Retirement is a transitional time in a person’s life. They are entering a new chapter and may find they want to downsize in the process. Downsizing is emotional but also beneficial. When people determine what they need out of their homes, they feel freer and less stressed. They aren’t surrounded by items that don’t add value to their lives.
People dream of owning their own homes when they are young. As they get older, however, they may choose to move to a retirement community. They no longer want the burden of owning a home because they realize maintenance tasks, repairs, and other chores are draining their time and money.
Why Downsize?
Downsizing comes with numerous benefits. Individuals will spend less on home repairs and energy bills. They won’t need furnishings for rarely used rooms and will never need to worry about these rooms being damaged because they aren’t visited frequently. For example, water damage in a rarely used room could lead to expensive remediation bills. When the home is properly sized for the individual, this becomes less of a concern.
Selling a property bigger than the person needs will also free up funds. They can then use these funds to achieve their retirement dreams. Downsizing can help them align their lifestyle with their values and goals. In addition, moving to a retirement community allows individuals to make meaningful connections with their peers.
What to Consider Before Downsizing?
Individuals need to consider several things before downsizing. They need to think about what the next few years of their lives will look like. They can then determine where changes must be made and what items will benefit them as they move forward.
Steps to Take When Downsizing
Seniors often struggle to decide what to keep and what to get rid of. Start with those rarely used items that have just been gathering dust. Getting rid of them will make sorting through the remaining items in the home easier.
Some people feel overwhelmed by this process. Start small, such as with a drawer or a closet. Tackle small portions of a room every day. Soon, the entire room will be done, and the process can move to a different part of the house.
Ask family and friends for help or hire a professional to assist with downsizing the home. In many cases, this process does not have to happen overnight. For example, a person might take all the hangers in their closet and turn them backward. When they wear a piece of clothing, they turn the hanger to face the correct direction. Anything still facing backward after 6 months or a year should go. Such methods will simplify the process for those struggling to make decisions.
When deciding what to keep and get rid of, consider what family members and friends wish to have. Ask them if they would like the items set aside with their names. If they don’t want them, seniors should not be offended. They’re downsizing and understand that their loved ones will need to do so at some point in the future. They may not want extra items in the home that they will have to make similar decisions about.
Pass these items on to a neighbor or someone in need. Doing so ensures they still have a second life rather than going to the landfill. In addition, offering up these items to those in need will save them money, and they will be very appreciative of this generosity.
When they move into the retirement community, seniors must adjust to a smaller living space. Having familiar items around is greatly appreciated. Seniors should consider this a new chapter in their lives and enjoy the surprises it brings. Those who do so often have a more positive outlook regarding this transition and all that it entails. Positivity is good at any age.
