Leave Your Big House Behind and Take Senior Living to the Next Level

If you are ready to make the most out of retirement, moving into a smaller home makes sense. Done properly, less house equates to more money and more time. If you choose the right community, you will not only save on home maintenance but will have access to amenities that can enhance your quality of life.

Keep reading for the whys and hows to leave your big family home and find fun in a smaller home or condo with the help of Oceans Luxury Realty. Just bear in mind that while downsizing in the COVID-19 era may require some extra patience (and precautions), it is possible to get the process started so you’ll be ready when lockdown orders are lifted.

Why should I move into a smaller home?

There are many perks associated with having a smaller space. Specifically for seniors, less square feet to clean means freeing up more time to do the things you love. Plus, you won’t have to bear the expenses of heating, cooling, and maintaining space that you don’t use.

According to the an article in Part-Time Money, they suggest that a smaller home in a neighborhood where houses are closer together means that you’ll get to know your neighbors, which is a huge benefit now that you are not gone 40 hours per week.

I’m ready

Before you start packing, you’ll need to consider the practical aspects of downsizing. One of these is estimating the cost of moving. While this is an additional expense, having a moving service on retainer can ease much of the stress of the process. This will allow you to start your new life on a positive note.

If cost is a concern, know that you can reduce your overall moving expenses by getting rid of the things you won’t need once you’ve relocated. Obviously, you will not require three or four bedrooms’ worth of furniture. These are the easy things to let go of. But, saying goodbye to your "sentimental clutter" is exponentially more challenging.

Keep in mind as you go room to room that the memories you connect to objects don’t live within the item itself. This can make it easier to part with things you love, such as Christmas ornaments your children made in kindergarten. These keepsakes may be passed down to your children and grandchildren. Other items may be donated or sold to help you fund that set of golf clubs that you’ve been eyeing. Any surplus items you’re definitely keeping can be packed up and put into storage until you’re ready for the big transition.

Choosing Your Home

Choosing the right home can take some work. It’s best if you can dedicate an afternoon touring your preferred neighborhood. Don’t get blindsided by the beauty and convenience of a location, however. As exciting as looking at homes is in the moment, you must also think about your future health and abilities and affordability (Daytona homes have been fetching $175,000  on average). According to Reuters, single-story living is best if you plan to age in place. This does not mean that you cannot enjoy a home with two stories and a second-floor deck with a view. There are ways to accommodate mobility issues including stairlifts,  extra lighting, and handrails. Just be aware that these are an added expense; the average stairlift will easily run you between $2,000 to $5,000.

Where you live in your later years is crucial to your enjoyment. When you find that your largest asset is left mostly unused, it is time to look into a more compact space to live. A 55-plus community is ideal for active seniors, as it allows for independence and privacy but also puts all the things you love within reach, but there are ways to create an agreeable space if you prefer to make modifications. Oceans Luxury Realty can provide more info on the big benefits of a smaller home.