How to Downsize for Retirement Community Life
Depending on your current lifestyle and where you plan on spending your retirement, you will most likely have to drastically downsize. Whether it’s moving into a smaller, more easily maintainable property or a retirement community, you will not be able to take all your earthly possessions along with you and you will have to get rid of some of that “stuff”. This can unfortunately be the hardest part of preparing for your golden years, but an entirely necessary process nonetheless. Follow our 5-step plan for making downsizing easy.
Step 1: Create a Plan of Action
Successful, painless downsizing requires a plan of action, but be sure to do plenty of research ahead of developing your plan. If you already know where you want to relocate to, find out the options for housing and what are the requirements for moving there. If you’re not sure of which area or community will suit you best, consider location, affordability, and what you require in order to live life to it’s fullest. Move only to a place which will suit your lifestyle.
Step 2: Communicate with Loved Ones
This step is not to ask family and friends for their permission per say, but rather to keep them informed of your decision-making process and for them to offer advice and opinion. You do not want your imminent move to be an unhappy surprise for any of them, especially considering that they will most likely want to have some kind of say in the matter. Discuss the ‘what-ifs’, what their expectations may be, and which of your possessions they may want – fortunately you won’t have to part with your AFL betting odds! Once you’ve moved is scheduled within the year, be sure to make arrangements for the intended recipient to collect the items.
Step 3: Minimising Your Possessions
Getting rid of possessions is generally the hardest part of all and causes many to dread a necessary, much-anticipated move. The uncertainty of where to begin, what to part with and what to keep, and the reluctance of parting with treasured possessions could become a major stumbling block. However, the good news is that you don’t have to sort through everything. Rather focus on what you require and imagine your life in your house and what you want it to look like
Steps 4: Consider Using Professional Services
There are many professional services which can make the downsizing process a lot easier and simpler. As such, you should consider using an estate liquidator, mover, estate agent, home organiser, building contractor, and retirement community personnel for help and advice. Be sure to establish the cost of these services, the projected value of your current home and liquidated household items, and when you can expect to receive the proceeds of any sale.
Step 5: Adjusting to a New Way of Life
Adjusting to your new way of life is often a step which is taken for granted, but is sure to creep up on you all the same. The move itself will mostly be a stressful and busy time in which emotions are put to one side, but unpleasant emotions often come to the forefront once the dust settles. Take a step back and deeply consider how you feel about your new lifestyle. Being prepared for this step can make all the difference as well, so be sure to discuss any concerns you may have with loved ones – they’re likely put your mind at ease!
