I want to move, but I have too much stuff…
This is one of the top reasons many seniors don’t move when they recognize they need to make a change.
It is no secret that our society is overwhelmed by consumerism. So many of us fall victim to overbuying- we find a good sale, go a little overboard on Black Friday, stock up on something we don’t need now, but might need one day. Excess clutter and sometimes borderline hoarding are very common in our society, especially with seniors. There is no shame in this!
The drawback is that for those seniors who need a new home that better suites their current lifestyle and needs, having too much stuff simply gets in the way.
Even when they want to reduce their clutter and cut down on the excess stuff, they can often feel overwhelmed and less motivated due to how insurmountable it all may feel and they never get started.
As Senior Real Estate Specialists, we understand this is a very common situation that we are sensitive to and used to working with often. We can work with seniors and local professionals to reduce their belongings so our clients can fulfill their need for new housing.
Try taking the quiz below to help you prioritize why you are moving. It might help keep the motivation at the forefront of the move so you don’t get too bogged down before you get a chance to start.
“Downsizing my house" sounds great! How do I know where to start?
Should I start with decluttering?
Do I need to fix up my current home for sale before looking for a new one?
Do I need to know where I am going to move to before I list my current home?
Should I sell my current home first or buy a new home first?
These are all very common questions we hear from seniors, and quite frankly, home sellers of all ages. We hear many people getting tangled up in the HOW they are going to move early on. Having support and help from friends, family and a real estate professional is essential.
As Senior Real Estate Specialists we are here to be in tune with your needs and understand the local market and resources for Seniors to guide them.
It is helpful to start the the journey by organizing your thoughts and priorities.
We say take a step back and ask our clients to start with the “Who? What? Where? When? and WHY?” first. Because in the end, it is all about your wants and needs, which is why you are planning to move from the beginning.
Check out our quiz below to get started!
Quiz: What are my reasons for downsizing or rightsizing?
This exercise is a good way to ask yourself, or your loved ones, the root questions around one’s moving motivation in downsizing or rightsizing. So whether you are overwhelmed with decluttering, organizing and packing or anxious about where you might move to and if your house will sell for the right price, it is important to let prioritize why you are moving in the first place.
This activity is designed to help you write our your priorities and keep them at the forefront of the reason you are moving to begin with, much like a vision board. This helps set the motivation around the finish line in perspective and often helps people feel more empowered and organized. We hope this is a fun exercise that helps provide some insight to your motivation and bring you desire to move in focus before getting too overwhelmed to ever start.
Write down some answers to these questions:
1) “WHY do I want or need to move?”
Write out all the reasons your current living situation is not working for you. Examples: I don’t want to deal with stairs anymore. The bathtub is too hard to use. I live too far away from my friends and family. There is too much maintenance and upkeep. Etc.
2) “WHAT does my new home need to have?”
Write out your list of requirements. Examples: No stairs in the home. Somewhere close to public transit. Less maintenance and a smaller yard. Closer to loved ones or resources.
3) “WHEN are you looking to be in your new home?”
Thinking about the target date for moving into your next home is important to establish. Many people have a hard time getting to the finish line without clear and concrete timelines. It is important to find a timeline that is both desirable and realistic to your situation.
4) “WHO is moving with me? Will I be living with or near someone in particular?”
Many seniors decide to move to be closer to family or friends. Many people are opting for Senior Communities or Assisted Living. If other people are not in the forefront for your reason to move, it is good to note that and keep your needs in mind with the community you select as it will be helpful as you age.
5) “WHERE will I move to?”
Some seniors have a community or area picked out in advance. Living near or with family or in a Senior Community they like is a great way to find your next home. Lots of seniors don’t have anywhere in mind, that is ok! Us Senior Real Estate Specialists can offer some excellent local resources and guidance for finding new housing that fits your budget and needs.
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“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step…”
Thanks for doing this exercise, we hope it was helpful. Contact us anytime for a free consultation.
Your goals are our business.