Downsizing Tips for Seniors: Rightsizing in Retirement

You’ve been trained your entire life that bigger is better. But now that you’re entering into your retirement years, you may be realizing that isn’t always true. When it comes to planning for the next chapter of your life you might realize “rightsizing” is the path to a happy retirement.

What is rightsizing? It’s a process that many seniors do in their retirement years to help them align their living situation with their goals and values. It’s about assessing their current financial situation, their future retirement goals, and the changes they can make to continue getting what they want out of life.

Rightsizing Your Expectations

When assessing your current living situation, there are certain things you need to consider and come to terms with, so you can work towards your goals.

1. Always live below your means – In retirement, your financial strategy has to change. Spending money on maintaining a home can become too expensive. Knowing where you can cut costs and save money is essential to finding happiness in retirement.
2. Don’t be afraid to let go – One of the major fears seniors have when it comes to downsizing, especially to a senior living community, is parting ways with their home and their belongings. It’s important to remember that your memories aren’t tied to objects. You can take all the memories with you, while abandoning the stress and burden of owning a home.
3. Make the best decisions for you – Oftentimes, there is a challenge seniors face with disappointing loved ones. Your children and grandchildren will support you pursuing what makes you happy, especially if it means you get to spend more time together. When you aren’t burdened by home maintenance and other responsibilities of home ownership, you have more time to spend enjoying your retirement years.

Rightsizing for Seniors: Quick Tips

If you’re ready to commit to downsizing to an independent living community, it’s time to focus on decluttering. Downsizing can be a fun and scary experience, so it’s important you go into it with a plan for success. If moving day is in sight, start by making a solid plan of how to tackle your belongings and when to do it. Be sure to ask for help and space things out so you don’t get overwhelmed.

When you’re ready to start downsizing, consider the following tips:

• Make a list of what you will need to keep in the new space
• Start with things that don’t have a sentimental attachment
• Visit your new space often before move-in day to visualize where things will go
• Try to donate or pass things down instead of simply throwing away still-useable items
•  Consider self storage for items you may need again in the future
• Ask for help if you need it

Downsizing can seem like a stressful undertaking, but planning will help things go smoothly. And keep in mind your goals, once the hard part is over you’ll be one step closer to living the retirement life you’ve always dreamed of living.

The Life Plan Community at St. Joseph of the Pines

When you’re ready to downsize to an independent living community, consider the beautiful North Carolina campuses of St. Joseph of the Pines. With a variety of living options and floor plans, you can find something that perfectly fits your retirement goals. Schedule a tour of Belle Meade and Pine Knoll to see if we are a right fit for you. Contact us today.