The Fear of Home Downsizing
Home Downsizing. Just
the words tend to conjure up images and feelings of overwhelm to the point that
a home owner freezes and does nothing.
After more than 25 years of working with home owners (or
their family members) that want or need to sell and move to a smaller home,
apartment, or other senior living arrangement, I have witnessed numerous
specific and personal needs a person has with the transition to senior living.
Some of the items that need to be considered are timing,
locating the right new home, apartment, or other senior facility, a move
manager and/or moving company, selling the house you’re currently in, including
what to do with all the “stuff” in the house, and making this all happen with minimal
stress.
One of the first primary issues is timing. If a person is just looking to sell a house
and move to a smaller house or independent living community, this may be a one
to three (or more) year process.
Many home owners think about repairs and updates a house
needs or should have done to get the house ready to put on the market, as well
as taking care of all the “stuff” that may have accumulated in the house.
Finding the right new home, apartment, or apartment
community may also take some time, especially if a person wants a ground level
apartment, or one that takes pets, and in a particular part of town.
If someone has a health emergency, then this timeline to
find the right place to move to is pushed rapidly forward.
Finding the right apartment or senior living community is
also very important. Sometimes the best
communities or facilities are not always the closest or most convenient to
family members, doctors, or other services that a person would like.
It may be much more important to find a community or
facility that provides the best care and services for your needs, instead of
focusing solely on how close it is to family or friends.
One issue I hear from sellers moving to senior living
probably more than anything else, is “what do I do with all this stuff.” If a person has lived in a house for 20, 30,
40 years or more, it’s understandable that a lot of “stuff” has accumulated.
It most likely took a lot of years to accumulate the stuff
you have, so don’t feel you need to complete a project like this all at one
time.
Taking small steps like starting with one room and labeling
items that you know you want to keep or know you can part with is a start.
Moving from where you are now to a smaller home or apartment
is a big change, but if you’ve done some pre-move planning, it doesn’t have to
be stressful.
Creating a floor plan of where you are moving to, so that
you know what can be moved and where it will go, can help. Knowing what you can and want to take with
you can then help with parting with items that you know you don’t want or can’t
take with you.
Moving resources available range from those that just pick
up and move furniture and items already boxed up, to companies that will do
everything to move you, so that the only thing you need to do is literally get
yourself to your new dwelling.
Lastly, what to do with your house? There are options. Do you keep the house as an investment
property? Do you sell the house and use
the proceeds to buy a smaller home or buy into a community? Do you use the sale proceeds to invest as
part of a retirement plan? Do you sell
the house and turn your equity into a monthly income stream?
What you do with your house and how you sell will be
determined by your specific situation and how best your house can help you
achieve your goals.
For all of the above items, the key to getting repairs and
updates completed, getting the “stuff” taken care of, finding the right new
home, apartment, or other senior living arrangement, and getting moved from
point A to point B, is having the right “team” to assist you.
Just know that there are local resources for each step of
the process to help make the transition to a smaller home or apartment as
stress free as possible.
If you’d like additional information about downsizing or
downsizing resources, just call my office at (402) 450-0199.
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Ben Souchek is an author of the book Home Downsizing Secrets
as well as the owner and founder of Home Downsizing Solutions by The Sierra
Group, LLC, a company that specializes in helping seniors and their families
transition to senior living by buying houses direct from sellers.
Moving to a new home can be scary and stressful, especially for older people. But don't worry! Here are some easy ways to make moving day less scary and more fun.1. Pick the Right HomeFirst, choose a new home that feels good. Think about what you like. Do you want a garden view? Do you need help with cooking? Make sure your new home has what you need to be happy.2. Make ListsWrite down everything you need to do. This helps you remember important things. Start early and take your time. Don't rush!3. Choose Special ThingsWhen you move to a smaller home, you can't take everything. Pick the things that mean the most to you. It's okay to feel sad about leaving some things behind.4. Get Help from MoversHiring people to help you move can make things much easier. They know how to pack and move your stuff safely.5. Use Good BoxesUse boxes that stack well. Plastic boxes with lids are great because they're easy to pack and unpack.6. Say Goodbye to Your Old HomeHave a party to say goodbye to your old home. Take lots of pictures to remember it. This can help you feel better about moving.7. Think Happy ThoughtsMoving can be exciting! Think about all the fun new things you'll do in your new home. You might make new friends or try new activities.8. Pack a Special BagPack a bag with things you'll need right away in your new home. Put in things like:MedicineToothbrush and toothpastePajamasSnacks and waterThis way, you won't have to search through all your boxes on the first night.9. Make a Moving Day PlanPlan out your moving day. Know when you'll leave and when you should arrive at your new home. Don't forget to plan for breaks along the way.Remember, moving can be a big change, but it can also be the start of a great new adventure in your life!
When moving to a senior living community, it's important to know what to bring and what to leave behind. This guide will help you pack smart for your new home.Before You Start PackingVisit Your New Home: Take a look at how big your new space is.Talk to Residents: Ask people who already live there about what they brought and what they wish they had.Check with Staff: Find out what furniture and items the community provides and which items are not allowed.Involve Family: Let your family pick items they might want to keep, especially heirlooms.What to BringClothes and Personal ItemsEveryday clothesToiletries like toothbrush and shampooMedicationsMobility aids, like walkers or canesSpecial ItemsPhotos and artwork that you loveSmall mementos that make you feel at homeFurniture (if there's room)A comfortable chairA small table or nightstandA bed (if not provided)Lamps for lightingOther Important ThingsBedding and blanketsKitchen items if you have a small kitchen areaTV or radio (if allowed)Pet supplies if pets are permittedWhat Not to BringExpensive jewelry or valuable items that could be lost or damagedClothes you no longer wearLarge furniture pieces that won't fitBig appliances that the community providesHeaters or air conditioners that may not be allowedLarge rugs that could be a tripping hazardRemember, your new home will be smaller, so you'll need to choose carefully what to bring. It's perfectly okay to ask for help from family or friends if packing feels overwhelming.
Moving can be a big challenge, especially for seniors. But don't worry! With some planning and help, you can make your move smooth and easy. Let's look at some simple ways to make your summer move a success.Plan AheadStart by making a list of everything you need to do. Write down important dates and tasks. This will help you stay organized and not forget anything. Ask family or friends to help you make this list if you need to.Sort Through Your StuffBefore you start packing, go through your things. Decide what you want to keep, give away, or throw out. This is a great chance to make your new home less cluttered. Think about what will fit in your new place and what's really important to you.Stay Cool and SafeMoving in hot weather can be tough. Here are some tips to stay safe:Start early in the morning when it's coolerDrink lots of waterTake breaks in the shadeWear light, comfy clothes and a hatUse sunscreenAsk for help with heavy liftingPack SmartWhen you're ready to pack, follow these tips:Use strong boxesLabel each box clearlyPack a special box with things you'll need right away in your new homeIf packing is hard for you, ask for help or hire someone to do itTake Care of Special ItemsSome things need extra care when moving, depending on the weather. Electronics, art, and musical instruments might need to be moved in a cool truck. If you have things like this, ask for advice on how to move them safely.Get HelpMoving can be a lot of work. It's okay to ask for help. Family, friends, or professional movers can make your move much easier. They can help with packing, lifting heavy things, and setting up your new home.Stay PositiveRemember, moving to a new home can be exciting! Think about the good things about your new place. Maybe you'll be closer to family or in a nicer neighborhood. Keeping a positive attitude can make the whole process feel better.Final TipsChange your address with the post officeSet up utilities in your new home before you movePack a bag with clothes and toiletries for your first few daysTake breaks and rest when you need toMoving doesn't have to be hard. With these tips and some help, you can have a great move to your new home. Remember to take your time, stay cool, and ask for help when you need it. Happy moving!
Home Downsizing Solutions home buyers, powered by The Sierra Group LLC, is a Professional Home Buying company. We have been providing custom selling solutions to sellers for more than 25 years. We are also a member of the Better Business Bureau. Our motto is Sell Your House As Is, for a Fair Price, on Your Date of Choice. We offer the Fastest, most Convenient way to Sell Your House!!
Discover Stress-Free Home Downsizing Solutions in Nebraska with Home Downsizing SolutionsAre you contemplating a shift to a more manageable living space in Nebraska? Home Downsizing Solutions offers tailored services to help you sell your house quickly and transition to a carefree lifestyle. Our comprehensive solutions are designed to streamline the entire downsizing process, allowing you to embrace a simpler, more fulfilling life without the usual stress and hassle.What is Home Downsizing?Home downsizing typically involves moving to a smaller, more manageable property. This can mean selling a large family home and relocating to a condo, apartment, or a smaller single-family home. The decision to downsize is often motivated by the desire to reduce living expenses, minimize upkeep, and align ones living situation with changing lifestyle needs.Why Choose Home Downsizing Solutions in Nebraska?Home Downsizing Solutions understands the unique needs of homeowners in Nebraska looking to downsize. With our expert knowledge of the Nebraska real estate market, we offer fast, efficient service that ensures you can sell your home quickly and for a great price. Here's how we stand out:Speed: We specialize in quick sales, helping you move on to your next phase of life without delay.Convenience: Our process removes the usual complications of selling a home, providing a smooth transition.Experience: With years of expertise in the Nebraska market, we understand local trends and buyer demands.Customization: Every downsizing plan is tailored to the specific needs of our clients, ensuring a personalized experience.The Benefits of Downsizing Your Home in NebraskaFinancial AdvantagesBy selling your larger home and moving into a smaller property, you could significantly reduce your monthly expenditures. Smaller homes often come with lower utility costs, reduced maintenance fees, and cheaper property taxes. This financial freedom can open up new opportunities for travel, hobbies, and even early retirement.Simplified MaintenanceSmaller properties require less upkeep, which means less stress and more time to enjoy your passions. With less space to clean and maintain, you can focus on what truly matters to you.Enhanced LifestyleDownsizing can also lead to a more socially active and engaged lifestyle. Many downsizing destinations in Nebraska offer vibrant communities with amenities tailored to adults and retirees, fostering a sense of community and belonging.Our Home Downsizing Services in NebraskaHome Downsizing Solutions offers a variety of services designed to facilitate an easy and effective transition:Quick Home Sales: We specialize in expedited home sales, ensuring that you can move forward with your downsizing plans without unnecessary delays.Comprehensive Market Analysis: Our team provides detailed market insights to position your home competitively, ensuring you get the best possible offer.Professional Home Staging: We help your home make an outstanding first impression, increasing its marketability and sale price.Decluttering and Moving Assistance: We assist with sorting and removing unwanted items and coordinate moving services that respect your belongings and time.How to Start Downsizing in NebraskaAssess Your NeedsConsider what you truly need in your new living arrangement. How much space do you require? What kind of lifestyle do you wish to lead? Answering these questions can help determine the type of property you should be looking for.Plan Your FinancesReview your financial situation to understand how the sale of your current home can fund your downsizing move. If necessary, consult with financial advisors to plan your budget effectively.Choose the Right LocationWhether you prefer the bustling streets of Omaha or the peaceful ambiance of a smaller town like Kearney, choosing the right location is crucial. Consider factors such as proximity to family, healthcare facilities, and social activities.Contact Home Downsizing SolutionsReach out to us to learn more about how we can assist you in making a seamless transition to a downsized home. Our friendly team is ready to provide you with all the information you need and guide you through every step of the process.ConclusionDownsizing your home in Nebraska doesn't have to be a daunting task. With Home Downsizing Solutions, you can sell your house quickly and move towards a more manageable, cost-effective, and fulfilling lifestyle. Contact us today to discover how easy and stress-free downsizing can be. Prepare to enjoy the benefits of a simpler life, with fewer responsibilities and more freedom to enjoy your golden years in beautiful Nebraska. Get in touch now and take the first step towards a carefree lifestyle with Home Downsizing Solutions.
Home Downsizing Solutions home buyers, powered by The Sierra Group LLC, is a Professional Home Buying company. We have been providing custom selling solutions to sellers for more than 25 years. We are also a member of the Better Business Bureau.Our motto is Sell Your House As Is, for a Fair Price, on Your Date of Choice. We offer the Fastest, most Convenient way to Sell Your House!!