Managing the Logistics of Senior Downsizing During a Pandemic

If you’ve realized the need to reduce your space or lower your bills, you may be wondering if it’s possible to downsize in the middle of a global crisis. The answer is a firm yes, however, it’s important to know that there are a few subtle nuances that you’ll need to keep in mind throughout the process.

First, Think About Independent or Skilled Care

When we think about downsizing, buying a smaller house is obviously the first thing that comes to mind. But it’s not the only option, and it may not even be the right choice. Depending on your physical and cognitive needs, it may be wise to consider independent or skilled care. These are similar to apartments but have special amenities that make life safer and more convenient, but there are differences between the two. Independent living has lots of common spaces and offers things like shopping assistance and game nights. Skilled care, on the other hand, provides more focused help on activities of daily living, which includes taking your medicines, managing your hygiene, and eating.

If you find that skilled care is the arrangement that will best suit your needs, you may discover that identifying the best community can take a lot of work. Fortunately, websites such as SeniorCare break down the services offered by different skilled care communities, providing an at-a-glance look at what each local place offers — including everything from pet-friendliness to meal prep.

Partner with the Right Realtor

It’s always a smart move to partner with an experienced real estate agent when making a move, particularly an agent with experience in senior downsizing. The right broker can help serve your needs on both the buying and selling sides. And even if you’re in an area where self-isolating is still suggested, your agent can help you sell your home using 3D technology and video tours. The same goes for when you are looking for a new place to hang your hat. You do not necessarily have to visit each location you are interested in in-person. Your agent can either do the shopping for you or use the same technologies to help you identify issues in homes you like so that you can be selective when it’s time for showings.

Prep Work Matters

If you do have to sell a home, buyers who actually come to your property are the ones that are most serious about the purchase. For this reason, you’ll want to truly play up your house’s best features. Make sure that it is clean and staged to sell and have plenty of hand sanitizer around so that your guest can feel comfortable and confident while they tour each room.

Know What You Need

Once you find an agent to help you through the process, you’ll want to let them know exactly what you’re looking for. If you are a single senior with mobility issues, for example, a one-story home with two bedrooms is all you really need. Similarly, you’ll need to spend some time going through your personal belongings and making choices about what you keep, what goes to recycling, and what special heirlooms to leave to your children.

Do Your Research Before Hiring Movers

Regardless of which housing situation you choose to move into, if you want to keep yourself safe and ensure that your belongings arrive intact, you’ll want to do your homework. First, ask your movers about what they’re doing to sanitize throughout the process. You also want to ask specific questions about costs. Keep in mind that, according to SmoothMovers.org, there are many factors that go into this. Having a dedicated truck, the needed time of arrival, and how far you are moving are a few of these.

When you do make the decision to downsize your lifestyle, don’t go into it lightly. Look at your options, and then weigh all the pros and cons carefully. You’ll also want to make sure that you have the right people on your side, which means hiring the right realtor and choosing movers that can get the job done safely and effectively.

Article provided by Justin Bennett of healthyfit.info.