It is common for Americans to move to smaller housing units or assisted living communities when the kids leave the nest. This is usually for very practical reasons. At some point, your loved ones may not be able to live independently and require help with chores such as laundry and housekeeping. The other reason is usually for safety purposes. The house that they have lived in may not be well suited for them anymore. It may be too big or may put them at risk of falls due to slippery floors.
Whatever the reason, there is a need to downsize as retirement looms. Downsizing means that some of the property that they own may need to be sold or donated. Here is a guide about getting this done in the most effective way possible.
Think Ahead
Before you begin the process of downsizing, you should take time to reflect on what matters to you. This is because most of the disposal methods for the property that you want to downsize cannot be reversed. It helps to know the size of the apartment that you are moving into as this often helps you prioritize what must remain and what must go. If you have a spouse who is moving with you, it is important to include them in the process as well. Under such circumstances, you may be unable to take as much as you want as the space will be shared between the two of you.
Think Safety
There will be valuable items such as jewelry and art that you may want to secure before the actual moving process starts. There is a greater risk of loss when things are being moved around. You can secure these items in different places depending on the risk of loss. Valuable items can be placed in bank-operated secure boxes while other items can be given to family members or friends for safekeeping. This can be until you figure out what you want to do with them.
Think Through Floor Plans
A great way to utilize your new space as efficiently as possible is to create a floor plan prior to moving. Not only does this help you plan ahead but it also allows you to know what will fit and what will not. If possible, you should visit the new apartment just to get a feel of where you are moving into. Knowing this will help you make better decisions about what to take and what to leave.
When it comes to the actual disposal of the items, you can consider either selling them or donating them to charity. Selling the items will obviously require time and energy. However, it offers the benefit of a cash income that can be used to offset some of the moving costs.
Discovery Village At Dominion is a fantastic place to call home. We have invested in our vision for a stylish yet comfortable place for you to live in. Our experts offer services such as continence management as well as memory loss care. This gives your loved one a higher quality of life. Give us a call today to learn more about our living community.
