As people grow older, their lifestyle and financial needs start to change. It often becomes difficult to manage a large house and its associated costs. Unfortunately, 90% of Canadians don’t even think about what lifestyle they want after retiring. Keeping in mind that retirement is the time to relax and enjoy your life, it is important to plan what you will do after you retire so you won’t be as stressed when the time comes.
Downsizing is an ideal solution for seniors who wish to make their lives easier, cut expenses, and enjoy a higher quality of life. But for seniors, downsizing can be challenging.
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Make a Plan
Before beginning the downsizing process, you should consider creating a well-thought-out plan for yourself. This plan should include an organized timeline outlining which tasks will be completed and by when as well as a comprehensive list of all necessary resources that you will need along the way.
It’s important to consider what kind of downsizing you want. Are you aiming to move into a smaller house, or do you simply want to tidy up and rearrange the current living space? With so many options available for downsizing, you need to identify the best one that suits your needs.
If you are not aware of the various available downsizing options, it is highly recommended that you take the time to learn more about them as this will give you a better understanding of what could work for your specific situation. Make sure to consider all factors before settling on a decision.
Start Early
Seniors need to plan when considering downsizing. By beginning the process at least six months before the move, you can ensure you have enough time to sift through years of possessions and choose items that are essential.
Taking action promptly when beginning the downsizing can benefit you by avoiding being rushed and feeling overwhelmed. This also gives you the chance to have a systematic and comprehensive approach.
Prioritize
For seniors moving house, it can be a daunting task to determine what items they should keep and what should be sold, donated, or given away. To make the process easier, seniors should prioritize the items they want to keep first before deciding on what to do with the rest. Additionally, they need to bear in mind the size of their new home when deciding which items will fit.
Get Rid of Duplicates
For many seniors, downsizing is the perfect opportunity to go through their households and get rid of any duplicated items such as dishes, linens, and other household items. Seniors are increasingly embracing the idea of downsizing and decluttering their homes to keep only the essential items they need for day-to-day living.
This helps them live a more comfortable, independent lifestyle without being surrounded by too much stuff. Downsizing can also give you greater freedom and flexibility, as well as free up space for other activities or hobbies.
Consider Sentimental Items
When downsizing, you should be aware of the emotional attachment you have to certain items. Despite the sentimental value, family heirlooms and photos should not take up unnecessary space in your new home. It is important to remain realistic and prioritize what can fit in your new dwelling. Many people have a hard time letting go of their favorite possessions, both physical and digital. It’s important to make a mental inventory or list of the belongings that might be worth keeping.
Use technology
Technology can be of great help to seniors who are looking to downsize, making the process significantly easier. By taking pictures of items you no longer need and posting them on various online sites, you can quickly and easily get rid of possessions that are not suitable for your new housing arrangement. Additionally, virtual tours can help you view properties from the comfort of your own home, while digital tools can keep track of your entire downsizing journey with ease.
Ask for help
Downsizing can be an incredibly daunting and overwhelming process, especially if you attempt to do it alone. That’s why it is so important to not shy away from asking for assistance when needed.
By reaching out to family and friends, seniors can get the help needed to sort through their possessions in an organized manner. Alternatively, hiring a professional downsizing specialist can also ensure that the whole process goes effortlessly and without any hiccups or issues along the way.
Conclusion
Ultimately, downsizing can be beneficial for seniors who want to live a simpler life and cut back on expenses. The transition can be smoother if you begin early, create a plan, prioritize belongings, get rid of unnecessary items, find value in memorabilia, use helpful technology, and solicit help from family members or friends.
Read More: 10 DOWNSIZING TIPS TO MAKE YOUR MOVE EASIER
