Downsizing for Seniors

Between adjusting to a new home and leaving behind fond memories, downsizing is rarely an easy process. However, there are several emotional and financial benefits for you to enjoy.

Getting started is often the hardest part. Our guide will share the positives of downsizing for seniors, then share some tips to start your journey.

What Are The Benefits Of Downsizing For Seniors?

Senior downsizing enables you to leave behind several limitations and set the stage for your new life.

You Can Increase Your Retirement Home Income

If you’ve been wondering about hobbies or vacations you could enjoy with extra income, senior downsizing will help. Selling your home will boost your income with property sale profits (alongside selling furniture or antiques).

You’ll Reduce The Stress Of Maintaining A Home

Do you worry about maintaining or repairing your house? Downsizing not only increases your income, it shaves off stress so you can relax during your golden years.

Removing the responsibility of homeownership means more time to spend with friends or on your hobbies.

Your Location Can More Closely Suit Your Needs

Your neighborhood should work with you, not against you. Downsizing in retirement allows you to enjoy a more walkable, convenient location.

Independent living homes provide on-site amenities for fitness, wellness, dining, and more. They are also located close to locations like parks and shopping centers to save you time and energy. These are just a few of the benefits we offer when you’re downsizing for retirement.

5 Tips For Downsizing In Retirement

All journeys begin with a single step. Try these tips to make downsizing go a little more smoothly.

1) Create A Reasonable Timeline To Give You Focus

Whether you plan to move in six months or a year, give yourself a deadline. A final day to sell, donate, or pack your belongings will help you stay focused.

2) Focus On Cluttered Or Problem Areas First

Do you have a particularly cluttered attic or spare room? Whichever area gives you the most trouble, give it most of your attention.

Getting the hard areas out of the way first makes it easy to keep your momentum as you downsize.

3) Gradually Move From Unimportant Items To Priceless Possessions

If you’re having trouble deciding what to keep and what to remove, start with unimportant items first. These items could be as simple as a stepping stool you no longer use or extra tissue boxes.

When you remove some clutter beforehand, you’ll have more mental space to devote to the possessions that matter most.

4) Ask Friends Or Family To Help Out

Downsizing doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Friends and family can help you move heavy furniture, help you organize items, or assist with donations.

5) Figure Out Your New Floor Plan To Decide What Else To Keep

Another helpful approach is learning more about your new home’s floor plans and what they can accommodate. You’ll immediately discover which furniture you can keep and which might be too big or cluttered.