Senior
Downsizing When the last child leaves home and heads out into the real world it can be absolutely terrifying(for you and them). Going through a roller coaster of emotions is completely normal. Time to down-size your home and start the next adventure as your retirement period begins. Before you search for boxes to pack, check out our go-to tips for how — and why — to downsize your home effectively.
WHY SHOULD I DOWN-SIZE & WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? If you realize that downsizing your home is the opportunity to live within a new lifestyle, you will be more eager to sort through your old items. Most retirees have been living in an empty nest for quite a few years, so your large family home might not be the best for you and your spouse any longer. Downsizing your possessions can be the first step to owning a smaller home and spending the extra cash on a vacation home or a new RV so that you can travel and see the world.
SORT AND SIFT IN STEPS Downsizing your home will not be a weekend project. Break down your downsizing agenda into realistic pieces by going room by room or commit to a few hours of purging per week. You will find that the experience is much more enjoyable when you aren’t pressed for time or burned out by the end of the day. Organize your items into sections or piles: things to keep, things to sell, things to give to children or family members, things to donate, and things to toss. You can always ask your children to come participate in this. That way, you will not have any regrets or second thoughts while downsizing your possessions.
SAVE THE MEMORIES Downsizing your home does not mean you need to get rid of items that posses sentimental value. When you are taking a look at your possessions and furniture, think in terms of the future while still preserving the past. If you have been holding on to your children’s baby clothes, do not toss them but keep them for grandchildren. But, you might want to go ahead and donate or sell the larger items that are adding clutter to your living space that don’t carry the same sentimental feelings.
EMOTIONS ARE OKAY Downsizing can bring all sorts of emotions that you may or may not expect. Your children might be mad that you tossed their favorite childhood book without asking them or they might be sad that you are looking to move out of their childhood home. All of these emotions are valid and two not rush yourself. If you find that you are becoming overwhelmed with the process, just stop and pick it up again in a month or two.
REWARD YOURSELF Downsizing is not always an easy process and if you are taking your time, it can be a while before you are finally finished. Celebrate yourself and your accomplishments! Take some of the money that you earned on selling your items and head out to dinner or a weekend getaway. Congratulations on your retirement and welcome to the adventure of this phase of your life!
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