with me, go to a loved one, get donated, or let go? Having a clear system removes the paralysis of decision fatigue.

- Don't wait for a crisis. The families who navigate transitions most smoothly are the ones who started the conversation — and the process — well before an urgent move was needed.

At bQuest, we connect financial advisors and their clients with trusted professionals like Marnie who specialize in making life's hardest transitions a little lighter. Because no one should have to navigate this alone.

Most retirement plans don't account for the home.

But for your clients in their 60s and beyond, it's often the biggest factor in whether they stay healthy, independent, and out of institutional care.

We sat down with Karen Koch of the Home Modification Occupational Therapy Alliance to talk about what proactive home planning actually looks like, what it costs to wait, and how advisors can bring this conversation into the financial plan with confidence.

This pre-recorded webinar covers:
✅ A framework for starting the housing conversation early
✅ Real cost data that reframes home modifications as risk management
✅ A vetted, nationwide solution you can hand off to clients

🎥 Watch the highlight reel here.

Message us "Home Mod" to receive access to this webinar and to our white paper, specifically targeted to help you as an advisor cover the most relevant topics for your clients (including those who have multiple homes) in a proactive and strategic manner.

And if this is a gap in your planning conversations, let's talk.
Chat with Lauren here: https://calendly.com/bquest/30min