Spring is a time of renewal. A time to organize and make plans for the future. That’s why so many of us feel almost driven to do spring cleaning. While accumulating things is easy because we bring items in one at a time, when we decide to declutter, we have to go through it all at once.
Sometimes it just feels like it would simplify your retirement immensely by starting fresh. While getting rid of everything isn’t a practical option, making a senior living move makes a lot more sense.
Four Signs It’s Time to Downsize
- Increasing monthly housing expenses: Retirement typically means living on a fixed income. That’s why it’s important to calculate how much house you can afford in retirement. By downsizing five to 10 years before you retire, you can save thousands of dollars each year. Even if you don’t plan that far in advance, moving to a smaller space can reduce your mortgage payment, utilities, property taxes and maintenance. There are costs with moving that you should keep in mind including repairs to your current home before you sell it, moving expenses, closing costs and you may need to buy new furniture to fit your smaller space.
- Overwhelming home maintenance: One of the biggest reasons to downsize is to let go of the burden of maintenance like minor repairs, painting, cleaning gutters, washing windows, mowing and more. Plus, hiring someone to handle your chores for you can add up quickly. So, if you find you can’t care for your home as you once did, downsizing is a wise choice.
- Finding your home no longer fits your needs: Are you only using your living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom? Then your home may be bigger than you need. Especially if you’re tired of cleaning, heating, and cooling the rooms you don’t use. If you have a multi-story home that requires you to regularly go up and down stairs, it’s also a good idea to downsize to a residence that’s all on one level.
- Dreaming of something different: Whether you want to downsize your belongings to focus on what truly matters or are ready to travel and see new horizons, moving to a smaller place gives you the chance to find an option that better fits your goals.
Things to Remember When Downsizing
- Don’t feel like you have to keep something just because it was a gift. Especially if it’s something you won’t use.
- Don’t feel guilty. This is your home, and you should make room for what matters most to you.
- Donate things that are still in good condition. They can go to a new home where they’ll be used and appreciated.
At a Life Plan Community, like Santa Marta, you can continue to live life as you do now, but without the concerns of maintaining a home, plus you have the assurance of on-site care. Advantages include:
- Maintenance-free lifestyle: Independent living communities have a knowledgeable team to take care of all your home’s needs, inside and out.
- One and done: Your monthly fee covers a wide variety of services, amenities, wellness programs, indoor and outdoor maintenance, a calendar full of activities, and our dining program.
- Social opportunities: Scheduled parties, happy hours, special events, and outings with friends and neighbors who share your interests ensure you’re never at a loss for things to do.
- On-site senior care: If you or your spouse needs long-term health care, you won’t have to make another move, and you’ll be close to people you already know.
- Tax savings: A portion of your entrance and monthly fee could be tax-deductible. Consult your tax adviser to be sure.
Join our Big Hearted Community
Yes, decluttering can be a lot of work, but when done right it can also do a lot of good. If you’re ready to downsize and move to a retirement community in Kansas with friendly older adults who are active in the local community, consider Santa Marta. To learn more, use our Community Assistant chat feature or contact us here.
