Moving to a new home can be exhausting at any age. For boomers and seniors, moving can take more than just a physical toll, it can trigger emotions such as grief and sadness. Later-in-Life moves don’t have to come with stress and overwhelm. If you take the time to plan ahead, determine what is right for you and explore all your options, you will be well-equipped to take on a later-in-life move.
If you follow these six simple steps to downsizing, you can map out your journey and your move. Whatever you decide about your later-in-life move, you can count on me to be beside you every step of the way.
1. Should I Stay or Should I Go?
There are some very important questions you need to answer before you make the choice to move.
- Do I have problems going up or down the stairs?
- Do I need held doing things such as dressing, walking, bathing?
- Is my house just too big for me?
- Can I financially carry the house expenses?
- Is the house a safe environment for me?
- Do I have family or friends nearby?
- Do I truly enjoy my home?
You can get the full checklist here.
A useful exercise is taking the time to create a list of reasons to stay in your home and explore the benefits of going someplace else.
2. Know Your Options
The choices for where you can spend the next stage of your life are vast. Before you make any final decisions, consider the following:
- Are you and your spouse ready for a new community?
- Do you want to continue your vibrant and active lifestyle?
- Are your adult children encouraging you to downsize or move?
If you are just starting to navigate the world of adult communities and senior living, it can be a confusing journey. There are so many different options to consider for your next stage of life, so choosing the right home for now and for your future is critical.
Some of the options you can explore:
- Ageing in place
- Downsizing to a smaller house or condo
- Retirement Residences
- Sell ‘n Stay™
- Rental Suites
Remember, moving does not mean you're compromising your freedom or independence.
3. Involve Your Family in the Conversation
A family meeting is a wonderful way to share that you’ve made the the decision to move. Use this as an opportunity to bring your loved ones together to share your wishes and plans with your very important people. Plan to have the conversation outside of the normal celebrations. Make it a special event on its own.
Some ways you can make this a positive experience for everyone:
- Tell your family members the purpose of the meeting ahead of time.
- Express your reasons for the move.
- Ask for their input and support.
- Invite them to participate in any upcoming tours.
Like you, they have strong emotional ties to the family home and should be made aware of your plans. It's essential that they understand what matters to you, but ultimately, this is your decision and you are making the right choice for you.
4. Get Your Home Ready for Sale
Before your home goes on the market, you should take some initial steps to get it ready.
There are certain ways to get your house in good shape and ready to sell. A coat of fresh paint goes a long way to update and brighten your home. Decluttering and clearing counters can make a kitchen appear larger. Pulling weeds or adding plants indoors can change curb appeal or make the home more inviting. You don't have to undertake major renovations to get your home ready for sale. Minor adjustments -indoors and out - can make your home appealing to buyers.
5. Decluttering
Downsizing inevitably requires you to sort through all your possessions, and decluttering is much more manageable if you tackle it bit-by-bit over time. You have a home full of memories and many of the items within its walls are attached to those memories.
If you are feeling overwhelmed about where to start, consider hiring a decluttering specialist. They can help you make decisions about what you want to and can keep and what to let go.
A good place to start is by making decisions about what to keep, what to pass on to family, what to sell and what to donate.
6. Claim Your Free Comprehensive Guide
Making the decision to downsize is not easy. It can be an overwhelming process, filled with fear and uncertainty. But it doesn't have to be that way.
As a Lifestyle 55+ Master and Senior Real Estate Specialist, I am here to offer my support and my services. I am pleased to offer you The Ultimate Senior’s Guide to Downsizing, a comprehensive document that helps you plan, map, and assess your future move. You can count on me to help you navigate the next stage of life without compromising your independence and all that is important to you.
Get the Ultimate Downsizing Guide here.