Retirement is an exciting time. But it also comes with some tough decisions, including whether or not it’s time to downsize your current home. It can be difficult to leave the home where you’ve made so many memories over the years. However, many older adults find that after retirement, they no longer want the upkeep of a large home.
Whether you’re newly retired or you’ve been living as a retiree for years, it’s important to consider the many benefits that come with downsizing, including the positive impact it can have on your emotional, physical and mental well-being.
Here are 5 reasons to consider downsizing:
- Less maintenance. A smaller home or apartment means less upkeep both inside and out. One-floor living, especially, is convenient and reduces the need for stairs which can become difficult and therefore dangerous. For those looking to downsize to a senior living community, it also means no more shoveling snow or cutting grass, and more time for doing what you love
- More free time. With less to maintain, those who elect to downsize find they have more time to focus on the things they enjoy. Downsizing can make it easier to spend time enjoying hobbies, visiting with family and friends, traveling and simply enjoying life.
- Less to worry about. Homes come with a lot of worries. Appliances break, roofs leak, pipes clog. By downsizing to a senior living community or apartment, you can worry less about the unexpected and focus on enjoying retirement.
- Ease financial worries. Large homes can come with a lot of expenses. Property taxes, HOA fees and general maintenance can really add up. Downsizing can help you reduce your daily living expenses and help avoid some of the excess costs that come with living in a large home.
- Peace of mind for the future. Waiting to downsize until it becomes absolutely necessary for either health or safety reasons can be stressful for all involved. Downsizing when you’re newly retired and healthy can allow you to adjust to a new chapter in your life and give your loved ones peace of mind that you are safe and secure.
Three Quick Downsizing Tips for Seniors
Downsizing has a number of benefits. But many older adults still feel overwhelmed by the idea. Here are a few quick tips to make downsizing stress-free:
- Enlist the help of family and friends. Downsizing can bring up a lot of memories. Relive them all by enlisting the help of family and friends to help you sort through your home and pack up anything you’d like to move.
- Keep only what you need. By definition, downsizing means living in a smaller space than your current home. Because of this, it’s important to only keep what you really need. Then donate or give away items that are still in good shape. And make sure any family heirlooms that are too big to move to your new space can find a new home with your children or another close relative.
- Find a home that fits your lifestyle. Downsizing isn’t just about moving to a smaller home—it’s about moving somewhere that better fits your lifestyle and includes the amenities you need to live an easy, worry-free retirement.
Easy Living for Seniors at Episcopal SeniorLife Communities
Episcopal SeniorLife Communities makes it easy to downsize to a community and accommodation that fits seniors’ lifestyle, interests and needs. No matter which community is right for you or your loved one, you’ll find programs, activities and amenities designed to ensure every resident stays active, healthy and happy. Contact Episcopal SeniorLife Communities today for a tour of our Independent Living communities, or any of our living options for seniors.