Downsizing a home can be a new chapter for most homeowners. Whether you want to simplify your lifestyle, come closer to your grandchildren or cut costs, downsizing adds freedom and flexibility. However, it is often a stressful, tolling process. Senior downsizing experts can relieve this burden by helping the elderly downsize, overseeing all aspects of the move from beginning to end.
Deciding if downsizing is right for you
The location where you want to live and the type of lifestyle you want are some of the critical factors to consider. Here are some more points to help you get a better idea of whether you should downsize your home or not:
- If you have a substantial amount of money.
- If you don’t need or use all the space in your home.
- If you don’t have time, energy and effort to maintain your home.
- If you aren’t well-connected to your current neighborhood.
- If you don’t have any dependents living at home.
The ultimate moving checklist
Moving on to a new home seems overwhelming at first. However, with a downsizing home checklist,downsizing can be easier.
Step 1: begin by organizing yourself
Create a realistic timeline and get prepared to sort through each room.
- Request quotes from licensed moving experts.
- Fix a date for shifting to your new home.
- Measure the size of your new home.
Step 2: decide what items to keep
Go through the list and check which items you need to keep.
- Refrigerator.
- Washer and dryer.
- Bedroom set.
- Microwave.
- Hobby items.
- Couches.
- Tables.
- Dining room set.
Step 3: sort unnecessary items into piles
Organize all furniture into separate piles by tagging with different colored stickers, such as:
- Donations.
- Giveaways.
- Trash pickup or dump.
- Sale items.
Step 4: prepare paperwork
Complete the administrative work necessary for moving, such as:
- Update your address with the Post Office and magazine subscriptions.
- Talk with your utility providers, such as gas, electricity, telephone, cable and water.
Step 5: Pack
As the items are highlighted and the clutter is gone, it’s time to get packing.
- Acquire boxes.
- Label boxes.
- Enlist help.
- Pack an ‘open first’ box.
Quick tips for a hassle-free move
- Measure your new living space and decide which larger furniture items to keep ASAP.
- Teach your kids how important it is to let stuff go when it no longer serves a purpose.
- You can take photographs of your child with their childhood toys for fun and long-lasting memories.
- Schedule large trash and donation pick-up according to your downsizing home checklist.
- Purchase the necessary toiletries needed.
- Set an hour aside each day and sort slowly for less stress.
- Take care of the necessary paperwork, such as notifying your insurance companies, license bureau, lawyers, accountants, banks and other companies while changing your address.
Downsizing options
It’s important to understand there is more than one way to downsize. Explore various options to determine which one best suits your needs, personality and lifestyle.
- Shifting to an area with a lower living cost.
- Choosing retirement community.
- Purchasing an apartment or condo.
- Leasing a condo or apartment.
- Choosing a smaller home that suits your needs.
Perks of downsizing your home
- Open a new chapter
Downsizing signifies a way to begin a new life in a new home. When you consider living in a smaller home with less upkeep, you can maintain the grounds and other amenities to enjoy at your home.
- Keep you out of debt
Downsizing will help you keep on a budget. Therefore, if you are trying to save your money and keep your credit from going into the red, downsizing your home with senior downsizing experts is your best decision.
- Saves money on frivolous living
It helps you stop wasting money on furniture, electronics and other home items used to fill space rather than fulfill a function. Consequently, it will help you prioritize your home according to your unique necessities.
- Free up your lifestyle for traveling
Traveling is often a burden if you have a larger home. For instance, you have to ensure your security systems are on and windows or doors are closed. However, by downsizing, traveling can be less of a hassle when leaving home.
- Spend less time cleaning
When cleaning and sorting your big home, there will be some hectic days when you stop emptying few bedrooms. However, floors and surfaces that are free of stuff are easier to wipe, sweep or vacuum.
Be prepared for an emotional journey
You will experience an ocean of emotions while going through the process of downsizing. Therefore, it’s always important to seek professional advice from senior downsizing experts first as it may impact your pension or other government privileges. Therefore, a legal professional will review sale contracts and oversee property settlement according to your unique needs.
