Downsizing for Retirement

Mike Longsdon • December 7, 2020

How to Downsize Without the Hassle So You Can Enjoy Your Retirement

For some, the word “downsizing” brings up negative connotations. While it does mean living in a smaller space with fewer belongings, you’re actually getting more out of life: more money , more time, and more fun.

It’s an excellent choice for the young, who benefit greatly from the lower utility bills and freedom from the constant cleaning and maintenance that comes with a larger home, but it’s seniors like you who get the most out of it. You’ll amp up your retirement by living where you want with more hours in the day to do what you love, whether that’s gardening, fishing or playing tennis. 

You may find the process of selling your property, packing up and moving on rather daunting, and it can be complicated. However, by taking it step by step, you’ll get where you want to go with minimal headaches. Assisted Living Made Simple wants to help, so here’s how to go about it.

Set a Budget

When creating a budget, the value of your current home is the determining factor. Remember, you’re downsizing, which means looking for property that you can easily afford with the money from the sale of your current home without an onerous mortgage hanging over your head. Ideally, it would leave you with some profit left at the end for renovations, or even a taste of the finer things in life. You can use an online home value estimator to get an idea of how much your home is worth. These types of estimators can be accurate, but they can’t take into account every possible issue, such as new upgrades and problems with inspections. 

Find the Perfect Spot

Florida is still among the most popular places to retire thanks partly to its warm climate, but other destinations are gaining ground based on healthcare , community engagement and even employment opportunities, according to an article by CNBC. Take that all into consideration along with the cost of living in any area you’re considering. 

Choose the Right Home

Narrowing your home choice down won’t take long if you have some specific criteria in addition to your budget. For starters, stick with one floor , as getting up and down stairs becomes more difficult with age. Also, halls and doorways should be relatively wide for improved accessibility. Anything that requires a lot of maintenance is a definite “no.” 

You’ll also want to look at things like utilities costs and internet access. You don’t want to move into a smaller place that will end up costing you more due to high energy rates. If rates are close to your expectations, you can pinch pennies by making some adjustments, like installing smart bulbs or timers. Internet-wise, you can find affordable and simple self-setup plans through major providers that deliver all the power and speed you could want.

Purge Old Stuff

Once you’ve found the ideal property, it’s time to start planning the move itself, and that begins with a thorough decluttering. Start early, because this is going to take longer than you think. However, you’ll pick up steam by getting rid of items you obviously don’t need , such as clothes you never wear, books you’ve already read and anything that’s broken.

Select a Mover 

By not hiring a mover , you can save money hauling everything away yourself, but it’s not worth the hassle, especially when you’re a senior. There’s a lot of heavy lifting involved, and the process can be emotionally draining as you empty a place where you spent so many wonderful years. Let somebody else do that, but put some effort into hiring qualified professionals and choosing the right time to relocate.

Consider Health  

Taking health into account is particularly important for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. Sunrise Senior Living notes that if your partner suffers from this condition, take special care, as changing environments can be challenging for them, especially if their move is due to losing a loved one. You can lessen their difficulty by ensuring the new home is as calm as possible, while scheduling outings and visits for the time of day when they’re at their sharpest.

You may feel like your life is starting anew, and that’s because in a way, it is. Downsizing can be a great way to enhance this next chapter, and with a little planning ahead, you’ll make the process as seamless as possible. 

Turn to Assisted Living Made Simple for more information on ensuring your healthy and happy retirement years.

Image via Pexels .

If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at  386-847-2322 or check out our  Caregiver Support Group. Our  Senior Advisors  are here to walk with you through this journey.

Benefits of Assisted Living

By Donna Nichols • May 2, 2025
Assisted living has many benefits, especially for older adults or people needing help with daily activities but not requiring full-time medical care. Here's a quick breakdown: Independence and support Residents get to maintain a level of independence while having access to help with things like: Bathing, dressing, or grooming Medication management Meal preparation So they still have freedom without the stress of handling everything alone. Access to care Staff is usually available 24/7, and while it’s not a nursing home, many places have nurses or aides on hand for basic health needs, depending on their licensure. It’s a safety net in case anything happens. Meals & housekeeping Daily meals, cleaning, laundry, and other chores are usually included, which reduces stress and gives you more time to enjoy life. Social life Assisted living communities often have activities, group outings, and common areas, which can help prevent loneliness and boost mental health. Safety & security These places are designed with safety in mind, such as grab bars, emergency call systems, and accessible layouts. Plus, knowing someone’s always nearby gives peace of mind. Peace of mind (for families, too) Families often feel relieved knowing their loved one is in a supportive environment where help is readily available. As you can see, assisted living has many benefits. If you feel it is unsafe for you or your loved one to live alone, please consider assisted living. It will give you peace of mind and them the safety and security they require.  If you or a loved one is ready to move to assisted living, please call us at 386-847-2322. We are experts in senior care.

What’s in Your Box?

By Donna Nichols • April 8, 2025
What does that mean? It means what’s important to you. What do you want to take with you should you leave your home and move to an assisted living community? Assisted living apartments typically range from 500 to 900 square feet, so if you come from a home that is 2,000 square feet, you will be losing a significant amount of square footage. What’s important to me may not be important to you; it differs for everyone. You’ll want to balance practical needs with personal comforts when thinking about what to bring. Here's a breakdown of what might be in your box and what to consider taking with you: When preparing to move into an assisted living community, the "box" is a metaphor for the essentials or comforts you’re packing to make the space your own. Here’s what could go in that box: Personal Essentials: Clothing: Comfortable, easy-to-wear clothes, including shoes that are safe for walking (like non-slip footwear). Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lotion, and other personal hygiene items. Medications: A well-organized container for daily meds (check with staff for any medication regulations). Comforting Personal Items: Photographs: Family pictures, old albums, or framed photos of pets can help create a homier feel. Favorite Books or Magazines: If you love to read, packing a few favorite books or magazines can be comforting. Blankets or Throw Pillows: Soft, cozy items that remind you of home. Technology: Cell phone or tablet: Stay in touch with family and friends. If needed, a simple phone with larger buttons might be helpful. Charger and headphones: Keep your devices powered up and ready for entertainment or communication. Entertainment & Hobbies: Crafts, puzzles, or knitting: Hobbies like knitting, crocheting, or painting can offer a good mental boost. Music: A playlist or a device with your favorite tunes. Maybe even a small portable speaker. Documents: Important papers: Health documents, insurance information, and personal identification should always be within easy reach. Safety Items: Walkers or canes: If you use mobility aids, don't forget these items. Glasses and Hearing Aids: Any vision or hearing accessories you rely on to help with daily life. What would you take with you? When moving into an assisted living community, you may not have the space for everything you own, so bringing only the most meaningful and necessary items is important. Here's a breakdown of what to take with you: Personal Care and Health Items: Your medications, medical devices (like CPAP machines), and other health-related essentials should come. Items like hearing aids, glasses, and dentures are crucial to have on hand. Don’t forget a first aid kit with basic items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and a thermometer. Bedding and Furniture: Sheets, blankets, and pillows that are soft and familiar. If allowed, take small, comfortable furniture like a favorite chair or nightstand. Decorative Touches: Personal touches such as a family photo frame, a small vase, or your favorite artwork can make a new space feel welcoming. Consider a small rug to help make the room feel warmer and more comfortable. Clothing: Comfortable clothing that suits the climate where you’ll be living. Slippers and non-slip shoes are very important for safety and comfort. Seasonal clothing: Depending on the time of year, pack sweaters, jackets, hats, or lighter clothes. Technology: Smartphone or tablet for keeping in touch with family and friends. A Kindle or e-reader could be a great option if you like to read but want to save space. Tangible Keepsakes: A small heirloom, a favorite book, or a memory box filled with meaningful trinkets can bring emotional comfort in a new place. Food & Kitchen Tools (if allowed): Some assisted living communities may allow you to have a few personal items for snacks, like a mini fridge or microwave in your room. Favorite snacks or special foods you enjoy might be comforting to have on hand. Considerations for Your New Space Each assisted living community has its own rules and space limitations, so it’s a good idea to ask what you can bring and what is already provided. Many communities offer furniture, housekeeping, and even activities, so your primary focus may be personalizing your space with items that truly bring you joy and comfort. Ultimately, the most important things to take will help you feel settled, safe, and supported in this new chapter of your life. What’s in your box for this kind of move? Are there any personal items you would want to make sure are packed?

Live in the Now

By Shar Barron • April 1, 2025
Why do we wait? Now is here. Buy the pretty flowers, eat the cake, call that old friend, and tell “your person” you love them. I see couples staring at their phones in restaurants instead of each other, and it saddens me. My husband is gone, and oh, how I’d love to sit and stare at him, talk to him over a meal. I used to go home and hear, “How was your day?” Now, I hear only silence. I didn’t miss his voice until it was no more. What I wouldn’t give to hear it again. Living in the now means you look forward to that greeting or sharing that meal. Who can I tell my secrets to? Who will never tell another soul? My guy was my confidant, and I miss that so much! I have no one to be silly with or cry with; all that is gone forever. You need to breathe. Sometimes, that little breath gives you time to remember the good things. Instead of rushing around and trying to do so much… Today is a gift. That gift is now, and if you take a breath… Sometimes, you realize how blessed you are. Look up at the sky, listen to the birds chirp, and watch the sun rise and set… Just take that moment, take that breath, and enjoy the now. If you think of someone, don’t hesitate to call them. If you want to go somewhere, don’t wait. The best advice that can be given is to simply breathe and recognize that this moment is the most important part of your day. The NOW matters. You realize it too late most of the time. Value the NOW. Make the NOW matter! Embrace the precious little moments. Savor the nonsensical words. The NOW is priceless; realize it before you don’t have someone to share it with. Live in the NOW before it’s gone.  God gave you the gift of NOW - what a priceless treasure. Grab it and enjoy those NOW moments. There are so many, and those memories are baked into your bones to treasure forever.
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