If you are thinking about downsizing your home before or after retirement, it’s great to start planning to make the transition easier for yourself and your loved ones.
Downsizing in Retirement
Making the decision to relocate and downsize for retirement can be difficult, exciting, and emotional. Whether you are moving to the other side of town or cross country, downsizing is a great way to improve your finances and your lifestyle. There are many ways you can save money with a smaller home and since you will have less house to care for, it will give you the opportunity to travel and do some of the things on your bucket list. These are just some of the reasons many people choose to include downsizing as part of their retirement planning.
Downsizing Tips for Seniors
There are several things seniors can do to make the downsizing process easier both physically and emotionally.
Keep an open mind. Try to be as open as possible to the idea of moving into a smaller home and look at all the positive aspects. Your new home will require less upkeep so you can spend more time with the grandkids. Your utility bills will be lower and you’ll have more time and money for leisure activities.
Plan ahead. Figure out how much downsizing will be necessary. Imagine your new home, what rooms you will have, and be sure to consider any mobility concerns and your budget. Do you want to be closer to your loved ones? Do you have a preferred location? It’s best to start planning and implementing the process before you put your home on the market.
Give yourself plenty of time. Don’t try to declutter or get rid of things too quickly. Go through your current home room by room and decide what items you want to keep, give to family or friends, donate, sell, or throw away.