How easy is it for you to navigate the corridors of your home and keep up the cleaning it requires on a weekly basis? If you are like many seniors, you may find that past injuries, vision issues, and general stiffness prevent you from being involved in your home’s maintenance as much as you would like. Often, the problem stems from having a house with too much unoccupied space. The solution? Downsizing. An increasing number of senior citizens are choosing to downsize in retirement to spend their golden years in comfort. Downsizing, particularly when you have lived in the same place for years, can be difficult, but here are some tips to help you more easily choose a destination, pack, and successfully move as an independent senior.
Things to do when you are preparing to downsize
It can be difficult to look at new homes when you are still attached to your old house and your current array of possessions. After all, a smaller home will not be able to fit as many things as you probably currently have. However, downsizing will make you more comfortable. Instead of fretting about the looming task of getting rid of your clutter, meditate instead on how freeing it will be to embrace simplicity and be able to look at a home filled only with your most beloved things, the things with the most sentimental (or utilitarian) value.
You should also keep in mind that just because you are downsizing doesn’t mean you have to necessarily get rid of your belongings. You could easily find friends or family members who would like to put your larger pieces to good use. If you’d like to hold on to your extra things yourself, you may want to consider buying a self-storage unit. While you research homes, also look for storage sites nearby to find the best prices. Some locations may feature a range in costs, depending on the time of year - in Huntsville, Alabama, the prices of self-storage units vary wildly compared with other cities, increasing or decreasing by an average of $31.64 per month. In Huntsville, you will be able to find the lowest storage prices in October and the highest prices in February.
Planning ahead while packing
Once you’ve pared down your possessions to the essentials and the pieces with the most sentimental value, it’s time to pack. Always plan ahead - you will probably need more boxes than you think, as well as tape, markers, and other means of keeping track of the contents of your boxes. The more clearly labeled they are, the better. After all, when you arrive at your new home, you will need to unpack your most time-sensitive boxes first. Clearly labeling the contents of the boxes will help to keep the move free of stress. Finally, try to put the heaviest items in the smallest boxes - while it may seem counterintuitive, smaller boxes are easier to carry even when they’re filled with heavy objects.
Checklists for seniors
Finally, if you are a senior, it may be helpful for you to put together a basic moving checklist so you can be sure you have taken care of everything you need before, during, and after the move. Beforehand, make a list of your accessibility requirements. For instance, if you are in a wheelchair, you should look for homes that are either wheelchair accessible or can be retrofitted once you move in. You should also consider the location of your new home as well as your home-buying budget. Homes in Huntsville are currently valued an average of $138,600, but for a small, single-story - and therefore, senior-friendly - dwelling, you could pay significantly less. Some downsizing seniors like to move closer to family, while others choose vacation destinations, so be sure to research home prices wherever you plan on going. Finally, keep your social life in mind. Will your prospective new home have a nearby senior center?
Downsizing can be a great way to save money and live a more minimalist life. To make your move easier, keep a checklist to stay organized, go through your possessions early on, and describe the contents of your packed boxes in detail.
Source: Mike Longsdon - Elder Freedom
As usual, should you be interested in buying or selling a home, or for any further information regarding your home, please contact me, Karen Borden, your North Alabama Real Estate Professional!
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