Downsizing
If you’re downsizing in Northern Virginia, here’s how you can make the transition easier
Need some downsizing tips for Northern Virginia Seniors and Retirees? For many seniors and retirees in Northern Virginia, downsizing from their family home to a smaller house, condo, or apartment is sometimes a difficult transition. Like all major life changes, there are both logistical and emotional hurdles to overcome. Let’s review a few ways seniors can make this change easier on themselves and ensure that their new home is one that they love.
Downsizing tips for Northern Virginia Seniors and Retirees
Embrace change and a fresh start! Downsizing isn’t just moving. It’s a chance at a fresh start. If you bring all your furniture, belongings, and collectables from your old home and try to stuff them into your new, smaller one, it will just feel quite cluttered. The better approach is to start early and think about what you want to leave behind just as much as what you want to take with you.
If your previous home had big furniture, you might want to consider starting over with a more modern, space-conscious look. For example, an oversized entertainment center that was purchased decades ago isn’t that practical now that you don’t have a VCR or box television anymore. A simple TV stand will make it a better fit.
Remember: this is a new phase of your life. Not bad, just different. Embrace the fresh start, and you’ll give your new home a chance to be just as loved as your old one.
Clear out the clutter
In addition to ditching any oversized furniture, you should also assess just how much storage space your new home has and what you want to put in that limited space. Just like everyone, you have things that are important to you. You don’t necessarily have to throw out everything, but you do need to make some decisions about what you’ll keep, what you’ll pass on to your kids and grandkids, and what you’ll give away to charity.
If you are parting with collectables, it helps to think about the joy the new owner will get out of that item, and how you’ve participated in making them happy. Perhaps you collect puzzles: every puzzle you sell at a yard sale or donate will bring fresh joy to a family as they work on it together. Of course, you can keep a few favorites for yourself!
Now’s the time to get your dream kitchen
Just because you’re downsizing to a smaller home doesn’t mean you can’t make some upgrades. After all, now that you’re retired, you’re going to have more time than ever for cooking and baking. It’s time to build a kitchen you love. If you’re going to invest in remodeling your new home, start with the kitchen: this project generally has the highest return-on-investment of any major renovation.
Your new kitchen needs to feature stone countertops and new cabinets. Buy high-quality materials: they’ll hold their value longer. You’re probably not putting much wear-and-tear on your kitchen, but you should still plan on it being used—especially when your kids and grandkids come over. A kitchen island with seating for the entire family is perfect for waffles on a Saturday morning!
Learn to love what’s new
Change is hard. For many seniors, downsizing from their home—which might be the first and only home they ever bought, and where they raised their kids—is incredibly difficult. Don’t avoid your emotions as you say goodbye.
At the same time, give your new home a chance. For many seniors, a new, smaller home doesn’t feel quite right at first. But, after a few weeks of settling in, they come to appreciate its smaller size and how great it fits their current lifestyle. Keep an open mind, and your transition will be that much easier.