Downsizing can make a significant difference in a senior’s life, which is why many older adults are making the decision to scale down to a smaller home. From allowing for better safety around the house to saving money each month, downsizing has many benefits. It’s not an easy task, however, which is why it’s so important to do your research before making a final decision. Choosing the right home for your needs, preparing your current home for sale, and making some lifestyle changes to ensure your comfort will all play a role.
The biggest thing to consider is the fact that it’s not just your home that will be downsized. While your physical possessions will have to be pared down, you also have to think about your lifestyle. For instance, in a smaller home, you’ll have less to take care of, but you may not have a big yard to garden in, which will affect your physical and mental health. Take these factors into consideration before making a move so you won’t be faced with tough decisions down the road.
Here are a few more things to consider when you’re ready for a downsize.
Prep your home
There’s a lot that goes into selling a home, so make a list of all the things that need to be done. This should include decluttering, cleaning, depersonalizing, repairing, and sprucing up the yard to give it some curb appeal. It’s also crucial to think about the asking price, so do some research to find out how much homes in the neighbourhood are going for. Take great photos of the home to share on a listing site, and figure out which day of the week you want to put the house up for sale officially. Wednesday and Thursday are the most popular days since they help fetch the most money and make quicker sales. The month you list in is important, as well.
Find the right place
Finding the right home for your post-retirement years can take some time, so try to be patient and don’t settle for anything less than what you want. Even if your health is great right now, there could be changes down the road that necessitate an easy-to-navigate home. Accessibility is crucial because it will help to ensure safety, so think about what features your new home will need to have. A walk-in shower, wide doorways, handles and levers instead of knobs, and thresholds without steps are all great places to start. You can also think about setting aside some money for modifications if necessary.
Toss or keep?
It’s never easy to give up our possessions; they come with sentimental attachments, and the idea of giving them away or selling them may be painful. It can be tricky to downsize your belongings, but keep in mind that you don’t have to get rid of anything that has emotional value. If those items won’t fit in your new home, consider renting a storage unit or asking a close family member to hold onto them for you. Afterward, take a look at the smaller things — clothing, books, costume jewelry — that can be donated or sold a bit more easily.
Measure and plan
One important aspect of moving to a smaller home is measuring the new space. This is because you may have larger pieces of furniture that just won’t fit, which will require you to get rid of them or trade them out for more compact pieces. You can also look for furniture that does double-duty, such as a couch that folds out into a bed, to save space. If possible, head to the new house well before the move to measure and take note of where windows and outlets are. This way, moving day will go much more smoothly.
Downsizing can be highly beneficial to seniors, but it can be stressful if you aren’t prepared. Think carefully about what your needs are and what they will be in the future in order to make sure your health and safety are well taken care of, as well as to ensure your comfort.