Sorting through and parting with personal items and your real estate is one of the most stressful periods our senior population will endure. Death of a loved one, divorce and terminal illness might top the chart, but the thought of a major change in living conditions ranks pretty high up the charts.
There may come a time when this move is inevitable for many of us. I recently downsized and moved to a Heritage Harbour, a retirement community and I am young. It was hard. You have to think about what to keep, what to give away, what to sell and most of all what you will want versus what you will need. You first have to accept the fact that the change you are making is necessary and like all major decisions in your life, there are positives and negatives. To come to the ultimate conclusion there is usually sacrifice while at the same time understanding that this is the right course of action.
Downsizing when you are older is a mindset, as much or more than it is a physical change in the way you live. Just look around your house. If you had to move to living quarters half the size of your current home, where would you start? Something has to go, but what, when, to whom and how do you feel about it? How about your favorite tree, a bush you planted 15 years ago with your husband that’s too big to move? Its not trivial and it cannot be taken lightly, but the transition needs to be put in perspective. To make it really clear and help you through it, elicit the help of professionals to create a plan.
The plan is a blueprint for the life change you are about to undergo. It can and should be very detailed. I wish I had some professionals or at the very least a friendly but impartial person to guide me through. I went the hard way, sorting things three and four times until I talked myself into parting with certain things that had been in my family for some time. The kids didn’t have room and or didn’t want the items and I wasn’t going to store them for eternity.
The planning process should begin months before you move. If you change your mind, you at least started a blueprint for a later date and the planning may help you accept the eventual change.
I suggest starting with the biggest asset and in many cases the more challenging item you will part with, your home. In most cases, your home is also the largest monetary asset you have. You need therefore to
understand it’s value, what needs to be done to prepare it to sell, what to expect during the selling process and how long it will take from preparation to completed sale. Start with me. I’ve been there and I’ve done it and I understand your concerns. I’ll start by helping you establish timelines for your move and helping you understand the process and timelines involved. I can also refer you to movers who specialize in moving senior adults and understand the planning involved. I can assist you with finding qualified professionals who will set up a plan and execute the liquidation of some of your personal property, and others who will help you sort, pack and move.
I am a realtor, yes, but I also care and have a deep understanding of all the pieces involved in a life-changing move.
Start your relocation discussion today and feel relieved once you are resettled.
