Worry-Free Moving: A Downsizing Checklist for Seniors

According to a survey conducted by TD Ameritrade, 42 percent of respondents said they plan to downsize in retirement.

It makes perfect sense. The kids have moved out of the house, and you no longer need the extra space. All those household tasks – cleaning, maintenance and repairs – that made sense when the house was fully occupied, don’t really make sense any longer. And the added money you spend on a large home could be better used by enjoying your retirement.

The process isn’t always easy, though. Letting go of the family home, and the lifetime of memories therein, can be emotional and laborious – especially if you go it alone. If you are considering downsizing your home (either for yourself or an elderly loved one), you can make the process easier with this checklist.

Talk with Loved Ones

Whether you’re the one downsizing or you are sparking a conversation with ageing loved ones, it’s wise to talk things out. To start, determine the reasons for downsizing: is it a financial decision, for health reasons, or are they looking to make a positive life change? Perhaps it’s all those reasons.

Getting to the root of why downsizing makes sense can help the process along. Next, talk about possible reservations you (or they) might have. Are you nervous about decluttering? Is there trepidation about the move itself? The more you define your reservations, the better you can address them.

Outline Criteria for Your New Home

Besides a smaller size, what are you looking for in a new home? Do you want to be closer to family? Are you craving a community of like-minded seniors? Do you require greater accessibility and fewer house responsibilities? Answering these questions will help guide you toward your perfect home.

Declutter

To set your downsizing adventure in motion, you will need to edit your belongings. For best results, call in the experts for this step. A professional downsizing company can help you declutter and organize your belongings. Working closely, compassionately and patiently with you, they will sort your belongings and spearhead the sale or donation of unwanted items.

Take Pictures

Take pictures of your old home, and if it helps, take photos of belongings you are giving away too. These reminders of the past can help ease the transition. They are an acknowledgement of the significance that your home had in your life, and you can even hang them in your new home as you get used to it.

Leave Move Day to Professionals

When moving day rolls around, you want to focus on bidding farewell to your old home and saying hello to the exciting new chapter of your life ahead. You don’t want to be bogged down with moving logistics and tasks. Look for a professional downsizing company that, in addition to offering decluttering services, offers end-to-end move management, taking care of truck rentals, elevator reservations, packing and unpacking. Leaving move day to the professionals takes a lot of the stress out of the process.

With a few candid conversations with loved ones, some proactive planning and the help of professional downsizing services, your move will be largely stress-free and positive. Now, all that’s left to do is enjoy your new home – and the money you saved along with it!

 

Christophe Rude
Christophe Rude
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