Step 1 Create a plan that fits your lifestyle and future needs. The first phase of creating your plan means doing some research. Consider your interest, financial situation, location of your friends and family, and how you envision living life to the fullest. Then choose a place that will best fit your lifestyle. Take some time with this step even if you haven’t fully decided whether you intend to move.
Step 2 Communicate with your family and friends. This doesn’t mean asking for permission or even their opinions. It is good idea, however, and sometimes necessary to keep family and friends in the loop. If later, you do not need help or advice, they’re at least on the same page. You can share with them your thoughts about your plan and find out if they have any questions or concerns. Interestingly, sometimes a move can be more emotional for adult children than it is for their parents.
Step 3 Surround yourself with highly qualified professionals. You will likely need the services of an estate liquidator, a mover, a Realtor®, an organizer, move manager, home repair contractors, senior living community personnel, and others. Get to know these people and their services by taking the time to interview and get references. Downsizing moves require service providers with specialized expertise and although you may have utilized such professionals before, they may not have the skills, knowledge or perspective that you need at this point in your life.
Step 4 Dealing with a house full of possessions. Sorting through property and household belongings is often the step that trips people up and leads to dread as they anticipate moving. It can be the uncertainty of where to begin, reluctant to part with treasured possessions, or the physical work that is involved that creates the stumbling block.
The good news is, you don’t have to sort through everything! Just focus on what you need and want to take with you. Let the professionals do the rest!
Step 5 Celebrate your new lifestyle. This sounds like an easy step, but the impact of this type of transition is often underestimated. During the hustle and bustle of the moving process, emotions get placed on the back burner
Don’t ignore your emotional well being. Make sure you take stock of how you're feeling throughout the process, as well as how you might be feeling about your new lifestyle – simply being aware and prepared can make a big difference. Open communication is the key.
If you would like more information on Senior Downsizing and a copy of our comprehensive guide “Downsizing Made Easy,” Click Here to Contact the Sullivan & Sullivan Real Estate Team.
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