Downsizing Can Mean Freedom, Flexibility for Newly Unburdened Seniors

People in retirement are embracing a new style of living, emphasizing freedom and mobility and jettisoning belongings accumulated over decades in order to enjoy a more flexible lifestyle. Downsizing is a marked trend in real estate these days, particularly among older Americans. A smaller, less maintenance-intensive home eases the burden on your body as well as your retirement fund and, with less upkeep, gives you the freedom to go where you want and do what you will.

Where will you move?

The first step is to identify where you want to move. Depending on your circumstances, this could be your chance to live where you’ve always wanted, perhaps near the water, in the country or closer to loved ones. Some older adults downsize to a house or apartment that’s near their healthcare provider for the sake of convenience. Wherever you choose to buy, be sure to research home prices/values.

An accessible home

Once you’ve decided where you want to live, you should look for an accessible home. Accessibility features, such as no-step entryways, grab bars, and ample lighting, can make it easier for you to move around and can help you avoid accidents. If the home you choose isn’t accessible, simple installations can be put in place, but you may also need to hire a remodeling company to get the home move-in ready. Find out which rooms need remodeling, then do a search online to compare prices.

Decluttering

As soon as you know you’re moving, begin the decluttering process and start unburdening your life. Go room by room and make separate piles of what you’re getting rid of and what you want to keep. Handle each item and consider whether it’s something you’ve used or displayed within the past year. If not, it’s probably time for it to go since you need to match belongings to the square footage and available storage space in your new home.

If you need time to decide about some of your belongings or require temporary storage while you make arrangements, look into renting a short-term storage unit. It can be an inexpensive solution to have more time to make decisions.

Focus on the big stuff

Take photos and measurements of rooms in your new place to determine how much furniture you can take along and what needs to be given away. Remember, you’re dealing with what may be considerably less space, so declutter with impunity. A grand piano and a massive sectional may have provided hours of pleasure over the years, but probably won’t fit into your downsizing plans. Consider giving them to friends or family members who can also enjoy them if you decide not to keep or store such items.

A new start

Saying goodbye to objects that elicit strong memories and emotions is always difficult. Instead of dwelling on what you’re saying goodbye to, try embracing downsizing as an opportunity to start over with a whole new decor, a kind of signal that you’re beginning an exciting new phase of life. This should be symbolic of a new start, so don’t turn it into a melancholy memorial of your past. If downsizing means you’re now free to travel, incorporate elements of places you’ve always wanted to visit by hanging artwork that puts you in that frame of mind.

Making your move

Turning the page on your life and saying goodbye to the past can be difficult, but the moving process shouldn’t be, so research the best, most affordable moving companies in your area (the average cost nationally of a local move is $1,250). Make sure they have experience working with seniors and that they’ll take special care to protect your fragile items. Some companies work with a senior move manager, who can help you decide what to take and what to get rid of,  and they have experience making it all as pain-free as possible.

Downsizing should signal a positive change in your life. You’re exchanging the burden of excess belongings and the upkeep of a large home for the efficiency and convenience of a smaller living space. And it means you’ll have a degree of freedom you may never have known before. Enjoy it!

Call a reputable Real Estate Professional for guidance and assistance through the downsizing process, Immacolata “Imma” Giocoli specializes in Senior Living … Tyler Vincent Real Estate Inc. Located in Brooklyn and services all 5 boroughs and beyond.

“the advise is free, the information is priceless” …Imma Giocoli

Courtesy of Pixabay.com

Downsizing Can Mean Freedom, Flexibility for Newly Unburdened Seniors

People in retirement are embracing a new style of living, emphasizing freedom and mobility and jettisoning belongings accumulated over decades in order to enjoy a more flexible lifestyle. Downsizing is a marked trend in real estate these days, particularly among older Americans. A smaller, less maintenance-intensive home eases the burden on your body as well as your retirement fund and, with less upkeep, gives you the freedom to go where you want and do what you will.

Where will you move?

The first step is to identify where you want to move. Depending on your circumstances, this could be your chance to live where you’ve always wanted, perhaps near the water, in the country or closer to loved ones. Some older adults downsize to a house or apartment that’s near their healthcare provider for the sake of convenience. Wherever you choose to buy, be sure to research home prices/values.

An accessible home

Once you’ve decided where you want to live, you should look for an accessible home. Accessibility features, such as no-step entryways, grab bars, and ample lighting, can make it easier for you to move around and can help you avoid accidents. If the home you choose isn’t accessible, simple installations can be put in place, but you may also need to hire a remodeling company to get the home move-in ready. Find out which rooms need remodeling, then do a search online to compare prices.

Decluttering

As soon as you know you’re moving, begin the decluttering process and start unburdening your life. Go room by room and make separate piles of what you’re getting rid of and what you want to keep. Handle each item and consider whether it’s something you’ve used or displayed within the past year. If not, it’s probably time for it to go since you need to match belongings to the square footage and available storage space in your new home.

If you need time to decide about some of your belongings or require temporary storage while you make arrangements, look into renting a short-term storage unit. It can be an inexpensive solution to have more time to make decisions.

Focus on the big stuff

Take photos and measurements of rooms in your new place to determine how much furniture you can take along and what needs to be given away. Remember, you’re dealing with what may be considerably less space, so declutter with impunity. A grand piano and a massive sectional may have provided hours of pleasure over the years, but probably won’t fit into your downsizing plans. Consider giving them to friends or family members who can also enjoy them if you decide not to keep or store such items.

A new start

Saying goodbye to objects that elicit strong memories and emotions is always difficult. Instead of dwelling on what you’re saying goodbye to, try embracing downsizing as an opportunity to start over with a whole new decor, a kind of signal that you’re beginning an exciting new phase of life. This should be symbolic of a new start, so don’t turn it into a melancholy memorial of your past. If downsizing means you’re now free to travel, incorporate elements of places you’ve always wanted to visit by hanging artwork that puts you in that frame of mind.

Making your move

Turning the page on your life and saying goodbye to the past can be difficult, but the moving process shouldn’t be, so research the best, most affordable moving companies in your area (the average cost nationally of a local move is $1,250). Make sure they have experience working with seniors and that they’ll take special care to protect your fragile items. Some companies work with a senior move manager, who can help you decide what to take and what to get rid of,  and they have experience making it all as pain-free as possible.

Downsizing should signal a positive change in your life. You’re exchanging the burden of excess belongings and the upkeep of a large home for the efficiency and convenience of a smaller living space. And it means you’ll have a degree of freedom you may never have known before. Enjoy it!

Call a reputable Real Estate Professional for guidance and assistance through the downsizing process, Immacolata “Imma” Giocoli specializes in Senior Living … Tyler Vincent Real Estate Inc. Located in Brooklyn and services all 5 boroughs and beyond.

“the advise is free, the information is priceless” …Imma Giocoli

Courtesy of Pixabay.com

If your home is starting to be too hard to maintain, it might be the perfect time to start downsizing your NYC home. Alt text: a large brick house in Queens, NY with a big yard in front of it.

Downsizing doesn’t necessarily need to be for negative reasons. When you express your need to downsize, many will automatically assume that there is a problem, usually one connected to finances. However, we believe that downsizing can be a great thing. Still, it is never an easy venture, especially if you are a parent. Downsizing your NYC home with kids will not be a walk in the park. Yet, if you plan accordingly and responsibly, it shouldn’t be an experience that will make your hair fall out. So, here are some great tips that can make your downsizing venture less stressful and less time-consuming. After all, you are a parent, so time is a luxury you often do not have.

How to know when it is the right time for downsizing your NYC home?

In this situation, just like in many others, timing is everything. It is very important to determine when is it the perfect time to make this necessary change. Of course, there are many different reasons that can motivate you to make this change for yourself and, even more, your family. However, these are the most common indicators that it might be time to downsize:

• Your mortgage payments are too high in comparison to your monthly earnings.
• To cover all your monthly costs, you spend more time at work then you should. As a result, you spend little or no time with your family.
• You do not have a need for a big space and there are rooms and areas in your home that are not being utilized at all.

Large yards are very hard to maintain. By downsizing and having a smaller yard or no yard at all, will give you the opportunity to save time and money. Alt text: a large and luxurious home with a huge yard and lawn in front of it.

These are just the most common reasons for downsizing your NYC home with kids. There are many more reasons that would motivate you to take this step. It is an individual decision, and it differs from one family to another. There is no cookie-cutter answer for when the perfect time is to grab the bull by the horns and start cutting down.

Hiring professional help during your downsizing process

Even if you are downsizing because of financial problems, we still urge you to hire professional help. While selling your home and looking for a new one, you will need assistance from an experienced and credible real estate agent. The party doesn’t stop there, though. Once your property is sold a new one is locked down, it would be smart to hire professional movers.

At this point, you will be burned out by all the things you needed to do to downsize your NYC home. The best thing you can do for your sanity is to hire professionals to take care of business for you. They will save you time, that you should redirect towards your kids. In addition to that, they know their stuff and they have experience. Thus, they will be in and out on moving day in no time. If you still haven’t locked down great movers for your moving day, contact IPS NYC Movers NYC.

Will you have the time to get your home ready for selling?

Naturally, since you are probably a working parent, the first answer that will come to mind is NO. Still, you know that this is not true. There are ways to manage your extremely busy schedule to get it done. All parents feel like they are always in crunch-time. Somehow, things end up working out when you least expect them to. However, it is no shame to admit that you need help.

During this period, your best friend will be your real estate agent. A real estate agent can help you with many different things, not just selling your home. They can help you stage your home and introduce you to current real estate trends. When selling and buying a new home, it is crucial to be familiar with NYC’s real estate forecast. Otherwise, you might end up making the wrong move.

A trustworthy real estate agent will give you much more than just buying options. Don't hesitate to hire a professional when selling and buying a home. Alt text: a hand holding a key that is set on a green keychain.

How to prepare your kids for downsizing your NYC home?

Cutting back and downsizing might be a bitter pill to swallow for your kids. How they will take this news depends very much on their age and how much they are able to understand. As a parent, be ready to deliver this news very gently. It is very possible that your kids will not have a positive reaction, especially at first. Do your best to include them in the process as much as you can.

Certainly, you cannot include them in every downsizing task that comes your way. Yet, there will be many opportunities to do so. Take them with you when you decide to get packing supplies that are durable. Afterwards, get them ice cream or whatever they love. Also, take them with you when you house hunt. This way, your kids will feel like they have some control in this entire process, which will give them a sense of security and control.

Choosing your future home

The process is similar to any other property hunt. Before you even take a step towards looking at a new property, you must have some ideas of what you are looking for. Downsizing doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to move to a horrible part of town and live in a home the size of a tuna can. Talk to your real estate agent about your options. If you like your current neighborhood and neighbors, maybe there is a way you can find a smaller place locally. There are great and creative ways to maximize your space, so you shouldn’t be worried if your new home is a tad bit smaller than your old one. After all, that is the entire purpose of downsizing.

Staying in the same neighborhood or moving just locally, will give your kids the chance to stay in their old school. This will make sure that your kids go through less discomfort during your downsizing mission. Alt text: a girl in a school uniform reading an Oxford English Dictionary.

It will be well worth it

Downsizing your NYC home with kids will most likely be a hard thing to do. We only mentioned the main tasks. You still need to declutter, sell the things you no longer need, rent a storage unit if needed, find new schools for your kids and many other things. But, in the end, once you start collecting the benefits of this venture, it will all be well-worth it. Be prepared to struggle at first so you can rip the benefits later on.

By Betty White