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