Maybe your house was perfect for your past lifestyle, but things have changed as you’ve aged. If you are an empty nester or readying yourself for retirement, you might be considering downsizing. There is a lot to think about and a lot to do, so let’s dig into the issues most likely on your mind.
Why You Might Downsize
Costs – You may no longer need the amount of space you have in your current home. Instead of paying for all that wasted space, you can move to a smaller place where you can reduce mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners insurance, utility costs, and other home expenses.
Maintenance – Maintaining a large home is a lot of work. Also, if you are older and no longer physically able to care for your lawn and house, you may have to pay others to do it for you. By downsizing, you can eliminate the maintenance hassles.
Health concerns – Because of medical issues, you may want to move closer to family – or even move in with a family member. You also might desire the attention and care of an assisted living facility or a nursing home.
How to Downsize
You need to decide whether to move into a smaller home or condo, transition to an assisted living facility, move in with relatives, or find another type of housing. Weigh the pros and cons of each option and determine what’s right for you. Although more self-sufficiency in your own condo, assisted living can provide the care and security you may need, along with some desirable independence. Talk with relatives and people you trust to figure out what’s the best choice at this stage in your life.
If you’ve decided to buy a smaller home or condo, begin your research to find homes in your price range that are in a safe, desirable location and of a suitable size. Home listing sites allow you to compare the costs of buying homes in different cities, towns, and neighborhoods. Work with a realtor who is familiar with your area to find a new home, as well as sell your existing home.
Before you sell your current home, you will need to declutter and scale back your belongings. Though getting rid of furniture, décor, knickknacks, and heirlooms can be emotionally difficult, you aren’t going to be able to bring everything with you to your new, smaller space. If something has sentimental value but won’t fit in your next home, take a picture of it and then pass it onto a family member or someone else who will be able to use and enjoy it. If you haven’t used an item in years, then sell, donate, or recycle it.
Don’t rush through this process. You will be less overwhelmed if you take your time. If decluttering is too much, consider hiring a service that specializes in helping seniors move. They can help declutter your home, and then dispose of surplus items, sell them in an estate sale, or deliver them to a charity of your choice.
Making the Move
Once you’ve sold your house and found a new place, it’s time to pack up and make your move. Moving is never fun and, if you’re leaving a house where you’ve spent decades, it can be extremely emotional. Enlist the help of friends and family to make the process go a little more smoothly. Pack room-by-room, finishing one room before moving onto the next. This will allow you to feel the progress and a sense of accomplishment. A full-service moving company or one of the aforementioned senior services can also pack your items, load them in a truck, and transport them to your new place.
Making the decision to downsize can be difficult. Your house is where you watched your family grow and is full of wonderful memories. However, downsizing to a smaller home can be a positive step forward to a new chapter in your life.