It is not uncommon for senior citizens to want to downsize to a more manageable space as they get older. Here are some helpful tips for elderly individuals who are looking to smoothly transition to a new, smaller, space.
First and foremost, create a game plan. Now is a good time to start asking yourself questions about your move. A good idea is to dedicate a little bit of time each day to working on moving matters, particularly if you still work or have other obligations. Discuss your move with friends and family members, who may have beneficial information themselves. Section off some time each day, in the early stages, to put the pen to paper.
Home sellers both old and young benefit from hiring a real estate agent. Look into reputable agents in your area, or get recommendations from your friends and family. Real estate agents have a tool belt of helpful information that can make the sale of your home simple.
Downsize not only your home, but the possessions within it. Over time, we tend to accumulate a lot of material goods. Anyone who is moving should assess their belongs, but particularly seniors who are looking to transition to a smaller home. You can begin by dividing things into one of two categories, things that can go and things that absolutely must stay. If something no longer holds practical value, it may be time to let it go.
Now that you’ve decided what can go, look into other alternatives versus throwing your items away.
- Research local shelters in your area, specifically when looking to get rid of clothing items and the like.
- Goodwill has locations all over the country, and are usually equipped with a donation center for larger items like furniture.
- Or if you’d like to get some money out of your items, look into selling them online.
When looking for a new home, consider your specific needs. Many elderly individuals may struggle with health issues or ailments. Looking for homes that are easily accessible or one level, may be beneficial for people who are mobility limited. You may want to locate yourself close to good medical care, in the event you need assistance quickly.
Once you decide where you will move to, you may want to look into the services of professionals to assist. Hiring movers can help make the transition smooth, especially for the elderly. Research reputable moving companies in your area. Additionally, you can ask friends and family members who recently moved what services they used. You may also want to look into using Senior Move Managers. Senior Move Managers are a fairly new service that are popping up all over the country. They are particularly helpful with matters related to downsizing.
Money still matters. Like anyone selling a home, you will want to map out your monetary restrictions and desires. When moving, you will want to maximize your profits. This is especially important if you are looking to downsize. Naturally, you will want to make a generous return on your home’s sale. Hire a real estate broker who can help formulate a game plan, and give you necessary tips for your move.
If you choose to forgo movers, strategize how you will move items. It is recommended to move larger items first. This includes furniture, which is usually a bit more strenuous to move. Decide how you will move these items, and elicit the help of friends and family members who may have suitable vehicles for moving furniture. If you choose to hire movers, you can still pack smaller items.
Here are some places that you can find moving boxes for free or low prices.
- Craiglist
- Liquor Stores
- Bookstores
- Grocery Stores
- U-Haul box exchange
- Schools
Get your ducks in a row by making sure your information is changed beforehand. Moving means having to alert several offices and businesses of address changes. It is a good idea to do this before you begin the physical moving process. Therefore, when you get settled in your home you can eliminate this step. Reach out to the following if necessary.
- Banks
- Credit Card Companies
- Driver License Division
- Social Security
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/24/realestate/helping-the-elderly-downsize.html
http://info.allstarmoversllc.com/blog/8-moving-tips-for-senior-citizens-who-are-looking-to-downsize
http://www.movesforseniors.com/senior-moving-checklist17/
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/8-spots-to-get-moving-boxes-fr-1-103420
https://www.moneycrashers.com/where-donate-clothes-charity/