At The Estates at Carpenters, we think of moving to a maintenance-free apartment home in our retirement community more like rightsizing to upsize your lifestyle! Best of all, we offer more choice than any of the retirement and 55+ communities in the area. Choose from studio, one-, two- or three-bedroom residences ranging in size from 475 to 2,500 square feet – and beautifully appointed with modern comforts and conveniences. Here, you never have to compromise on the way you want to live!
We understand the hassles that come along with moving out of a large home – and that the process can sometimes postpone a decision to relocate to the comfort and convenience of a Life Plan Community. However, downsizing doesn’t have to be stressful!
Check out our tips for rightsizing the right way. You’ll be one step closer to living the retirement lifestyle you’ve always dreamed about.
Read Downsizing Tips
Begin in the Heart of the Home
When you start the downsizing process, experts suggest beginning in the most important room (usually the kitchen or family room) and working outward. These rooms will hold the most treasured or most-used items, and you may have a more difficult time deciding what to keep or donate/discard. After you finish these rooms, the process will get easier and move faster!
Add to Your Income
Consider selling some of your valuable belongings to earn income toward your new lifestyle. Rather than putting a valuable piece in storage or donating it, try selling it online or to an antique store. Another option may be to sell your home furnished and raise the price slightly.
Give It Away
Many of the items that won’t be of use to you in your new home could be useful to others. Consider donating unwanted clothing, dishes or home goods to a local thrift store. Empty your cupboards before you move and donate non-perishables to a local food bank. For items that hold a special place in your heart, but might not have a place in your new home, consider giving them as gifts or heirlooms to your family or friends.
Hire Professionals
Utilizing professional services can make the process of selling and clearing your home much easier. Hiring a good realtor can simplify the process of selling your house, and you’re more likely to get a higher price and/or sell it faster than if you sold it on your own. A realtor will also inform you of all the legal and logistical tasks that will take place in the sale.
Professionals can also help you with the downsizing process in your current home and/or the actual move.
Enlist the Help of Loved Ones
Chances are, your family and friends are more than willing to help with tasks such as sorting your belongings, transporting items to donation centers, cleaning your house or moving items to your new home. You could also ask family members with storage space to store a few boxes of things you’re not quite ready to decide on – but won’t fit in your new place.
Professionals can also help you with the downsizing process in your current home and/or the actual move.
Remember the Positives
If you find yourself overwhelmed while downsizing, remember all the benefits your new lifestyle in a retirement community will offer: NO home maintenance, NO yardwork, a vibrant social life, great dining options, fun activities every day, convenient amenities and services, a great location, guaranteed access to health care services – and so much more!