Downsizing Made Easy If your lifestyle has changed with time and you’re ready to ditch the big house for a smaller, more manageable home, it might be time to downsize. Deciding to shift to a more care-free dwelling is easy – determining where to begin is much harder. The accumulation of decades of living can feel overwhelming; taking the move step by step will help you break it down into manageable stages. Before you do anything else, do your research and find the right location for your new home. Explore different communities and learn the pros and cons of each. While seniors often move to 55+ developments, there are also many other choices for low/no-maintenance properties. Consider condominiums, townhouses, and patio homes as part of your research; many of these home styles can be found in areas that are not part of a 55+ community and often offer walking trails, fitness and aquatic facilities, and other active lifestyle amenities. In many areas, luxury high-rise buildings have become popular; many seniors enjoy living close to the amenities of a city, in a secure environment with a doorman. Once you determine the new location, it’s time to sell your current home. Don’t let your accumulated “stuff” deter you. Clean out and utilize storage facilities for precious items you need to keep. Hire a professional moving company to pack up and move you to the new home (or ask your younger family members to help…make it payback for the times you helped your children move in and out of college dorms or apartments!). Make it easy on yourself! Moving out of a cherished family home can be an emotional decision, but the benefits of a low- or no-maintenance lifestyle can free up your time and energy so you have time to travel or just enjoy each day without the stress of managing a big home and yard. Make it easier by just taking it one step at a time.