So you're thinking about downsizing....

So You're Thinking About Downsizing....

Are you getting tired of cutting the grass and shoveling snow?  Are you uncomfortable lugging laundry baskets and groceries up and down stairs?  Perhaps the thought of moving sounds good, but the thought of selling your home and and moving to a smaller space overwhelms you.  If so, you're not alone! 

Making the decision to move to a smaller space is extremely diffiuclt for many older adults. If you've lived in your home for several decades, then leaving it may feel like an enormous loss.  If your children have moved on, it may feel like your house is all you have left.  You may think that your house is keeping you connected to those happy memories of years past, BUT none of that matters if your house is no longer safe for you. 

Here's a checklist that might help you decide if it's time to move on.  Give careful consideration to the following questions:

Your Neighborhood

• What is your neighborhood like? 
  
• Do you feel safe?
• Do you feel vulnerable to home invasions?
• Can you get to places like the bank and supermarket easily?
• Are the sidewalks in good repair?
• Do you feel isolated?

Your Home

• Can you keep up with basic household maintenance, repairs and yardwork?
• Can you keep up with the housework?
  
• Do you have to use a dangerously narrow or steep staircase to reach a bedroom, laundry room or bathroom?
  
• Is your kitchen easy to navigate? 
  
• Can you reach cupboards easily without posing a safety hazard?
  
• Can you get in and out of the tub or shower easily? 
• Can you keep up with the laundry?

Your Own Physical Limitations

• Are your memory and vision still good? 
  
• Would you or your spouse ever forget about a pot on the stove?
  
• Have you ever left the water running and forgotten about it?
  
• Can you remember to take your medications?
• Can you pay your bills on time?
  
• Are you able to prepare heathy nutritious meals for yourself?
  
• Can you easily clean up a spill before it becomes a slipping hazzard?  
• Has driving become difficult? 
  

A downsize move to an apartment or a retirement community could certainly be a good move. Perhaps your loved ones are putting pressure on you because they're concerned abou your safety. 

Very often the need to make a downsize move appears obvious to everyone but to the senior who has to make that move.   You MUST be emotionally ready! 

• Take time to think through your decision.  This is not a process that can be rushed.
  
• Talk to people who you may know that have made the move.  Ask them if they're happy with their decision. 
  
• Perhaps those who have traveled this road before you can provide advice to help you through the process.
  
• Do your research.  That condo or retirment village might not be as expensive as you thought. 
  
• Talk to reputable real estate agents in your area.  It may not be as impossible to sell your home as you might think. 
  
• Realize that there are many people and resources who you can call on for help when help is needed. I'll be more than happy to help you find a Senior Move Manager, a Professional Organizer, a Professional Real Estate Stager and/or a Realtor in your area who specializes in helping seniors with their real estate and/or downsize needs.  Feel free to give me a call! 
  

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