Downsizing for Retirement

5 Tips for Downsizing

The mere thought of downsizing may be enough to make you think staying put is better than any other retirement living option. But when you consider you’re just 5 steps away from being happier, healthier and more socially active, living maintenance-free in a home you’ll love, it might be time to rethink your plan.

These tips should help.

  • Start by Decluttering. Even if you’re not downsizing for a move tomorrow, it makes sense to start sorting today. With no looming deadline, you’ll feel less stress when diving into closets and storage spaces. Begin slowly by delving out a few family keepsakes and discarding or donating things you no longer want or need.
  • Begin Making Plans. This is the fun part. Picture the future living space that will suit your retirement lifestyle. If you have a floor plan in mind, all the better! Knowing how much room you’ll have for furniture and belongings will help you make important decisions about what to keep and what to give away.
  • Create a To-Do List. If you simply view moving as a process, you’ll realize it isn’t difficult if you get organized early. Line up family members or close friends to help one day down the road when you’re ready to make the move. Then make a list of things to do, with helpful contacts and phone numbers. It will keep you on track.
  • Prep Your Home for Sale. If you’ve lived in your home for years, it might be time to take a critical look around and enlist a real estate agent to help. More often than not, a few updates can lead to a better asking price, and a professional can help recommend changes that will result in your best return on your investment.
  • Explore Living Options. You can learn a lot online, but there’s nothing like visiting retirement living communities in person. Most offer personal tours and some, like Vista Grande Villa, offer no-obligation, short-term stay options so you can test the lifestyle before making a move. Contact us anytime to schedule a visit.

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