Downsizing and retirement — these two go hand-in-hand these days. Many seniors want to downsize their homes to make aging in place easier. Others just want to downsize to make daily life more comfortable. No matter your reason for downsizing in your golden years, there are a few key questions you should ask yourself — Corral Storage presents some answers.
Will You Age in Place or Relocate?
Downsizing could mean trading your larger home for a smaller one, or it could simply mean streamlining your possessions and simplifying your life. If you are interested in moving to a new home, you should keep these important factors and tips in mind:
●
What sort of home can you
comfortably afford in retirement? There are calculators online to help you
figure this out and guides to help you find the right home loan option. Also,
spend some time researching the local housing market to
understand the prices.
●
Do you have concerns about
mobility, now or in the years to come? If so, it may be wise to look for accessibility features, like a stepless entry
or single-story floor plan.
● If you do plan on aging in place, you should also be aware of local senior services.
Are You Holding On to Emotional Clutter?
A torn throw pillow. A broken lamp. Birthday cards from decades past. If these sound like objects that are taking up space in your home, you may be trying to hold on to memories rather than possessions. Here are some gentle tips to help you let go and take back control:
●
Many older adults keep everyday items because
it helps them feel secure and in control. If clutter has gotten out of control
in your home, it may be a sign of a bigger problem.
●
Even if you aren’t hoarding, letting
go of personal items can be emotional. Give yourself plenty of time to declutter your home and go room-by-room to
avoid being overwhelmed.
●
When items do hold a lot of meaning or emotion, you should take extra care
in getting rid of them. You can pass them along to family or turn them into
more practical memorabilia.
● If there are items that you simply cannot part with, Corral Storage can help you keep these items safe and secure.
Who Will Help You Move?
Decluttering your home, selling it, and planning a move all at the same time can be a lot for anyone to handle. If you’re feeling overwhelmed just looking at this list of resources, know that you don’t have to go it alone. You can find or hire these professionals to help you out:
●
Professional organizing services can take the
stress out of getting rid of clutter, so look into available services if you
are dealing with a mountain of possessions to downsize.
●
Hiring
top-rated moving company is also a smart move
for seniors since doing so will make packing less of a hassle and reduce the risk
of injuries from falls, etc.
● Finally, you will want to work with a real estate agent to sell your current home and find a new one. Agents with SRES qualifications will have more experience helping seniors.
Downsizing can make your life easier in retirement. It can also make aging in place safer and more practical. Think about your reasons for downsizing and start putting together a plan. Also, remember that this can be an emotional and challenging process, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed.