Deciding to downsize and move is one of Seniors’ most significant decisions. Leaving a long-time home can be emotionally and physically challenging. However, timing the process well can make the transition smoother and less stressful. Here are key factors when deciding the best time to downsize and move.
Start Sooner Than You Think
One of the most important pieces of advice for Seniors is to start planning earlier than they might initially imagine. Waiting too long can make the process more challenging. Physical limitations or health emergencies may arise, making it impossible to make decisions independently or manage the work required. Starting early ensures you’re in control and can make choices that align with your preferences.
The First Step: Choosing Your Next Home
If you’re considering moving into a retirement community or Senior living facility, the first task is to tour and research potential locations. This process can take months as you compare amenities, costs, and locations. Once you’ve chosen your ideal community, securing a spot with a down payment solidifies your plans and gives you peace of mind. Knowing where you’ll be moving is a crucial step before beginning the downsizing process.
These winter months are ideal for starting the research. The new year is an appropriate time to start the journey towards a new lifestyle. In an otherwise dark and dreary season, research and planning can be an exciting project. Going for a tour and having lunch is the perfect way to become familiar with your choices and spend a winter day.
Downsizing: A Major Undertaking
Sorting through a lifetime of belongings is no small task. Many Seniors underestimate how long it takes to declutter, sell, or donate items, as well as prepare their homes for sale. Downsizing can easily become a one- or two-year project. Breaking the process into manageable steps makes it less overwhelming:
- Start Small: Begin with less sentimental areas like closets or storage spaces. By all means, do NOT start with photo albums.
- Enlist Help: Family members may be willing to assist, but if unavailable or unable, consider hiring a professional downsizing company. Decide on what you want to move. You might use a space designer to help you. Ask the children to come and take the things that they want to keep. And the rest is sell, donate, and take to the landfill.
- Set a Schedule: Create a timeline for sorting, packing, and selling your home. Some folks are more organized than others, but a rough draft of jobs and timelines is very helpful. Ask the community you plan to move to to help you with your plans!
Seasonal Considerations
Don’t forget that winter is a great time to start. After the holidays are over, you might think of hibernating like bears do, but it’s a great season to begin planning. By using the winter months to plan and tour, you are ready to tackle the housing issues in the spring. By spring, you can start decluttering and preparing your home for sale. A summer or early fall move allows you to settle in comfortably before the next winter arrives.
Be in the Right Place at the Right Time
Living in the right place at the right time can greatly improve your overall well-being. Staying in a large home that you can no longer maintain can decrease property values due to deferred upkeep. Additionally, living in a smaller, more manageable space is not only safer but also more efficient. The extra bedrooms, basement, garage, and attic may no longer serve a purpose, and letting go of these spaces can simplify your lifestyle.
So many new residents feel a sense of liberation from a big house full of stuff they haven’t used in years. The smaller space becomes so livable and efficient. There’s much more time to enjoy all of the activities and outings. The power of changing to a smaller physical space provides unimaginable opportunities for a new life.
Moving into a community setting can also add years to your life. Socialization is a key factor in maintaining mental and emotional health. Being surrounded by peers and participating in community activities fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation, contributing to a happier and healthier lifestyle.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Emergencies can happen at any time, from sudden health issues to changes in mobility. Having a clear plan in place reduces stress during unforeseen events. Procrastination can lead to rushed decisions, which may not align with your preferences. By starting early, you can avoid the pressure of last-minute moves.
Professional Help Can Ease the Process
Working with downsizing experts, real estate agents, or Senior move managers can simplify the transition. These professionals specialize in assisting Seniors with everything from decluttering to selling a home and coordinating the move. Their expertise can save you time and energy.
Time after time, new residents tell the staff that they wish they’d moved sooner. As painful as the downsizing effort is, the joy and peace of a new home are well worth it:
Mary and Joe came to McCrite Plaza after a long and tedious effort to leave their four-bedroom home. They visited McCrite multiple times and put their deposit down months in advance. But there were plenty of complaints about the effort to downsize and sell their home. At times, they felt like giving up on their move. But the day finally came, and with the help of a great moving company and their family, they got settled in the new 2-bedroom apartment. The following week, while enjoying a morning coffee with new friends, both of them said they wished they had done it sooner!”
The best time to downsize and move is sooner than you might think. Begin planning while you’re still physically capable of managing the process and making thoughtful decisions. Touring potential communities, decluttering your home, and creating a solid timeline will ensure a smoother transition. Whether you’re considering a spring, summer, or fall move, the key is to take the first step. Winter is a great time to start your plan! Procrastination only makes the process more difficult, so start now to secure a comfortable and stress-free future.
We invite you to come for a winter wonderland tour of McCrite Plaza! Call Us in Kansas City at (816) 888-7930 or (785) 267-2960 in Topeka, or complete the contact form below.
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