The Simple Guide to Downsizing for Senior
Research Home Prices
If you’re selling your home, you’ll likely invest the profits from the sale into purchasing your next property. Start your house-hunting process by looking up relevant housing market data for the area where you plan to buy. Check the average prices for homes with the amount of square footage you need. Make sure that your estimated sales profits would cover the average cost of a home in your chosen area.
If you plan to work with Family Tree Realty NY, focus on the neighborhood you want and then find a fixer upper in that area. You’ll work with their team to find and secure that perfect not-so-perfect-yet home before you collaborate with their design team to create a plan to make it your dream home.
Sell Your Business
Did you run a business during your working years? If so, you might be planning to shut its doors or pass it on to a family member. But if you’d prefer to sell your business, you’ll have to prepare for a professional business valuation first. This will give you an objective picture of your company’s value. Your valuation will encompass all of your company’s assets, such as inventory and real estate.
Clean Out Your House
You’ve found a few properties that you’re interested in, you’ve sold your business, and now, you have to start getting ready for the day you can officially move. That means it’s time to declutter your home. Our Happy Hive recommends making a list of important items that you absolutely need to keep and then tackling every room in your house one by one for decluttering.
Separate items into three categories: “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Throw Away.” To donate belongings that you no longer need, The Simplicity Habit recommends giving them to loved ones, listing items for free on social media, or checking in with local nonprofits and charities that might need them.
You can also reduce paper clutter and heavy filing cabinets by digitizing your files. It will take some time, but switching over bills and statements to electronic records along with scanning necessary documents will simplify your new smaller space and your life. You can even combine together related documents. This tool can merge a PDF with another file to keep things organized. Just drag in what you want added, arrange the files, and merge!
List Your Property
Now, you’re ready to put your own property up for sale! If you’re planning on making any upgrades to your home before selling, research which projects are most likely to increase the value of your home. Some of the most valuable features that home buyers look for include walk-in closets, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops.
Staging will be much easier after you’ve decluttered – you’ll be able to decorate your space with potential buyers in mind. To make sure your home looks appealing, HGTV recommends maximizing the light in your home and de-personalizing it by taking down family photos and mementos.
Moving Day
When moving day arrives, you’ll need some assistance. It’s a good idea to ask your family and friends to pitch in with the packing process – you don’t want to hurt yourself by lifting heavy boxes. A few extra sets of hands will make packing a breeze! You should look into hiring a senior move manager. A senior move manager is a professional mover who specifically works with senior clients. They will already have an in-depth understanding of your unique needs and the type of support you’ll need throughout the process.
Enjoy the Lessened Responsibilities
Deciding where to live in retirement isn’t an easy choice. It’s hard to say goodbye to the home you love. But if you’re interested in downsizing, you can turn to these tips to find a property within your budget, sell your business, and handle the logistics of moving. In the end, you’ll find that your downsized living might be the perfect fit for you
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