Leaving a house full of memories can be an emotional process. When it comes time to downsize, letting go of a large home and moving on to something smaller is easier said than done. But there are steps you can take to make the transition to your new home easier and more efficient.
Shop Around
Where to move is a big decision no matter your age. When it comes to your golden years, there is a need for more attention to detail. Important information about the interior of a home and the community and concern for your finances are key factors for consideration. For example, you may decide that you need a more accessible bathroom, but depending on how much work is needed, you’ll have to factor the costs into your budget (the average cost of a bathroom remodel is $8,000-$10,000).
Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, internet searches are the best way to get a head start in the hunt for a new home. This way, you’ll be able to gauge the affordability of a desired neighborhood. For example, if you’re looking to move to Bend, you’ll find in your search that the average sale price of homes in that area has been $475,000 over the last month. Selling your current home can certainly help with expenses; however, a long distance move requires serious thought.
When you’re house hunting, family can also influence your decision of where to live. For instance, living closer to grown children has its advantages. However, if their job requires them to move around a lot, it might not be worth leaving your current town.
Clearing Clutter
Once you’ve found a home, the next step is deciding which belongings will go with you. It is easy to develop emotional attachments to items that make parting with them difficult. Sentimental clutter is an actual phrase that describes items you feel guilty about getting rid of, even though you don’t use them.
Holding on to an item because of its association to a particular person is why most clutter accumulates. Professional organizers agree that you can keep the memory of the person without the object, and if not, you can take a picture as a memento. A digital picture is much easier to store than a side table you never use.
Additionally, ask family and friends to help you sort items into boxes labeled “keep,” “toss,” and “donate.” The process will go faster, and you might just discover that a relative loves your coffee table and would like to have it. Knowing that your items are going to people who need and want them can help ease any guilty feelings about letting them go.