Photo credit by Pixabay.
By Michael Longsdon
While your current home may be full of family memories, it’s become burdensome now that your kids have families of their own. Lawn care, high utility bills and maintenance are no longer worth it.
And you’re not alone. According to Senior Lifestyle, more than 40 percent of Americans over the age of 50 will move, and the majority of them are downsizing. This is the right time to consider downsizing, which can help you save on costs, maintenance, and work.
Step 1: Decide What To Get Rid Of
Before committing to move, it’s a good idea to give yourself time to process this change, especially if you’ve lived in your current home for a long time. It may take an emotional toll to clear and clean forgotten and treasured possessions. That’s why you should take a mindful approach to decluttering your home, as recommended by MindfullivingNetwork.com. For example, turning your items into blessings for others is one way to move past the challenges.
Remember too that if you have items in good condition, you can host a yard sale or other event to sell them. If you have a lot of items to donate to charity, you may be able to deduct the donation from your taxes. Learn more at The Balance.
There are also strategies that can help you if you still have too much stuff after your first round of decluttering. Read these downsizing tips from Caring.com, which include eliminating the “maybe” pile. Be sure to sort into two piles only: things you keep and things you don’t.
Step 2: Find The Right Home For Your Golden Years
You probably have an idea of what size home you are looking for: one bedroom, no dining room, etc. Don’t forget to set your budget before searching as well, including the market value of your current home, and location so that you can be near people and places that are important to you.
You may not have considered some of these other things you should look for when downsizing:
Single-Story Home
While walking may not be an issue for you now, arthritis, bone-density problems, and osteoporosis, as well as injuries, can make mobility challenging as you age. Science Daily reports that mobility is key to healthy aging, so minimize your difficulties in the future by making sure your new home has few or no steps.
Low Maintenance
You don’t want to be spending on excessive lawns or gardens or snow removal. Consider moving into a development with a homeowner’s association that handles this work for you, or buy a home with a smaller property.
Community
As mentioned, location is important, but so is your neighborhood. You might want to move into a senior community so that your streets are not full of children playing. This type of community might even have a common area with activities.
Accessibility
Consider buying a home with accessible features, such as larger doorways or a walk-in tub, to have conveniences that will allow you to age in place. Add these needs to your search filters when home hunting.
Step 3: Tips For A Smooth Move
Once you’ve sold your old home and purchased a new one, the next big hurdle will be moving day. Here are some tips to ensure that it goes smoothly:
* Board your dog on moving day. Here some additional ways to help your dog get through moving day.
* Eat a protein-rich breakfast for energy.
* Feed and provide plenty of water for your moving team.
* Don’t pack valuables or important ID; instead, put them in the car with you.
* Keep an emergency bag nearby with medications, bandages, backup eyewear, snacks, water, and other important items.
To make sure everything goes smoothly, print this moving checklist from Senior Care Homes.
Downsizing can save you money and uncomplicate your life. Use these tips to find the perfect home for your golden years.