10 Ways to Make
Downsizing A Bit Easier

If you’re considering moving, downsizing and decluttering can offer a simpler, more secure, lower-stress lifestyle. Downsizing can also present you with a lot to think about. Here are some tips that might make the process a bit less daunting:
Downsizing

1. Start early

Successful downsizing takes more time than you may realize; starting the process at least two to three months in advance can be a real benefit.

2. Make a plan

Planning out the steps (with as much detail as possible) will make the process more manageable and help lessen anxiety.

3. Set a timeline

The plan should include a timeline to ensure tasks are completed in order as the move approaches. The distance of the move may affect the timeframe.

4. Use the new floor plan

A floor plan of your new home— even if rough—can help determine what might go where and which pieces fit, and which don’t.

5. Start with “less”

For a simple guide to think about which might not go to your future home, think “less”–less used, less valuable, less emotional.

6. Discard duplicates

We all accumulate things. When downsizing, ask whether duplicates can be discarded. Do you need five different types of cooking whisks?

7. Use a “one-year” rule

If something hasn’t been used or viewed within the past year, it may be a candidate for being left out of the move.

8. Create “yes” or “no” groups

Using sticky notes to label items as “yes” or “no” will help you remember which items you need to take with you.

9. Donate or discard

Once items have been divided into “yes” or “no” groups, think about which would be well-appreciated donations and which need to be disposed of in other ways.

10. Get help from your friends or family

Friends or family can offer both helping hands and a helpful voice when it comes to downsizing. Involving them early on can make the process easier.

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EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF PLUS

WITH YOUR SENIORS REALESTATE SPECIALIST® (SRES®)

their SRES designation is yourkey to a home with the powerof plus. You deserve a place that is designed for your prioritiesand needs such as the perfect location near family, precisely “rightsizing” the location, a redesigned residence for safe accessibility, or comfortably settlinginto senior housing. An SRES® will help you navigate the complex real estate market unique to seniors and guide you to your ultimate destination — a home with the power of plus.

BUYING

You can buy with con dence when an SRES® works hard for you and gives you a distinct advantage in buying a home. They’ll assess your speci c requirements and leverage their connections with home inspectors, movers, attorneys, and nancial experts that all have worked extensively with seniors. With the skill and support of an SRES®, you will have the purchasing power of plus.
SENIOR HOUSING
EXPERIENCE

SELLING

SRES® agentsknow you have many memories
and emotions attached to your home and leaving
it can be bittersweet. You can rely on an SRES® to
assist with pricingconsiderations, staging and
showingthe home, and negotiatingthe nancial
demands. The power of plus makes your home a
valuable property.

ADAPTING YOUR HOME

As you experience limitations in your abilities, your SRES® can guide you in a redesign of your home. You may need a Certi ed Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) who can evaluate your residence and suggest accessibility and technology improvements all custom designed for you with direction from your SRES®. The power of plus results in peace of mind for you and for those who care about you.

SENIOR HOUSING AND ASSISTED LIVING

Life can present obstacles to independent living. The power of plusgives you the assurance that your SRES® has the experience to counsel you on the wide range of alternatives in senior living. You can rely on your SRES® to help you make informed choices that lead to a residence that provides the right care in a place that you can call home.

CONTACT ME TODAY TO EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF PLUS!

When You’re Moving

What to do with what’s not going with you

When moving, it’s likely that not all of your possessions will go to your new home. This raises the question: what to do with what’s not moving? Your options include:

Give to family or friends.

Relatives and friends may find unwanted possessions useful, valuable or sentimental.Including people close to you can be a great first step in determining what should happen with some items that won’t be moved.

Garage sales and estate sales.

Garage sales are ideal for offloading cheaper items, while estate sales, often managed by professionals, are better for valuable possessions.

Charitable donations.

Charities like local churches, the Red Cross and Goodwill often accept donations, though policies vary. Check ahead for drop-off requirements or potential removal fees.

“Junk” removal services.

Quick and efficient, they will take almost anything you don’t want. Pricing is based on the volume of material (though some services price by item) and fees are often added for items such as paint or tires.

Self-storage.

Storing items can ensure future access or delay tough decisions about letting go. However, self-storage can become costly, with fees often exceeding the value of stored items and rates subject to unexpected hikes.
Moving

Disposing of hazardous waste

You should never pour household hazardous waste (HHW) down drains or on the ground—this can harm people, animals and the environment. Instead, look into proper disposal options, such as:

Collection programs.

Check with your local waste management district or environmental health agency to learn about these programs or visit Earth911.com.

Retail take-back programs.

Some retailers accept certain types of HHW for recycling, such as used oil and antifreeze.

Mail-in disposal services.

Some companies offer mail-in kits for specific HHW items, like expired medication or mercury thermometers.

Hazardous waste disposal facilities.

By searching the internet for “hazardous waste disposal near me,” you may find nearby organizations and services to help you properly dispose of HHW.
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Senior Representative Specialist®

Engaging a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) when listing your property offers several distinct advantages tailored to the unique needs of Senior homeowners.

Specialized Expertise: I have undergone additional training to address the specific requirements of clients aged 50 and above. This includes insights into retirement, downsizing, and age-in-place options, ensuring that your real estate decisions align with your lifestyle and plans.

As a SRES®, I have knowledge, resources and experience dealing with senior communities and HOA & capital contribution requirements.

Financing can be different from traditional loans. Knowledge is important when it comes to Reverse Mortgages, 401k and IRAs. In addition special care must be given when there is a cash sale and wiring is needed. Fraud is a very serious matter.

Moving into a Senior community is sometimes a necessity and knowledge of HOA inclusions can make all the difference in picking the right community, as well as knowing the distances to health care provides and transportation.

Probate is also something that needs to be handled with care. I can help with selling items in auction, cleaning out a house, and preparing for resale.

I’d happily meet with you to discuss my skills and experience to help you move into or sell a Senior community house. You will have a seamless transaction using myself and my network of resources to guide you every step of the way regardless of your needs.

4 Reasons to Work with an Exclusive Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®)

Close
Navigating the real estate market as a senior has unique challenges and opportunities. Whether downsizing, relocating, or adjusting to new life circumstances, an SRES® can make a significant difference. They bring specialized knowledge tailored to the over-50 market, ensuring your transaction is handled with expertise and empathy. Here are four reasons to work with an SRES®:

1. THEY CHOSE YOU

Agents who earn the SRES® designation and choose to work exclusively with seniors are deeply committed to supporting mature adults through life’s transitions. Their dedication often stems from personal experience, whether navigating these changes themselves or assisting family members, making them uniquely equipped to serve their clients’ specific needs.

2. THEY UNDERSTAND YOUR NEEDS

Whether you’re newly retired, adjusting to life as an empty nester, or dealing with the loss of a spouse, senior specialists provide more than just real estate advice. They understand the myriad of lifestyle adjustments you face and the types of decisions you must make. Your SRES will offer tailored options and resources to address your unique living situation and broader life changes.

3. THEY ARE GENUINELY EMPATHETIC

Senior specialists bring a deep empathy to their work, addressing not just the logistical but also the emotional complexities of major life changes. They are trained to handle sensitive topics with care, ensuring that your changing priorities are met with compassionate and effective solutions.

4. THEY CARE ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY

More than just real estate agents, senior specialists are active community members who engage with senior-centric organizations and networks. Their involvement goes beyond transactions, offering ongoing support and resources that benefit seniors throughout the community. By working with an SRES®, you gain a partner who not only understands the specifics of senior real estate transactions but also values the importance of your life achievements and future goals. Their commitment to helping you navigate this chapter makes them an invaluable ally in your real estate journey.

Moving Your Parents:

Advice From an Expert

Joy Loverde, best selling author of The Complete Eldercare Planner, offers thoughts on parents and moving.

Joy Loverde
eidercare

What does the move mean?

When parents start talking about moving, it can mean that something is going on. Are they experiencing problems they may not be telling you about? Is the house beginning to be too much? Are they having memory problems? Can they no longer drive and won’t tell you? When a parent brings up moving, you might ask, “What’s the reason behind the move? Is there something you want to tell me?”

It’s a process.

You should anticipate that moving a parent may be a stop-and-start process. Your parent may say, “Okay, I’m moving.” And then they start to get overwhelmed, and they stop. Just because parents mention they’re going to move, it’s often not a nice, straight line; it could take longer than you think and get delayed at any time.

It’s more than just a house move.

Moving your parents doesn’t end when they move homes. They may need new doctors, want to know what the new neighborhood is like, or how they’ll get around— all kinds of questions will need answers.

Make sure of the legal paperwork.

A parent might say they have all the paperwork to sell their house, but they actually may not. Put eyes on the paperwork needed. If they say everything is in a box, open the box. Then, you’ll know where things are if anything is required.

Let your parents feel in charge.

For a parent, moving is also experiencing losses. They’re saying goodbye to routines, friends, neighbors. They’re going into the unknown
It’s scary. And it takes time to be happy with their new home. So, keep them in the driver’s seat by allowing them to make as many decisions as possible. If you move a parent to some place they don’t like, it’s just going to be trouble.

There will be stress.

You may feel overwhelmed at times. That’s normal and expected. But it’s best not to show that stress by telling everybody, “This is how it’s going to be.” It may seem like a way to handle the stress, but with all the emotions and potential conflict, it can easily backfire.

Find a trusted resource.

Dealing with parents during a move can be complicated. It’s wise to have resources you can trust to help you through it. When I moved my mother, my real estate agent was an invaluable partner. She made everything easier.

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