Today we have a guest post from Michael Longsdon Elder Freedom @ Empower the Elderly http://elderfreedom.net. Michael will share some thoughts with us about senior downsizing for a successful move.
Photo via Unsplash
Senior-Friendly Downsizing: How to
Ensure a Successful Move
Thinking about downsizing in your senior years? After
retirement, many seniors find that they no longer need as much house as they
once did. And all of those rooms get a little more difficult to maintain and
keep clean over the years. Who wants to spend their retirement mowing the lawn,
wading through clutter, and plugging away at relentless home maintenance? If
you’re considering a minimizing move, here are some tips to keep in mind!
Selling Your Home in
a Pandemic
Selling your home is a major part of the downsizing process,
and likely one of the more stressful items on your to-do list. To make things
easier on yourself, hire a great real estate agent who can take the lead. An
experienced agent like D. Lisa West will have all the knowledge
needed to market your home and find buyers as quickly as possible. This is
especially important during the coronavirus pandemic! If you’re concerned about
potential buyers bringing COVID-19 into your home, ask your real estate agent
about virtual showings. Thanks to
video-chat tours and 3D walkthroughs, it’s possible for buyers to tour homes
without ever stepping foot inside!
When it comes to selling your home, you also have to
consider the best day to list it. According to Redfin, homes listed on a
Wednesday tend to sell for the most money while homes listed on a Thursday
typically sell the fastest. So, it’s important to think about your goals
carefully when deciding which day of the week to list your home!
Finding Your New Home
As you begin looking for your new home, think about where
you want to live. This is your opportunity to move somewhere that fits your lifestyle
and personal preferences.
Besides location, there are a variety of other factors to
consider when searching for your new home. For example, how will your home
accommodate aging in place? Buying a home with
accessibility features will ensure you can remain in the home for as long as
possible! Keep in mind that you can make your own accessibility modifications
after moving in. You can hire a professional to take on all kinds of home modification projects, like lowering your
countertops, adding a stairlift, or replacing showers and toilets. You’ll also
need to consider home prices in the areas you’re looking in. Seattle home sales
have been averaging $742,000, but you can find a smaller
home for considerably less.
Decluttering Your
Possessions
One of the most difficult parts of downsizing is
decluttering. Not only can decluttering be physically taxing, but mentally
exhausting as well. It’s important to approach your decluttering projects one day at a time. Start
with a really small section of your home, like a single kitchen drawer or
bathroom cabinet, and work from there. The last thing you want is to take on
too much and wind up overwhelmed. It can also help to have a friend or family
member with you for emotional support and encouragement. You’ll be surprised at
how hard it is to say goodbye to stuff you don’t even want!
Surviving Moving Day
Moving day is another hurdle to conquer on your downsizing
journey. Again, take it one step at a time. Constellation recommends creating a
moving checklist a couple of months out so you
can start tackling important tasks well ahead of time. For example, it’s a good
idea to book your movers at least two months in advance, especially during the
busy summer season. Remember to update your address with the post office and
switch over your utilities to your new home. Finally, if you have pets, make a plan with a friend or family
member to get them away from the moving action. Once the moving day is over,
you’re nearly done with this whole process. All you have to do is unpack and
set up your new home!
Downsizing isn’t easy, but the result
is often worth the work! Think about how your life will improve without the
ongoing demands of your large house and the clutter it contains. As you
navigate the downsizing process, focusing on your end goal will help you make
it through!