Moving can come with many challenges. Choosing the right location, loving the new home as much as you loved your old one, and ensuring that you live in a safe area can be among the many challenges. But nothing can be more of a challenge than moving with the added reality of aging. Some seniors may choose to downsize, while others may choose to move closer to family members such as children, or into retirement communities altogether. When finding a new home, it is important to consider potential health risks, as well as which community is best for the next stage of their lives. Continue to read to find 10 of the best downsizing tips for seniors with a guideline!
7. A New Floor Plan
A floor plan of the new place, whether it is a retirement community, or a smaller home can work in your favor. This will let you know how much of your personal belongings you should bring along to the new location. Furniture can take up a lot of room, but with a floor plan, you can see how things will fit to help aid you in deciding where things will go before settling in your new home.
6. Consider Downsizing Personal Belongings
When it comes to downsizing, it can be difficult in the sense of physically exhausting and emotionally taxing. We recommend taking personal time to sort through your belongings and gift special items to friends and family if you have a hard time parting with your items. Hosting a yard sale or donating to a local charity can also be effective means of parting with belongings. And for those items you are not ready to permanently part ways with, consider the use of a storage facility.
5. Consider a Sorting System
Fun organization methods such as colored stickers can identify items you wish to donate, which will be passed down to your family, and which ones will go with you to your new home. Another organizational method that can be useful is a list. Make a list of recipients and match up the items.
4. Plan for Moving Transportation Around Health Needs
If you need additional travel time, multiple stops can aid in the extension of overall travel time. If flying is more comfortable than a long car ride, consider booking nonstop flights with the addition of boarding assistance. Finally, look into-or having a family member look for you-senior-focused transportation companies that specialize in medical transit designed for not only moving someone but their equipment as well (wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, etc...)
3. Lockdown Healthcare Ahead of Time
Consider hiring a geriatric care manager who is familiar with different providers around your new location. Sometimes medical transport can be arranged for the move. If you have important prescriptions, consider having them transferred to a new pharmacy near your home.
2. Contact Insurance Providers
Ensure doctors and specialists all have in-network coverage via your health insurance plan. The number on the back of your insurance card(s) can come in handy for this situation to avoid any hefty fees.
1. Enjoy the Benefits of the New Home
When you have lived in a home for over 30 years, it can be difficult to move on to a new home. But with a new home, comes new opportunities. If you are moving into an assisted living home, rest easy and know that most chores that may have been daunting will be taken care of for you (bye-bye laundry!). Recreating routines is key to finding normalcy again, finding things that can make you happy, such as an activity calendar and other amenities to enjoy.
For more information on senior moving and tips to keep in mind, browse our blog or contact us for all Forgotten Coast of Florida real estate and vacation property.
