How Seniors Can Manage a Move When it’s Time to Downsize
Moving into a smaller home upon retirement is a great idea if mobility issues, budget, or the desire to be closer to your children and grandchildren are constant concerns. In other instances, particularly after the loss of a spouse, moving is the next best step. Regardless of the reason, moving won’t be easy. This quick guide can help you get the ball rolling.
Start with lists
Before you pack a single box or start scrolling real estate listings, make a list of all the reasons you want to move. This might be to enjoy a change of lifestyle, to save money, or so that you can be in a single-story home. Then jot down the things that are important to you in your next house. Proximity to recreational activities, a view, and access to public transportation so you can get to the grocery store and receive medical care are all things to consider. Once you have these lists handy, it’s time to take inventory of your possessions. If you’re looking at a smaller space, you’ll have to say goodbye to at least some of your furniture and other belongings. By purging the excess, you make it easier to clean and stage your current home for sale, which can expedite the process.
Tackle the emotions
Moving is a major life event and one that comes with a slew of emotions you might not have considered. Grief Recovery Specialist Stephen Moeller explains that moving can bring with it feelings of both excitement and fear. After all, you’re ready to start the next chapter of your life, but you’ve been writing the same one for so long, you’re not sure how the proverbial story will play out. You may be sad about leaving familiar things behind, especially if you’ve lived in your home for years and raised a family there. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge these feelings as you experience them. Doing so will help you get through the process and make better choices along the way.
Practical matters
When you’ve made your decision and settled on a new place, it’s time to focus on the logistics. That starts with knowing what goes with you and what doesn’t. A good way to begin is by cleaning your house from top to bottom. Use your lists here and keep only what truly makes you happy. If you already have your new home picked out, Caring.com smartly recommends using the new space as a guide to help you decide what you can keep. A good rule of thumb for this initial clearing is that if you have more than one of a certain item (whatever it may be), the less-used or older version can go to the donation pile.
You’ll need to have moving supplies on-hand so you can pack up each room as you go. This includes boxes, tape, and wide-tipped markers. You may also wish to find a senior move manager, which is an individual or company that specializes in helping older adults make this transition. A move manager can handle the proverbial heavy lifting so that you can transition more easily.
The question of whether you should move after you retire is one only you can answer. Don’t rush into it, and know what you want and why you want it before you schedule the movers. You don’t want to get to your new home only to find that it’s not the right place for you. It’s a big decision and one that will impact the rest of your life.
Article submitted by Jim Vogel, [email protected] | http://elderaction.org/