Guest Writer| A Guide to Downsizing and Decluttering for Seniors

A Guide to Downsizing and Decluttering for Seniors

 By Andrea Needham

There are several good reasons to downsize in your golden years. Whether you want to try living somewhere new or to spend less time on household chores, packing up your favorite possessions and moving into a smaller space may be your ticket to a happier life. While downsizing sounds straightforward, it can be a complex and elaborate process. Here’s a simple guide to help you stay on track and ensure that your downsizing efforts are met with success. 

 

Decide Where You’re Going

 

The first thing to do before you start planning your simpler, smaller life is to decide where you want to move. Location can have a significant impact on your quality of life, especially in your senior years. Ask yourself a few key questions as you consider your options. Do you want to live somewhere warm or somewhere with a thriving senior community? Is proximity to family important to you? The Spruce also recommends asking yourself questions regarding what you dislike about your current location and what you will miss after moving. Of course, you should also consider the costs of moving to whatever location you have in mind. According to Hire A Helper, movers generally charge $70 - $100 an hour in Laguna Niguel.

 

Once you’ve decided on a general location, start researching online for homes in your price range. You can visit these homes in person after you’ve compiled a few top picks. As you do your research, be sure to assess the affordability of the cities that you’re considering. Look at important financial factors such as the cost of food, health care, home insurance, and the average price of homes throughout the area. For example, Redfin reports that sales of homes in Laguna Niguel have averaged $770,000 over the last month. IInformation like this can help you choose a location that will fit your budget and lifestyle.

 

Before you settle on a new neighborhood, think about renting a vacation property in the area to get a feel for everything. If possible, try to get a house around the same size; that way, you can get a feel for the space as well as the neighborhood. The Orange County area offers many options for relocating seniors. For example, if you’re interested in fine dining, the city of Irvine has many high-end restaurants with food from all over the world. If golfing is a hobby of yours, Dana Point is known for its highly rated courses.

 

Get Rid of Stuff

 

Your next step is to start sorting through your belongings. MakeSpace recommends getting the help of a friend or relative for this part—revisiting memories can be emotional! Try to avoid holding onto things out of guilt or feelings of obligation. Only keep the items that you enjoy having around. There are many different things you can do with your unwanted stuff. You can sell or give away your furniture, electronics, clothing, and décor by posting them on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. You can even hold a yard sale if that sounds easier. If you want to get rid of everything as quickly as possible, bring your gently used items to a charity organization or thrift store. Just remember, there are certain things you should never donate, like household cleaners, beauty products, and mattresses. For anything you can’t pass along to others, find out how to dispose of it properly. You can recycle a surprising number of things! If you need to hire a junk removal service, this will typically run you between $150 and $350.

 

Smooth Out the Move

 

While decluttering is a lot of work, moving can be even more stressful. Make sure your move goes smoothly by creating a detailed timeline and checklist for everything you have to do right up until moving day. For example, you’ll have to book movers, switch over your utilities, and send out announcements to everyone you know. It’s smart to start the moving process about three to four months before your move. Early on, set your moving budget and create an organized binder for all of the paperwork you’ll need to keep track of over the coming months.

 

In the end, the decision to downsize is a very personal one. Don’t let anyone pressure you into getting rid of stuff or moving out of your home. Consider saying goodbye to just a few unwanted items to get the ball rolling and see how you feel about decluttering—perhaps you’ll decide that downsizing to a smaller home can wait. Only you can know if downsizing is the right move!

Andrea Needham

Eldersday.org

andrea.needham@eldersday.org

* Specific loan program availability and requirements may vary. Please get in touch with your mortgage advisor for more information.