Step 1: Overcoming Emotional Barriers to DownsizingEven though you may logically realize that moving to a smaller and simpler home would be beneficial, the thought of leaving your current home might seem overwhelming. Or maybe moving to a new home would mean admitting that you’ve reached a certain age. Neither of these thoughts is comfortable — but again, they’re completely normal. Change is difficult for anyone, especially a big change. However, there are substantial benefits to downsizing. Benefits of downsizing your home
Many people take a while to make this decision. Just remember – it’s best to think about downsizing when you want to versus being forced to do it when you have to. Step 2: Telling Friends and Family You Want to DownsizeOnce you’ve decided that you want to downsize your home, you’ll need to explain your choice to family members and friends. Depending on their mindset, the conversation may go one of two ways:
Plan for a conversation with them where you can explain why you’ve made this decision. Tell them about the benefits of downsizing your home, and that you’ll be able to get more out of life in a smaller, simpler house. And explain that you’d rather make the move now (when you want to) versus later (when you might have to). Don’t be surprised if they don’t agree with you or want to change your mind. Listen to them, but also give them time to think about it, just as you did. Step 3: Choosing Your Next HomeAfter you’ve decided to move and have some or all of your family members on board, the fun part — choosing a new home — can begin. There are a variety of options with their own benefits and drawbacks. Use the chart below to compare your options and determine which is right for you. ProsCons Regular smaller home, condo, or apartment (1 floor)Easier to manage; less yardwork Still need to arrange for any yardwork or housework; still need to pay for monthly bills and expenses; no future care is provided if needed Retirement community Smaller size; layout and features specifically for older adults; few or no chores; fewer individual expenses No future care is provided if needed; amenities may not be included in cost Continuing care retirement community Homes and apartments built for older adults; access to future care if needed; on-campus amenities; all or nearly all expenses included Not yet widely available in all areas You’re probably familiar with the first two living options in the chart, but perhaps not with a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). Learn more about what a gs4-u can offer you. As with buying any other type of house, you’ll need to do your research on the type of arrangement that’s right for you. Word of mouth and recommendations are great places to start. Once you have a few ideas in mind, visit them to get a first-hand look at what they’re like. Again, this process may take a while, so don’t feel rushed into making a decision. Step 4: Getting Started with Downsizing – Tips for DeclutteringOnce you’ve decided on your next home, it’s time to tackle the decluttering and moving stage. Depending on how much stuff you’ve accumulated, this may seem daunting. But it might be helpful to ask yourself, why should something sit unused in my basement or garage when it could be a blessing to someone in need?
Tips for decluttering and downsizing The no-more-stuff rule Stop bringing things into the house. You’ll just be adding more stuff that needs to be cleaned up later. You can’t dry up the flood if you don’t turn off the faucet! Donate unneeded items Pat yourself on the back for being generous as you give away what you don’t need to family and friends — or donate it to charity. You can find a donation drop-off location online, or schedule a pickup, making it that much easier to give. Check your closets If you haven’t worn a piece of clothing in the past year, you’ve proven you don’t need it. If parting with your clothes proves too difficult to bear, start small with cheap, easy-to-replace clothing like socks. The one-year-and-gone rule If you haven’t put something to use during the past year — a kitchen appliance, a craft project, sets of linens — that item is subject to extra scrutiny. Chances are, you don’t really need it. Enlist friends and family to help Call on a trusted friend or relative to help you sort. He or she won’t have the same emotional attachment you have to those spoons in the back of your silverware drawer and can render an unbiased opinion about whether you should keep or toss them. Take it one room at a time When you focus on one room and finish it completely, you’ll get that marvelous feeling of success, which is a terrific motivator for moving on to declutter the next room. Turn on your favorite music and have fun while decluttering! Getting organized may take a while, but you’ll likely find that you feel a sense of calm and peace when you’re finished — and when you’re surrounded only by the things you truly want. Next, if you’ve chosen a traditional retirement community or a CCRC, check with them to see if they offer moving services. Some may even come to your home, box up items, and move them right to your new home. If you don’t have access to this service, get help from family or a professional service.
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