Small is the New Big for On-the-Go Seniors
Your little birds have flown the coop, and even the grandkids have aged out of long weekends together and nighttime sofa snuggles. Now, you’re left with rooms you may never use and a lawn too big for your current needs. The good news is that your house has likely gained an impressive amount of value. If boating, golfing, or traveling is on your mind, it might make sense to hightail it out of your big house, grab the equity, and retire in style to a smaller home.
Keep reading for more insight and click on any of the underlined links for helpful resources and additional information.
Finding the Right Home
When it comes to finding the right home for retirement, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are a few things that are universally true when it comes to picking out a home for your golden years. This Old House underscores the importance of universal design, which includes non-slip flooring, plenty of light, and senior-friendly bathroom features. If a home doesn’t have these features, you should consider these costs. It can cost, for example, anywhere from less than $1,000 to more than $35,000 to remodel a bathroom in Ames.
If you have your eyes on a retirement community, most of the homes will already have features that make it more attractive for mature homebuyers. Talk to your realtor about the best neighborhoods, and make sure to let them know what activities are important to you. They can help narrow down your selection based on price (the median selling price of homes in the Ames area is $249,900), proximity to amenities, and the quality of the area.
Movers Save the Day
If the physical act of moving has you postponing your decision, it’s time to start looking for a moving company to do the work for you. Many professional moving companies not only handle the heavy lifting, but they can also arrange your furniture for you upon arrival. Hiring a moving company isn’t always cheap, and if you want the best deals, you’ll have to plan ahead. Keep in mind that summer is usually the busy season, and rates may be substantially higher than in the winter. January is considered the least expensive month to move, but it’s also colder, and you may not have the same opportunities to see your new area at its best.
Letting Go
Picking your new home and finding movers is the easy part. The hard work actually happens well before moving day. This is a time when you’ll need to make tough decisions on what personal belongings will go with you to your new, downsized situation. A good rule of thumb is to say your goodbyes to things you haven’t used, worn, or even seen in at least a year. If you have duplicates of small appliances, furniture, and other useful household items, donate them to a local charity. Edgewood Senior Living notes that many charities are willing to pick up from your home, meaning you have one less errand to run and can stay focused on the task at hand.
Family heirlooms, such as jewelry and collectibles, can be passed down to your children and grandchildren. However, many members of Gen X and their Millennial offspring may decline the opportunity to hold onto keepsakes. USA Today reports that those born after 1965 are more likely to value experiences over physical mementos. Don’t let these rebuffs lead to hurt feelings.
Watch Your Back
Speaking of things that hurt, back pain is one of the most common complaints among those in the 60-plus crowd. Even if you hire a moving company, you’ll still be responsible, in most cases, for packing your small items and clothing. Be cautious. Don’t hunch over, and avoid lifting anything that causes strain. Talk to your doctor or chiropractor about using a back brace to provide added support throughout the process. MarthaStewart.com offers helpful tips on how to pack moving boxes to keep your belongings — and your body — safe from harm.
Moving during your senior years offers you the opportunity to start a new chapter in your book of life. The equity in your home may be able to cover the cost of a smaller house, and you can use what’s left to fund the retirement you’ve always wanted.
Your little birds have flown the coop, and even the grandkids have aged out of long weekends together and nighttime sofa snuggles. Now, you’re left with rooms you may never use and a lawn too big for your current needs. The good news is that your house has likely gained an impressive amount of value. If boating, golfing, or traveling is on your mind, it might make sense to hightail it out of your big house, grab the equity, and retire in style to a smaller home.
Keep reading for more insight and click on any of the underlined links for helpful resources and additional information.
Finding the Right Home
When it comes to finding the right home for retirement, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are a few things that are universally true when it comes to picking out a home for your golden years. This Old House underscores the importance of universal design, which includes non-slip flooring, plenty of light, and senior-friendly bathroom features. If a home doesn’t have these features, you should consider these costs. It can cost, for example, anywhere from less than $1,000 to more than $35,000 to remodel a bathroom in Ames.
If you have your eyes on a retirement community, most of the homes will already have features that make it more attractive for mature homebuyers. Talk to your realtor about the best neighborhoods, and make sure to let them know what activities are important to you. They can help narrow down your selection based on price (the median selling price of homes in the Ames area is $249,900), proximity to amenities, and the quality of the area.
Movers Save the Day
If the physical act of moving has you postponing your decision, it’s time to start looking for a moving company to do the work for you. Many professional moving companies not only handle the heavy lifting, but they can also arrange your furniture for you upon arrival. Hiring a moving company isn’t always cheap, and if you want the best deals, you’ll have to plan ahead. Keep in mind that summer is usually the busy season, and rates may be substantially higher than in the winter. January is considered the least expensive month to move, but it’s also colder, and you may not have the same opportunities to see your new area at its best.
Letting Go
Picking your new home and finding movers is the easy part. The hard work actually happens well before moving day. This is a time when you’ll need to make tough decisions on what personal belongings will go with you to your new, downsized situation. A good rule of thumb is to say your goodbyes to things you haven’t used, worn, or even seen in at least a year. If you have duplicates of small appliances, furniture, and other useful household items, donate them to a local charity. Edgewood Senior Living notes that many charities are willing to pick up from your home, meaning you have one less errand to run and can stay focused on the task at hand.
Family heirlooms, such as jewelry and collectibles, can be passed down to your children and grandchildren. However, many members of Gen X and their Millennial offspring may decline the opportunity to hold onto keepsakes. USA Today reports that those born after 1965 are more likely to value experiences over physical mementos. Don’t let these rebuffs lead to hurt feelings.
Watch Your Back
Speaking of things that hurt, back pain is one of the most common complaints among those in the 60-plus crowd. Even if you hire a moving company, you’ll still be responsible, in most cases, for packing your small items and clothing. Be cautious. Don’t hunch over, and avoid lifting anything that causes strain. Talk to your doctor or chiropractor about using a back brace to provide added support throughout the process. MarthaStewart.com offers helpful tips on how to pack moving boxes to keep your belongings — and your body — safe from harm.
Moving during your senior years offers you the opportunity to start a new chapter in your book of life. The equity in your home may be able to cover the cost of a smaller house, and you can use what’s left to fund the retirement you’ve always wanted.