Move is a four-letter word. That's exactly the sentiment of many seniors as they think about leaving their home for a smaller one.

Laurie Lamoureux has worked for a decade in the move management field. During the last seven years she has specialized in helping seniors navigate the downsizing process.

President of "Out of the Box," Lamoureux shares her downsizing and organizing tips in a free seminar called "Move is a Four-Letter Word."

It will be held at 12:30 p.m. this Saturday (Feb. 15) at the Ballard Senior Center. The seminar is sponsored by Eldermove Alliance, a network of professionals who assist seniors in the moving process.

The other sponsor is Ballard Landmark, a new retirement community being built at 5443 Leary Way and opening this summer.

"This seminar is designed for people who have lived in their home 30, 40 or even 50 years and are thinking about moving," Lamoureux said. "It's for people who are planning to move now or within a couple of years."

The workshop covers tips on downsizing and organizing, which Lamoureux said are two different tasks. Downsizing involves getting rid of items-selling, gifting and donating. Organizing means rearranging belongings for their most efficient and best use, she said.

"You don't necessarily need to get rid of anything if you're moving from a one-bedroom condo to a one-bedroom apartment," said Lamoureux. "You may just need to rearrange things."

Key questions addressed in the workshop are: Where do I start? How do I involve family? Are there other resources available?

For more information, call Alice Kalso at 782.4000.