Judie Docs, Executive Officer, North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA), CSP, MCSP, CGP, CMP, MIRM
Are you ready to downsize to a smaller home but don’t know where to start?
For many seniors, moving or downsizing to a smaller home can be emotionally challenging. After raising a family or spending a good portion of their adult lives in one home, it is often difficult to think about putting it on the market.
Yet, the process does not have to be as stressful as you might imagine. In fact, a new industry of “senior move managers” was created to help baby boomers transition to the next phase of their lives.
The National Association of Senior Move Managers, nasmm.org, provides senior move resources and a directory of senior move managers across the country.
Because of the memories associated with a home and its belongings collected over a lifetime, it can be difficult for seniors—and often their family members and loved ones—to make decisions about what to keep and what to give away.
Here are the three key things seniors should consider before they begin the downsizing process:
- It takes time. It is hard to imagine moving out of a home you have lived in for so long. Likewise, organizing all of the steps involved in a move can be overwhelming. Be sure to give yourself enough time to process the changes that will be taking place.
- It is important to have support. Downsizing can be physically and emotionally draining for both you and your family. Make sure you have a support system in place before you begin the process. This task is too arduous to take on alone. If family or friends are not available, senior move managers can be a great option to consider.
- Don’t let your belongings hold you back. It can be challenging to decide what to keep and what to part with, but you should not let that process be a burden. You can take the most important items with you, and your support system can help you decide what should be sold, donated or given to another family member. And remember, it is very possible to recreate your favorite living space in your new home.
Plus, many new senior communities offer amenities that will make moving a little more enticing.These communities often feature swimming pools, fitness centers, movie theaters and social events. And, the floor plans are designed to accommodate seniors’ changing needs. Check out award-winning senior communities at nahb.org/55PlusAwards.
To learn more about senior living options in this area contact the NCBIA, or visit nahb.org.
The North Coast Building Industry Association is your local not-for-profit trade association representing member companies involved in all aspects of home building, remodeling, and other aspects of services available to help you in the future. So, you can see it is for your protection that you use a NCBIA member. If you are unsure that your contractor is a member of the NCBIA or you are looking for a list of NCBIA members, you can visit our NEWLY REMODELED website at www.ncbia.com or call 440-934-1090. We also have a job posting board (under the About Us tab). Like us or better yet share us on Facebook!
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