Downsizing in retirement

Downsizing in retirement can be an emotionally challenging and life-changing event. While you may get enthusiastic about it, downsizing is an overwhelming process. A lot of free time, high utility bills and too much of a living space to maintain are just few reasons why downsizing appeals to retirees.

As the years go by, people usually come to realize that their family home that was perfect for raising children is no longer suitable. At some point the family home may feel too empty and too difficult to maintain. Leaving a place you’ve called home for decades filled with a lifetime of memories is not easy, but sometimes it’s for the best.
This decision especially makes sense for those who don’t have enough savings for the golden years.

Guidelines to downsizing in retirement

If you and your spouse are on the same page in terms of selling your current home and moving to a smaller house or studio apartment, go ahead and discuss your goals for downsizing. Luckily, there are a lot of professional movers that specialize in helping the elderly relocate and downsize.
Some of the most common reasons for downsizing in retirement are:

• finances
• lifestyle
• proximity to the loved ones

Once you reach a point in your life when you start thinking about downsizing, make use of our tips and tricks for a hassle-free relocation. Also, ask yourself these simple questions in order to get a clear idea of your needs and expectations.

Simple steps to downsizing in retirement

– Where do you want to enjoy your retirement? Would you like to move close to your family? Are you looking for a community of like-minded people where you can find people of your age who share your interests and opinions? Would you like to move to a small town or to a big city?
– Think about your lifestyle. Do you want to move to a calm city or neighborhood in the middle of the nature? Or would you like to move to a lively and exciting place? How would you like to spend your time in retirement?

– How much space do you actually need? Since you obviously don’t feel comfortable in a house with so many empty bedrooms, it’s time to find a new place that you can call home. Also, you will want to accommodate your overnight guests, so choose a home with one extra bedroom. As it turns out, your monthly budget and expenses will mostly determine the size and the location of your new property. Furthermore, take into account other pertinent factors like insurance, taxes, down payment, closing costs before committing to buying a new home.

– Are you interested in reducing monthly utility and upkeep costs as well as saving some money? Do the math – calculate your current household expenses (mortgage, utility and upkeep costs, rent,…). Moving to a smaller and less demanding property may help you free up some cash. However, there are scenarios where downsizing doesn’t necessarily mean saving. If you are moving from an affordable area to a big city center you are likely to end up paying even more for a smaller property. That being said, feel free to turn to a reputable real estate agent who can help you make an informed decision. You just try to visualize your future life and reach out to the professionals who will help you make it happen.
Be realistic when trying to answer those questions, since they can help you narrow down your options and possibilities.

Downsizing means…de-cluttering!

Leaving behind items that have been part of your life for decades can be a daunting prospect. In order to have an organized and clutter-free new home, do not take the task of de-cluttering lightly. Start sorting through your belongings a couple of months in advance. You are about to start over and develop new routines, so there’s no need to move useless items.

Purge as you organize and pack up your household. Alternatively, you will end up paying additionally for packing and moving items you are not going to use. Not to mention the time and effort you are going to waste.
Having made a list of items that are not going to a new home, you can decide whether you are going to sell, donate ot discard them. You will get the chance to do a good deed as well as earn some additional cash that may be put to good use later on.

The truth is that you won’t be able to let go of lots of things, so consider investing in a quality storage facility. Find a suitable storage unit nearby where you can place all those items you are sentimentally attached to. Also, make sure to purchase an adequate insurance for your valuables (antiques, paintings, collectibles).

Choosing an appropriate moving company

Whether you are relocating to a smaller apartment or to a retirement community, the good news is that you can easily reach out to the moving experts and ask for help. They will make sure you have a stress-free transition and a pleasant senior moving experience. Having done thousands of similar jobs, they have a lot of relevant experience to plan, coordinate and execute your move.

They will tackle sorting, packing, arranging, transporting, unpacking, disassembling and reassembling of your household items. They perfectly understand that moving at the golden age is an emotional roller coaster accompanied with a series of challenges.

Saying goodbye to a lifetime of belongings and treasured memories is not easy. Thankfully, hiring a professional assistance is what it takes to get you through this transition as smoothly as possible.

Contact several of them to ask for moving quote. Also, many senior moving companies offer special deals, so check if you qualify for one. Check each company’s business practices and background as well as online rating and reviews. Surely you don’t want to entrust the lifetime’s worth of belongings to the suspicious movers. Unfortunately, some of them may take advantage of them.