As an empty nester, it’s natural to start thinking about downsizing and moving closer to your adult children. However, this move is much more than finding a new home. There are several steps that you will need to take to ensure that your move is successful and that you’re happy in your new home. This article will provide you with five key tips to help you make the move to be closer to your adult children as smoothly and stress-free as possible.
Make Sure You Have a Good Budget
Relocating to a new area can be expensive, so it’s crucial to create a comprehensive budget that accounts for all the associated costs. Consider expenses such as hiring a moving company, packing materials, transportation, temporary housing, and any necessary home repairs or renovations. Additionally, factor in the cost of living in the new area, including housing, utilities, taxes, and other day-to-day expenses. Having a clear understanding of your financial situation will help ensure a smooth transition.
Find a Home That’s Senior-Friendly
When looking for a new home, the first thing you need to do is choose a location that is both senior-friendly and affordable. Consider looking for a single-story home or one with a master suite on the main floor. These features can help you avoid mobility problems and reduce your risk of falls. Also, think about accessibility features, like ramps or stairlifts, which can make your home safer and more comfortable.
Find a Neighborhood That Fits Your Lifestyle
If you’re moving to a new area, you’ll need to research services like housekeeping, personal care aides, and meal delivery, among others. Living closer to your adult children doesn’t always guarantee that they will be able to help you with these tasks. Therefore, you need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario and make sure that you have all the necessary services at hand to meet your needs.
Digitize Paperwork Before Moving
Older adults often have a lot of paper records, documents, and photos. It’s essential to digitize these records and save them as PDFs so they are easily accessible and shareable. Also, remember to keep the original documents in a safe place and distribute copies to your adult children. This way, you can ensure that important information is readily available and that your adult children can help you should the need arise. If you’re looking to start digitizing your paperwork, or you need to split up a PDF for any reason, you can give this a view for free.
Get a Home Warranty
A home warranty offers peace of mind to homeowners by providing financial protection against unexpected and costly repairs or replacements of major home systems like your HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and appliances. It can help mitigate the financial burden of maintenance and repair expenses, making homeownership more affordable in the long run. Home warranties often include access to a network of qualified service professionals, simplifying the process of getting necessary repairs done quickly and efficiently.
Make Sure You Have a Good Budget
Relocating to a new area can be expensive, so it’s crucial to create a comprehensive budget that accounts for all the associated costs. Consider expenses such as hiring a moving company, packing materials, transportation, temporary housing, and any necessary home repairs or renovations. Additionally, factor in the cost of living in the new area, including housing, utilities, taxes, and other day-to-day expenses. Having a clear understanding of your financial situation will help ensure a smooth transition.
Talk to Your Adult Children About the Move
Before making any decisions, it will be essential to have an open and honest conversation with your adult children about your desire to move closer to them. Discuss their feelings on the matter and ensure that they are comfortable with the idea. This conversation will help set expectations and boundaries for both parties, fostering a healthy relationship.
Pursue a Passion by Starting a Business
Retiring does not necessarily mean that you have to stop working or give up your passions. Once you’ve settled into your new home, starting your own business after retirement can be a great way to enjoy a sense of purpose while earning additional income. You can form an LLC to carry out your business and enjoy the added benefit of being protected by limited liability – just familiarize yourself with the regulations first. It’s never too late to start, so take advantage of the many resources available to retirees.
Moving closer to your adult children can be an exciting and life-changing experience. Following these five steps, you can make your relocation process smooth and ensure you are comfortable in your new home. Consider all the logistics and finances associated with moving, and consult your adult children to help you make an informed decision. Happy moving!