Downsizing — A Few Changes Could Make Life More Comfortable

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81 Oaks Senior Living

For more information about the author, click to view their website: 81 Oaks Senior Living

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Jul 17, 2023

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Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

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Downsizing — A Few Changes Could Make Life More Comfortable
These walls used to echo, you think to yourself, with the sounds of loud, laughing children, running and playing. That BAM bam bam as they ran up the stairs, in spite of the hundred times you told them, “NO running on the stairs.” The CLANK clank clank of the washing machine when it was filled to the brim with clothes —every day nearly. The sliding chairs as they scraped across wood floors. These  were the loud, brash, and oh so comforting sounds of a full house, filled with love and an active family living life to the fullest.But as time passes, it’s a natural part of life for children to grow up and move on to lives of their own— in a new house that they’ll fill with love just as you did when they were kids.Life is a journey, and while these natural changes are just a wonderful part of that journey, it’s still sometimes hard to face that a bustling big house may have served its purpose, and it now may be time to downsize.

What is Downsizing?

If you’re reading this blog then you’re probably already thinking about downsizing in some way. And downsizing can mean many different things to different people. It could mean moving out of your big empty nest and moving into a smaller house or condo. Or it could mean a move to assisted living, where the daily chores of cooking, cleaning, and laundry are all taken care of for you. Essentially, downsizing is, in its most literal sense, a reduction. Downsizing is about making life easier, bringing things down to a scale that fits your current lifestyle, which can help lower bills dramatically, bring more joy into your life, and probably put more money into your savings or investment accounts to save for your future, or your children’s futures, or… to splurge on yourself when you book that cruise around the world! (After all, it’s your money… you earned it!) But the bottom line is simply this: downsizing saves money and in most cases allows people to live happier lives. And who doesn’t like saving money and being happy? Right?

The Facts of Downsizing

Big House / Big Bucks!

The costs for upkeep and maintenance on a big house are high, and getting higher all the time, especially in recent years since the pandemic and other factors have pushed inflation to jaw-dropping levels not seen since way back when Ronald Regan was president, to the days when Marty McFly was trying to get BACK to the FUTURE, and when the world was grooving to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” It’s been a while, indeed.But while the times have changed, inflation seems to be here to stay for the foreseeable future, and that means high costs for upkeep and maintenance.Let’s start with the obvious: heating, air conditioning, and electric bills… while once easily justified when the house was full of people, are now an unnecessary cost. You’re pushing hot air through the winter and cold air through the summer into rooms and spaces that you don’t even use, essentially, it’s like, literally throwing money out the window. And you can’t tell your HVAC system to only heat and cool this room or that, nope, you’re paying the big-house whole bill. And if you’re on an electric-powered system there’s a big cost for driving all that air. If you’re on a gas system… natural gas isn’t going down in price either.Also, many people falsely think that you can cover a vent or two in empty rooms you never use to save money. This is not only inaccurate but covering those vents can actually cost you more money. Closing vents makes your HVAC system work harder, puts more pressure on the system and that can cause leaks that lead to higher bills or damage to your HVAC which could mean a big repair bill. Closing vents does not save you any money, so the best way to combat high heating and air conditioning bills is to downsize.Then there’s all those repairs! A big house has lots of systems, water flow, electric, etc. You know, because you’ve likely done some of those repairs yourself in your younger years. And as a house ages, you also know, that things break. Recurring or new home repair problems were costly when you were in your prime earning years, and sad to say, while many things are not consistent in life — home repair costs are Consistently high. From the leaks to the constant painting, to the roof damage from the windstorm, the costs never end, that is, unless you downsize.Downsizing solves the high repair cost problem for your big empty nest. In fact, it eliminates it altogether when you move to assisted living because one monthly fee covers all your needs and the maintenance and upkeep of your well-designed, contemporary apartment. You won’t be paying a roofer, a plumber, or an electrician to come over and fix something that’ll wipe out a quarter of your savings, nope. Those days are over. Hallelujah.

Time Is MORE Important Than Money

And next to last on our list, but certainly not least, is the cost of time — your time. Now we don’t want to dwell on it, but we all must face the fact that if we’re in our 50s, 60s, 70s or older, there’s likely more time behind us than in front of us. This is just a fact of life. Therefore, it’s so important to make the best choices we can in regard to how we spend our time. Would you rather be managing a roof repair job, interviewing contractors and receiving bids, or would you rather be having dinner with your friends, taking a nature walk or big hike, or spending the day with your hobbies? Chances are you’d rather be out enjoying your life with friends and family, taking in those special moments and filling your days with joy, not contractor estimates. Downsizing solves this problem and more.When you downsize you put YOUR life back where it’s supposed to be… as the primary focus of your day. You’ve worked hard your whole life and you’ve earned the right to spend every day enjoying life. And with assisted living options at such affordable costs as compared to the upkeep of a big house or even a small one, downsizing and moving to a great community like 81 Oaks Senior Living is probably, literally, just what the doctor ordered.

Downsizing Upsizes Happiness!

Finally, downsizing your life leads to upsizing your happiness. Many people who take the initiative and downsize, moving to smaller, more manageable spaces that cost less and take less of your valuable time for upkeep, find that their lives are happier.When you move into 81 Oaks, or a similar senior living option, you have each day to champion what’s most important in life — living free, happily, and thriving! Countless medical studies have found that isolation can lead to depression, which can lead to other medical problems if left unchecked. Science has proven that fellowship with friends and family is one of the most important things anyone can do to benefit their health, and at 81 Oaks your opportunities to meet new friends whom you’ll bond with are endless. There’s so much going on every day, from events to classes to sponsored trips to the daily chef-prepared meals, you and your new friends will have so many options. Yes, downsizing is good!

Getting Started: The Easier-than-you-think Steps to Downsizing

We understand, through the stories shared with us by residents, that the first step of downsizing — the letting go — can be emotional. You’ve built a great life in your family home, and it’s hard to pack up and move. But the memories are not in the walls of a home, they’re in your heart, and that’s where they’ll stay forever.After you make the decision to downsize, you’ll likely want to talk with someone close to you, son or daughter, about what to keep and what to sell, and other important house decisions. Moving can be a great time to bring joy to other people’s lives as well, because the things you decide to sell could also be things you give to charity, and a struggling family will receive great joy from items you may no longer need. Giving isn’t just for the holidays; it’s a warmth that we can share year-round.These days there are professional downsizers and Senior Move Managers that help ease the stress of downsizing by helping with packing, moving, and even estate sales. Community team members can help connect you with resources.But in whatever manner you choose to handle your affairs in regard to moving, it’s important to focus your energy on the positive changes that are on the horizon. You’re downsizing for financial savings, for happiness, and most importantly for your health! Yes, downsizing is good.

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Why Downsizing in Retirement Can Save You in a Large Way

As we get older, it can get increasingly difficult to take care of large homes and the amount of stuff weve  collected over the years. The kids have moved out and are building lives of their own, and suddenly, the extra space isnt as necessary as it once was. If youre nearing retirement, now is a great time to consider downsizing. It can be hard to let go of a home where youve made years of memories, but downsizing is a practical way to keep your home maintenance manageable and put away money for health and other life expenses.For some seniors, downsizing isnt just a difficult decision but an actual economic necessity. As more Baby Boomers and Gen Xers near retirement age, downsizing might be the only way they can afford to stay retired.If youve considered selling your home for something smaller, there are a few factors you may want to consider. First, think about your personal reasons for downsizing economic or otherwise. Second, consider what kind of home youd like to move into. Finally, youll need to figure out whether selling your home would financially support the first two factors.Its not a fun situation unless youre planning to move somewhere exciting or close to your adult children but downsizing can be a prudent financial decision that can set you up to live out your retirement years in comfort.Heres an overview of why and how to downsize.Why you should consider downsizing nowThere are several reasons to consider downsizing in retirement, including:Manage your finances: For many people, finances are the number one reason to consider moving somewhere smaller. If you still have a mortgage, your home may not be affordable on your retirement budget, or you might need to free up money to pay for your Medicare and healthcare costs. If you manage the sale wisely and move somewhere that fits within your budget, you may be able to set yourself up for comfort in retirement.Give yourself the gift of less upkeep: Even if youre in perfect health now, aging takes its toll on everyone. Larger homes require significantly more maintenance and upkeep than smaller ones, especially townhomes, condominiums and apartments, where maintenance is typically taken care of by a management company. Upkeep also factors into your budget you can often save money on maintenance when you move into a smaller place.Easier relocating: Have you always wanted to live farther away from the city? Does a dry climate agree more with your lungs? Want to move closer to your children and grandchildren? Downsizing is the perfect opportunity to find your dream home in another area.Find a home with aging-in-place amenities: Many homes that were ideal for raising children dont fit your needs as you age. Downsizing allows you to find a home with built-in, aging-in-place amenities, so you can continue living independently for as long as you desire. Alternatively, if you suffer from serious health issues, you may wish to move to an assisted living facility to have on-site assistance.Eliminate clutter: We collect a lot of clutter over the years. Without a pressing need to get rid of the excess, its all too easy to let it pile up. Downsizing or moving of any kind is a good opportunity to sort out what you want to keep versus what you can let go, since your new home will have less room to store unnecessary items.How to downsize your homeIf youre interested in downsizing but arent sure where to start, here are a few tips:Make an appointment with a financial advisor: After youve decided why you want to downsize, youll need to figure out how to do it. Meeting with your financial advisor is crucial to determining the full picture. A good advisor can help you evaluate your income and assets, point out potential tax liabilities and identify other issues that might affect the downsizing process. In some cases, they may have suggestions regarding whether it makes more sense to sell your home or rent it out.Research smaller homes: The next item to tackle is research. Before you can go any further, youll need to figure out what it costs to live in the type of home you want, in the location you want. For example, a full-sized house in your dream city might cost more than your income can bear, but a condo in the same area could be affordable. Remember as you research to keep in mind the upkeep costs, HOA dues and other fees that may not be included in the list price.Research your mortgage options: If you sell your home and some assets, you may be able to get a good rate on a short-term mortgage for your new home. Shop around to find the best loan you can find. 10- to 15-year mortgages are a good choice for retirees because they allow you to gain equity in the home quickly with lower interest rates. If the 10-year options monthly payments are too high, 15-year mortgages are often more manageable.Find out your homes value: You probably have an idea of what your home might sell for, but the more realistic your estimate, the better. You can have your home appraised or research similar homes on websites like Zillow. In some cases, it wont make financial sense to sell your home. For example, if youll pay as much to rent a smaller home as you spend on the mortgage in your current home, it might be better to move and rent your home out for extra income.Make a realistic budget: Once you have an idea of what your home might sell for and where youd like to live, you can make a budget. A financial advisor may be able to give you an overall picture of what your retirement income will look like over the next few decades. Create a realistic monthly budget, leaving yourself as much wiggle room as possible. Dont forget that expenses in a different area might look much higher or lower than youre paying now, so do as much research as you can before committing.Dont forget the taxes and fees: One mistake people can make when downsizing is forgetting the taxes and fees that come with buying and selling a home. Agent commissions, property taxes, closing costs, capital gains and other fees can make a once-desirable home suddenly unaffordable.Once you have these details ironed out, it will be easier for you to find a smaller home that meets all of your needs.ConclusionFrom losing social networks to finding good healthcare providers in your new location, downsizing can be an emotional process. However, if its the right decision for your family, health and budget, it can set you up to live comfortably throughout your retirement.PlanEnroll is devoted to helping seniors find the right healthcare coverage for their needs. We represent a range of Medicare plans and can help you identify the benefits and coverage that are right for you.PlanEnroll is a brand operated by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC and used by its affiliated licensed insurance agencies that are certified to sell Medicare products. PlanEnroll is not endorsed by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), or any other government agency. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1800MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

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81 Oaks Senior Living

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81 Oaks Senior Living in Sarasota, FloridaAbout UsAt 81 Oaks, we believe that every chapter of life should be lived to the fullest. Nestled in the heart of Sarasota, our exceptional senior living community offers assisted living and memory care. We are now open and welcoming new residents!LifestyleOur community is more than just a place to live; it's a vibrant and warm environment where cherished memories are made. We offer personalized support that revolves around your goals and needs, encouraging you to connect with others, learn new things, and experience life in new ways.Community81 Oaks is thoughtfully integrated into an intergenerational Master Plan community, which includes a K-8th grade charter school, a 3,000-member inclusive church, an auditorium, a basketball court, and a park. Our spacious apartments, chef-prepared cuisine, bistro, movie theater, salon and spa, fitness center, and beautifully landscaped courtyard and walking path parks enhance daily life.ResourcesOur wellness programs are designed to promote your physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual well-being, helping you thrive and achieve your personal goals.News & EventsWe regularly host a variety of events, from High Tea and Memory Care Support Groups to Senior Support Expert Panels and festive celebrations like our St. Paddys Party and Holiday Open House. Stay updated with our latest news and join us for our next event.BlogExplore our blog for insightful articles and tips on senior living, wellness, and more.CompanyAt 81 Oaks, we empower our residents to reach their full potential and live a life of their choosing. Our Grove memory care neighborhood supports those with Alzheimers and other memory impairments to live with purpose and joy.Contact UsWe invite you to schedule a personal tour and see firsthand the beauty and warmth of our community. Your new home at 81 Oaks is ready and waiting for you. Let's start the journey together and live in the shade of excellence.Contact InformationPhone: 941-278-8801Schedule a TourVisit our website to schedule a tour and discover all that 81 Oaks has to offer.PricingExperience a higher standard in senior living. Contact us for detailed pricing information tailored to your needs.AmenitiesAnytime restaurant-style diningVariety of chef-prepared entresSiesta Key Private dining roomBayfront Salon and SpaHerons Nest TheaterOak Branch LibraryFlamingo Art StudioSt. Armands Shores Bistro...and more!Retirement Living is a JourneyJoin us at 81 Oaks and live a life enriched with meaningful connections and joyful experiences.Inquiring for More InformationWe're here to help. Fill out our contact form on our website, and one of our senior living experts will reach out to assist you.

81 Oaks Senior Living

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81 Oaks Senior Living in Sarasota, FloridaAbout UsAt 81 Oaks, we believe that every chapter of life should be lived to the fullest. Nestled in the heart of Sarasota, our exceptional senior living community offers assisted living and memory care. We are now open and welcoming new residents!LifestyleOur community is more than just a place to live; it's a vibrant and warm environment where cherished memories are made. We offer personalized support that revolves around your goals and needs, encouraging you to connect with others, learn new things, and experience life in new ways.Community81 Oaks is thoughtfully integrated into an intergenerational Master Plan community, which includes a K-8th grade charter school, a 3,000-member inclusive church, an auditorium, a basketball court, and a park. Our spacious apartments, chef-prepared cuisine, bistro, movie theater, salon and spa, fitness center, and beautifully landscaped courtyard and walking path parks enhance daily life.ResourcesOur wellness programs are designed to promote your physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual well-being, helping you thrive and achieve your personal goals.News & EventsWe regularly host a variety of events, from High Tea and Memory Care Support Groups to Senior Support Expert Panels and festive celebrations like our St. Paddys Party and Holiday Open House. Stay updated with our latest news and join us for our next event.BlogExplore our blog for insightful articles and tips on senior living, wellness, and more.CompanyAt 81 Oaks, we empower our residents to reach their full potential and live a life of their choosing. Our Grove memory care neighborhood supports those with Alzheimers and other memory impairments to live with purpose and joy.Contact UsWe invite you to schedule a personal tour and see firsthand the beauty and warmth of our community. Your new home at 81 Oaks is ready and waiting for you. Let's start the journey together and live in the shade of excellence.Contact InformationPhone: 941-278-8801Schedule a TourVisit our website to schedule a tour and discover all that 81 Oaks has to offer.PricingExperience a higher standard in senior living. Contact us for detailed pricing information tailored to your needs.AmenitiesAnytime restaurant-style diningVariety of chef-prepared entresSiesta Key Private dining roomBayfront Salon and SpaHerons Nest TheaterOak Branch LibraryFlamingo Art StudioSt. Armands Shores Bistro...and more!Retirement Living is a JourneyJoin us at 81 Oaks and live a life enriched with meaningful connections and joyful experiences.Inquiring for More InformationWe're here to help. Fill out our contact form on our website, and one of our senior living experts will reach out to assist you.

81 Oaks Senior Living

Assisted Living 7850 Hawkins Road, Sarasota, Florida, 34241

81 Oaks Senior Living in Sarasota, FloridaAbout UsAt 81 Oaks, we believe that every chapter of life should be lived to the fullest. Nestled in the heart of Sarasota, our exceptional senior living community offers assisted living and memory care. We are now open and welcoming new residents!LifestyleOur community is more than just a place to live; it's a vibrant and warm environment where cherished memories are made. We offer personalized support that revolves around your goals and needs, encouraging you to connect with others, learn new things, and experience life in new ways.Community81 Oaks is thoughtfully integrated into an intergenerational Master Plan community, which includes a K-8th grade charter school, a 3,000-member inclusive church, an auditorium, a basketball court, and a park. Our spacious apartments, chef-prepared cuisine, bistro, movie theater, salon and spa, fitness center, and beautifully landscaped courtyard and walking path parks enhance daily life.ResourcesOur wellness programs are designed to promote your physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual well-being, helping you thrive and achieve your personal goals.News & EventsWe regularly host a variety of events, from High Tea and Memory Care Support Groups to Senior Support Expert Panels and festive celebrations like our St. Paddys Party and Holiday Open House. Stay updated with our latest news and join us for our next event.BlogExplore our blog for insightful articles and tips on senior living, wellness, and more.CompanyAt 81 Oaks, we empower our residents to reach their full potential and live a life of their choosing. Our Grove memory care neighborhood supports those with Alzheimers and other memory impairments to live with purpose and joy.Contact UsWe invite you to schedule a personal tour and see firsthand the beauty and warmth of our community. Your new home at 81 Oaks is ready and waiting for you. Let's start the journey together and live in the shade of excellence.Contact InformationPhone: (941) 278-8801Schedule a TourVisit our website to schedule a tour and discover all that 81 Oaks has to offer.PricingExperience a higher standard in senior living. Contact us for detailed pricing information tailored to your needs.AmenitiesAnytime restaurant-style diningVariety of chef-prepared entresSiesta Key Private dining roomBayfront Salon and SpaHerons Nest TheaterOak Branch LibraryFlamingo Art StudioSt. Armands Shores Bistro...and more!Retirement Living is a JourneyJoin us at 81 Oaks and live a life enriched with meaningful connections and joyful experiences.Inquiring for More InformationWe're here to help. Fill out our contact form on our website, and one of our senior living experts will reach out to assist you.