A Quick and Easy Guide for Seniors Planning to Downsize

Owning too much “stuff” can be a burden, and downsizing is often a welcome part of the retirement experience. Whether you’re embarking on new adventures abroad or hoping to live a quiet, minimal life near family, eliminating clutter and selling your home are part of the deal. Here are some ideas from Atherton Real Estate Group on how to make the most of the experience—and get on with enjoying your retirement.

Image via Pixabay

Image via Pixabay

Start by Reducing Clutter 

Getting rid of items you no longer use or need, or even just paring down can go a long way toward your downsizing efforts, and it will make your move much easier. That said, it’s not an easy task.

Why Older Adults Have a Hard Time Letting Their Stuff Go
Overcome the Emotional Obstacles Many Experience While Downsizing
8 Unwanted Items You Can Sell

Decide Where to Live (with Less)

Two key benefits of downsizing are having less to maintain and saving money with a smaller home. Figuring out where exactly to live takes some research.

Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home
Which Type of Housing is Best for You?
What is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Independent Living?

Buy or Sell Based on Your Needs (and Budget)

Your housing choice obviously depends on your needs, but your budget is what makes it happen. If your savings are solid and you have a lot of equity, the sale of your home could pad your bank account, making a move to smaller surroundings easy. Otherwise, you might need to finance your new home, which means more homework. 

Ready to Retire? You Still Need a Budget
Home Loan Programs Available to Seniors

Just for Veterans

For those who served our country, there are special benefits well worth exploring. From assistance with your current home to moving to making the new place more affordable, make sure you have researched all the resources and options available to you. 



Financial Counseling and Assistance for Veterans

Home Remodeling & Handicap Modifications for Disabled Veterans

Explore Affordable Home Loan Options Especially for Vets 

Plan for the Big Move

Once you’ve found the right place, it’s time to prep for your move. Some people prefer to have help when it comes to the overall move and setup in a new place, while others are perfectly happy with just hiring movers to get their stuff from point A to point B. 

Connect with a Senior Move Manager
Find Top-Rated Movers in Your Area

Paring down your belongings and prepping for a move can be intimidating during—or before—retirement. But with the right attitude and some great resources to support your efforts, you’ll be able to declutter, decide where to go, and settle into your new place in no time. We hope these quick tips help!

Are you ready to downsize and are looking for a real estate agent to help you navigate the process? Atherton Real Estate Group can help make your transition a smooth one. We are specially trained to work with older adults, and we customize our approach based on each client’s needs. Connect with us using this contact form or by calling (603) 305-6073.

Li Wang