4 Questions That Can Make Downsizing Less Complicated for Seniors

lorenaf • Jul 05, 2019

4 Questions That Can Make Downsizing Less Complicated for Seniors
Moving from one home to another is always a complicated process. For seniors who have decided to downsize, this process can feel even more stressful. All of the decisions to make and the steps to take are enough to leave any senior feeling overwhelmed. So if you are looking to downsize during retirement, ask yourself the following questions to help minimize that stress and make the most of your golden years.

Should I Live Alone or Consider a Senior Community?
This is a common question seniors ask themselves when they think about downsizing. There are some steps you can take to age in place safely in a home on your own. However, you may feel more comfortable being surrounded by other people. You may also need some additional assistance with everyday tasks, like bathing and preparing meals. This is why it’s important for you to fully understand the differences between assisted living and independent living. The knowledge will help you make ultimate choice.

What Are My Housing Options?
If you just want to have a sense of community with fellow seniors, then you may be better off moving to an independent senior living community. The facilities include shared common spaces and special amenities.  If you need that extra help mentioned earlier, an assisted living facility may be a better option. It can also be helpful to factor senior living costs into your decision.  Some communities may be more expensive than others.
than others.

If moving into a smaller home feels like the best choice, reach out to a local Realtor.  He or she can more easily find a house that fits your individual needs. You can search for realtors online or ask people you know for recommendations. Don’t be afraid to interview several candidates until you find someone you’re comfortable working with.

How Will I Know Whether a Neighborhood is Right for Me?
Thinking about your health and safety needs can help you answer this question as well. For instance, if you are not able to drive yourself to doctor’s appointment and grocery stores, finding a home near public transportation should be a priority.

Another savvy tip for making sure a neighborhood or home type will work for your golden years is to rent a vacation home in that area. If you’re planning to consider Sonoma County, you’re on the right track. Turnkey reminds that this area in the heart of California wine country has more than 60 state and regional parks. It also has an active arts scene, making it a prime location for seniors during retirement. You can test out a short-term rental to see if this location is right for you, and get a feel for what it will be like in a smaller home.

What Steps Can I Take to Keep Downsizing and Moving Stress-Free?
Once you settle on where you’ll live, you can move onto to making your downsizing dreams come true. This means it’s time to work on decluttering and downsizing your possessions in preparation for the move. It’s important to keep your motivations in mind when sorting through so many years’ worth of stuff. Remember, the temporary emotions of letting go will be far outweighed by the reduction in stress you will feel after downsizing successfully. Finally,
before you start packing up, complete a quick online search for a senior move planner , This way, you don’t miss any crucial steps and can start settling into your new home sooner.

The End Result
This list of downsizing tips and questions is by no means exhaustive, but it can help you get a good start to this major life transition. By finding the right home, the right help and the right  resources, you can take a lot of the headache out of your retirement move. That way you can get back to working toward your other retirement goals, from traveling to simply relaxing.

Michael Longsdon

Share this post

By Sue Carrell and Associates 31 Jul, 2014
  A “Thorny” Issue Differentiating between what is “damage” and what is “normal wear and ...
By Sue Carrell and Associates 31 Jul, 2014
  So many property owners think they are qualified to manage their own rental units. ...
By Sue Carrell and Associates 31 May, 2014
  What are the rules that govern the return of the security deposit to the ...
Show More
Share by: