When you’re a mature adult, downsizing requires a bit of forward thinking. Your income and assets, current needs, and potential future health conditions all play a part in the decision-making process. And, as we continue to remain gripped by the coronavirus pandemic, there are even more considerations to sort through. But, if the time has come for you to say “sayonara” to your current living situation, don’t let fear keep you in place. Here are some tips on how to downsize without putting your safety or health at risk.
Safety First Before you start packing up your life’s belongings, now’s a great time to think about how you’ll keep yourself safe once you’ve chosen to sell your home. Your realtor will likely have lots of suggestions, including utilizing virtual media, such as tours and walk-throughs, instead of pushing open houses and in-person showings. While these digital options have been valuable in real estate the last few years, the COVID-19 pandemic has made them even more desirable tools for both buyers and sellers. These are cost-effective ways to showcase your home in the best light, which is crucial if home prices start to slip. The Process Begins As with all things, the downsizing process has to begin somewhere. In all reality, this should be by purging your belongings. DailyCaring recommends taking plenty of time and making sure that your family heirlooms find a new home. A few questions to ask yourself as you go room to room include:
If you already have your next home secured, grab a tape measure. This is the quickest way to eliminate furniture and other belongings that are too large for your new space. Once you know what can go, you can decide what to do with it. The two options here are to either sell or donate. While many people prefer the convenience of hosting a garage sale, The Simple Dollar’s Holly Johnson asserts there are better ways to cash in and clear out. One of the biggest benefits of purging, aside from not overloading your new space, is that it can help you save money in the short and long term. Your moving company, for example, will factor in the weight of your household items along with other things, such as the distance and whether you need an entire truck to yourself, when calculating your relocation expenses. You’ll also save money by not having to maintain personal items you don’t use. Not Sure Where to Move? If you’re one of the many seniors who knows you need to move but don’t yet know what that will look like, consider your options. While you, of course, could choose assisted or independent living, these aren’t the only living arrangements for seniors. The American Academy of Family Physicians points out that you could also transition into an active adult community, which is a neighborhood geared toward people 55 and up. You might also move into a smaller single-family house or condo or in with an adult child. The choice is yours. Downsizing from a large home to smaller accommodations can give you the freedom to live the life you’ve always wanted. You’ll save money and time, both of which you can devote to quality-of-life activities, such as travel and hobbies. More importantly, you’ll secure for yourself a long-term living arrangement that can help you age on your own terms in the place you want to be.
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