Millions of older Americans are choosing to go small in retirement.According to a Zillow report, 46 percent of baby boomers who sold homes in 2017 were in the process of downsizing.Downsizing is a major decision, influenced by unique financial and emotional factors.Decluttering a large home is no easy feat. Selling your house, finding a new one and moving your belongings adds further complexity.In this guide, we explore the reasons people downsize for retirement and share advice from experts on how to navigate the transition.We also look at other aspects of the process, such as getting your home market-ready and estimating moving costs.Determine Your Reasons for MovingMoving is a stressful experience at any age. Downsizing for retirement carries unique challenges.DID YOU KNOW?In 2017, nearly two-thirds of older Americans had moved or anticipated moving in retirement.Source: Merrill LynchBefore you get started, determine why youre moving.In a 2018 study by Merrill Lynch, the number one reason given by respondents for moving in retirement was to be closer to family. The desire to reduce expenses came in a close second.Not everyone makes the conscious decision to downsize. Sometimes a move is immediate and necessary because of rapidly declining health, the loss of a spouse or an unexpected financial crisis.Understand your own motivation for moving. Weigh the pros and cons so that you feel comfortable with the decision.It can be helpful to consider the following questions:Where do you want to live?Do you want to live in the same area or a different state?What style home will be practical to navigate?How much space do you need to be comfortable?What sacrifices are you willing to make?How much time and money can you commit to the moving process?Its also important to communicate early and often with your family.If youre married, discuss any concerns your spouse may have about the process.Among retired Americans who have already moved, over half downsized to reduce the cost and effort of home ownership, according to a 2017 Merrill Lynch survey. Meanwhile, 30 percent chose to upsize into a larger home, often to accommodate family members.Make sure your kids know whats going on, too. Let them come over and help you sort through items, especially if they grew up in the house. This can prevent conflict and resentment down the road.Financial Aspects of DownsizingSaving money is one of the primary reasons people downsize in retirement. Cheaper housing is an easy way to boost your budget and increase your retirement savings.Financial Advantages of Downsizing in RetirementIncreased Cash FlowSelling your home will likely result in a windfall of cash. This can boost your savings and grow your retirement nest egg.Cheaper MortgageIf your current home isnt paid off, a new home with a lower monthly mortgage payment can give your budget room to breathe. The money you save each month can pay for a yearly vacation or finance a grandchilds future education.Less Cleaning and MaintenanceAmericans aged 55 and older spend roughly $90 billion on home renovations each year 47 percent of the national total. A newer home will likely need fewer repairs and have lower upkeep costs than an older home. And you probably wont spend as much money hiring help to take care of the property.Lower Utility BillsSmaller spaces and fewer rooms mean lower utility costs. If youre moving to a home with new windows or energy efficient appliances, you may save even more.But before you make a move, get a handle on your finances. Hidden costs and poor planning can eat up potential savings if youre not careful.Selling a home isnt cheap, Alan Caldwell, a financial advisor based in Nashville, told RetireGuide. And you almost always spend more money when you move than you planned to.Thats why Caldwell, founder of On Track to Retire LLC, says its critical to get estimates from moving companies and set a budget in advance.During major life events like a move, we tend to think, Well, Im in a special time right now. Its OK to spend money because I can control it later, Caldwell said. But you need to be careful and track your spending as you go.Expenses to Consider Before You MoveHomeowners Association FeesYoull owe monthly fees if you move to a neighborhood, townhome or community with a homeowners association, or HOA. HOA fees vary widely, but some sources estimate costs between $100 and $700 per month. Fees are based on the services the HOA provides, such as lawn care. The more services and amenities, the higher the HOA fees.Getting Your House Market-ReadyStaging is the process of preparing your home for sale in the real estate market. It can mean many things, from painting the walls and installing new flooring to landscaping improvements and replacing bathroom faucets. Its not cheap, but it may be necessary if you dont want your home to sit on the market forever. Add critical home repairs to your to-do list, too.Homeowners Insurance and Property TaxJust because you move to a smaller home doesnt mean youll save money on homeowners insurance. Location also matters. External factors, including crime rates and proximity to natural hazards, can increase insurance premiums. Compare rates on the same coverage with different insurance companies to get the best deal. Be aware of changes to your property tax bill, too.Real Estate Agent FeesThe standard commission for a real estate agent is about 6 percent of the home sale price. If youre selling a $250,000 home, the buying and selling agents could take a total of $15,000. Thats a ton of money, Caldwell said. His advice? Be aware that closing costs and agent commissions will decrease your final payout.Purchasing Items for Your New HomeAfter you downsize, you may still need to buy things for your new home. We tend to spend a lot of time at Home Depot and Target when we first move, Caldwell points out. Budget for these expenses before you move and only buy what you absolutely need.Start DownsizingYouve decided to move. Now its time to start downsizing your current possessions.But where do you start?It isnt a simple process. People have created entire careers out of helping others downsize for retirement.It may seem daunting, but dont let the task ahead overwhelm you.Decisions about what to keep and what to do with the rest can create decision paralysis, Anna Novak, downsizing expert and owner of Simply Downsized LLC, told RetireGuide. Its a huge reason people have a hard time getting started.Novak and other experts recommend setting goals and timelines. Hold yourself accountable.Generally, once people know where they are going and can envision themselves there, they can start the process of letting go and get excited about a positive change, Novak said.Start Small, Give Yourself Time and Make a PlanRushing a move can amplify an already stressful experience.Experts, like Novak, suggest starting small. Tackle one room before starting on another. Give yourself enough time to do the job right.You wont finish everything in one weekend. Most experts say the downsizing process takes at least six months to a year to complete.So its helpful to put a plan in place.You can find free detailed plans for two-year, one-year and six-month timelines on HomeTransitionPros.com.The website also offers a 15-minutes-per-day plan along with a Planning for Downsizing workbook with checklists and activities to help you prepare.Be Ruthless and RealisticIts easy to fall in love with objects and often very difficult to let them go.Downsizing involves letting go of 70 to 80 percent of the belongings it took you 20 to 30 years to accumulate, Novak said.Be realistic. Take a hard look at each item in your home. Identify the things that are most useful or loved. If you havent used something in more than a year, donate it or throw it away.Downsizing involves letting go of 70 to 80 percent of the belongings it took you 20 to 30 years to accumulate.ANNA NOVAKDOWNSIZING EXPERT AND OWNER OF SIMPLY DOWNSIZED LLCGet in a habit of finding obvious things you can get rid of, such as duplicate household items, outdated paperwork, clothing that no longer fits and old magazines.Document Your Current SpaceIt may be easier to let go of your home if you can remember how it once looked.Take pictures of rooms in your house before you start downsizing. It can be comforting to look back at your old place or see the progress youve made getting it organized.Measure the furniture you want to bring and write down the dimensions to ensure it will fit in your next place.Document furniture arrangements and the placement of family photos on the walls. You can reference these later when you unpack in your new home.Donate and Sell Items You Dont NeedSelling unwanted items is a good way to raise extra money for your move.It also helps to clear space, and theres satisfaction in knowing that your old items will benefit others.You can use websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to list belongings. You can also try apps like LetGo, OfferUp and NextDoor.com.Make sure to accept only cash offers to avoid scams. You may also want to meet people at a public place for these transactions.For smaller items, or those with lesser value, consider holding a yard sale. Other options include selling to collectors, used bookstores, online auction sites or music stores.Return items to the people they belong to. Is your 40-year-old daughters prom dress still hanging in the closet? Ask her if she wants it. If she doesnt, get rid of it.Some charities, such as the Salvation Army, can pick up items from your doorstep free of charge.Another option is a website called Give Back Box. Just pack your unwanted items in a box, go to the website and print out a free shipping label.The box will then be mailed to a local charity. Give Back Box will even email you a receipt for a tax deduction.Consider Hiring an ExpertA growing industry of professionals offers services to help retirees downsize.Senior move managers specialize in helping older adults and their families with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation or aging in place.They even have their own trade organization the National Association of Senior Move Managers, or NASMM. Its membership has grown from 650 in 2012 to roughly 1,100 in 2020.Similarly, professional organizers can help you declutter your home, offer emotional support, facilitate the disposal, donation or sale of unwanted belongings and set up systems that help you stay organized.These professionals work alongside you. They do not provide cleaning services.Costs can vary by state and job, but rates usually range between $75 and $150 an hour.That may seem pricey, but the time and effort you save might be worth it.Its like hiring a wedding planner for a wedding, Mary Kay Buysse, executive director of NASMM, told RetireGuide. Yes, you can probably do the job yourself. But if you want it done seamlessly and want less stress in your life, then hiring a professional is a smart move.Buysse said these professionals often offer a menu of services that can be tailored to fit your budget.It isnt an elitist thing or something that only people with lots of money can afford, Buysse said. Sometimes families will only hire someone for part of the process.Home-service provider directories like TaskRabbit and Angies List are good places to find local help.You can also use the NASMMs online directory to find a senior move manager near you.How To Invest Your Home Sale ProceedsCope with Your EmotionsWading through a lifetime of memories is daunting and draining.Downsizing can uncover a well of emotions, including sadness, anxiety, stress and grief.If somethings been a part of your home life for 40 years, its not easy to say goodbye.MARY KAY BUYSSEEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SENIOR MOVE MANAGERSAccording to a 2018 letter from the Harvard Medical School: Understanding the triggers for these feelings and using strategies to navigate them may not change how you feel, but it may help the downsizing process go more smoothly so you can focus on your next chapter.If you find yourself in emotional turmoil, talk to someone. Invite a friend or family member over to help you sort through rooms.Loved ones can listen to you reminisce about sentimental objects while providing you with a gentle push to let go of things you no longer need.If somethings been a part of your home life for 40 years, its not easy to say goodbye, Buysse said. Our items tend to become like members of the family.Even venting to an old friend over the phone after a stressful day of decluttering can calm your nerves and keep you focused.If you dont have someone to lean on, consider professional help. You may want to visit your primary care doctor or speak with a therapist.Selling Your Current HomeSelling a home can be a time consuming, complex process.But if youre downsizing in retirement, its also important to understand taxes and how profits from your home sale can affect government benefits.Beware of Capital Gains TaxThe Internal Revenue Service and several states levy capital gains tax on the difference between what you paid for your home known as your cost basis and what you sell it for.The good news is that this probably wont affect you. You can usually exclude up to $250,000 of capital gains on real estate if youre single and $500,000 if youre married and filing jointly.So, if you first bought your house in the 1980s for $200,000 and you sell it today for $400,000, you wont owe capital gains tax.A few things may disqualify you from claiming that $250,000 or $500,000 exclusion. For example, the house must be your primary residence and you must have lived in it for at least two out of the last five years.If capital gains tax is unavoidable, you may still qualify for a zero percent tax rate in 2021 if your income is less than $40,400 for a single person or $80,800 for a married couple filing jointly.Otherwise, you may pay either a 15 percent or 20 percent tax rate. It depends on your filing status and income.The Impact of Selling Your Home on Government BenefitsOwning a home wont prevent you from collecting certain government assistance benefits, such as Medicaid or Social Security Income (SSI) disability.But selling your home is a different story. This boosts your income, and the sudden cash may disqualify you from Medicaid and disability benefits.For example, you must have less than $2,000 in countable assets to keep your Medicaid or disability coverage. Selling your home will net you more than $2,000.To keep Medicaid, sale proceeds must be legally spent down or protected by the end of the following month.With SSI, you have three months to buy a new home after selling your old one. If you do so and have less than $2,000 in your bank account, you will keep your SSI benefits.If you dont, you will lose your benefits for each month your assets exceed the permitted limit.If it takes you more than 12 months to spend down money from your home sale, you may have to start the entire disability application process from the beginning.And keep in mind that youre not allowed to transfer money to a family member.There are several legal ways to work around government benefit asset limits after selling a home. Consult a trusted legal professional for more information.Moving Costs and Other ExpensesAccording to an October 2020 poll conducted for North American Van Lines, 45 percent of people who recently moved said the experience was the most stressful event in their lives.One way to cut down on stress is by developing a solid moving plan that fits your budget.Average Moving CostsCost to Rent a Moving TruckRenting a moving truck, such as a U-Haul, can cost between $90 for a small truck and a local move to $2,000 for a large truck and a long-distance move. The cost depends on how far youre traveling, how much truck space you need, how long you keep the truck and gas.Cost to Hire a Moving CompanyHiring a moving company to transport your belongings can cost between $80 to $100 per hour for short distances and $2,000 to $5,000 per load for long distances. Hiring a mover typically costs $25 to $50 per hour for each worker. The overall cost depends on the size of your home and the distance youre traveling. Moving heavy objects or navigating staircases can cost extra.Full-Service Movers CostAccording to HomeAdvisor.com, hiring a full-service moving company usually costs at least $2,300, but it depends on distance and the square footage of your current home. You may be able to spend as little as $900 for a local move, or as much as $10,000 for a cross-country move. Make sure to get visual estimates and total cost estimates. Understand the difference between binding and nonbinding estimates to avoid expensive surprises.Cost to Rent a Moving ContainerRenting a moving container can cost an average of $3,000 a month, according to Move.org. Moving containers cost an average of $2.50 per mile to transport. But the total price may be as low as $250 for a small container and a local move to $4,000 for a large container and a cross-country move. You can request a moving container from companies such as PODS and U-Pack. They drop off the container, and you load your belongings into it on your own time. The container company will then pick it up and drop it off at your new location. If youre downsizing, you may also consider renting a storage unit.This can allow you to keep items that are too difficult to part with.Things You May Want to Place in a Storage UnitMemorabiliaBoxes of old family photos and lettersOversized itemsAntique furniture or family heirloomsAccording to Zillow, the average national cost of a storage unit ranges from about $50 per month for a small unit to $300 or $400 for larger units.If your main reason for downsizing is to cut costs, you need to be mindful of this added reoccurring expense.Expert Tips on Downsizing for RetirementVickie DellaquilaCERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZERVickie Dellaquila is a Pittsburg-based professional organizer with nearly two decades of experience. She is the owner and founder of Organization Rules, Inc. and has given presentations at several national conferences and conventions. She is also the author of the book, Don't Toss My Memories in the Trash: A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Seniors Downsize, Organize, and Move."Be prepared for an emotional journey.Downsizing is extremely emotional and physical work. Youre going through a lifetime of memories. Its exhausting. Let yourself experience those emotions, whether you want to cry, laugh or be angry. Giving yourself enough time will also help you process those feelings.Downsizing takes time so start now.Youve spent a lifetime accumulating stuff. Its going to take time to go through it all. I always tell people to start now. You may be able to do it in a month, but I tell people to give themselves at least six months. A year or two years is even better.Put downsizing on your calendar literally.When you start the process, put a downsizing session on your calendar, the way you would a doctors appointment. So, from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Im going to work on the kitchen. Stick to it. Try to avoid procrastination.Start downsizing the unused areas of your home first.Start with areas you dont really live in, like spare bedrooms, the basement or the attic. Many times, these spaces have lots of things you arent using, or that you forgot you had. The garage is another good place to start because this is usually an exit route. It can be physically easier to move things out of this space.Get a floor plan if you can.If you know where youre moving, getting a floor plan will certainly help you make decisions. It can also help you figure out where everything will go and how much space you really have.Finding a New HomeWhen youre looking for a new residence, take time to consider your needs. Make sure the space fits your lifestyle, budget and level of independence.You may decide to purchase a new home, move in with family, transition to an assisted living facility or rent a townhouse or condo.A great freedom in retirement is the chance to live where you choose. You may have bought your former home because it was in a good school district or close to work. Your life is different now, so explore your options.Look for housing that puts you closer to things you care about, like your family, an airport, public transportation, a grocery store or your favorite nature preserve.Its also critical to be realistic about what your physical limitations will be in the future. For example, a one-floor house will be easier to navigate than a two-story house.Downsizing Without MovingMoving to a new location isnt right for everyone. Some people want to stay in their home but still want greater financial independence.There are a few options if youre interested in downsizing without moving.Ways to Downsize in Retirement Without MovingRent Out a RoomRenting a room in your home, or even converting the property to dual occupancy can increase your monthly income. But be careful and selective with potential renters. Speak with a legal advisor who can help you draft a simple lease agreement for your new tenant. Research your rights as a landlord. Lay out clear ground rules and restrictions before you let someone move in.Consider a Reverse MortgageSome seniors opt for a reverse mortgage to boost income and age in place. A reverse mortgage allows people aged 62 or older to stay in their homes while drawing on the equity they've already built. But theres risk involved and a long-term financial impact, so make sure to get independent financial advice first.Pretend Youre Moving and Declutter AccordinglyIts always a good idea to declutter and organize your space even if youre not going anywhere. Selling unwanted or unused items can also raise money you can reinvest in home repairs or save for the future.Downsizing for retirement means something different to everyone. Its often stressful and requires careful planning and financial considerations.But it can also be a rejuvenating experience. Focus on the positive aspects of the transition, and work toward making your new space feel like home.Additional ResourcesDonation TownDont want the hassle of transporting big objects to your local thrift store? There are dozens of charities that can send a truck to your home and pick up your belongings for free. Enter your zip code into the Donation Town pickup service directory to find nonprofit organizations that offer this service.National Association of Productivity & Organizing ProfessionalsIf you want to hire a professional organizer to help you declutter your home, the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals can help. Enter your zip code into the organizations directory, and youll find numerous professional organizers and productivity consultants near you.National Estate Sales AssociationThis website offers multiple guides about estate sales and how to sell personal property.

Adults experience a decline in physical strength, mobility, and many other changes as they grow older. As a result, many lose the independence they enjoyed in their younger years. While this can be frustrating enough for seniors with relatives and friends nearby, it can be downright overwhelming for those who dont have anyone to help them navigate daily challenges.If you would like to help seniors in your community maintain their quality of life, there are plenty of practical ways to do so. Get started with this brief guide.Lifestyle ChoicesFrom the foods they eat to the activities they engage in, you can help an older adult build a healthy daily routine (while spending quality time together).Look for nutritious diets, meals, and snacks specifically beneficial to seniors.Go cycling, walking, or swimming for low-impact exercise.Help them get into a healthy sleep rhythm by redecorating their bedroom to be more restful.Introduce them to breathing exercises to reduce their stress.Financial DecisionsMoney can be a major stress point for anyone, including seniors. Here are a few ways to help older adults make sound financial decisions. Help seniors find a trustworthy financial advisor to walk then through financial challenges.Teach them how to create a monthly budget and make practical spending changes to improve their standing.Daily TasksWithout friends or family around, many seniors struggle to manage everyday tasks and errands. Heres you can help:Offer to take care of a seniors lawn mowing, flower planting, shrub trimming, and other yard work.Drive them to their doctors appointments, hair appointments, and other errands.Establish a weekly house cleaning schedule, and help older adults keep their homes free of clutter.Regularly visit a seniors home to provide them with companionship.Present the option of moving to assisted living if they can no longer handle daily tasks but still want to enjoy some independence.Alder Terrace Adult Care Center provides supportive care, home-cooked meals, socialization opportunities, and superior service!No matter where you live, older adults are struggling to maintain their quality of life with no one around to help them. You can be someone who makes a significant impact in their lives. Keep the tips and resources here in mind as you step into your new role, and expect to recognize more purpose and fulfillment in your own life!

If youre a senior considering moving in your later years, you arent alone. Many older people decide to transition, either to a smaller house or an assisted living community. If the thought of sifting through your belongings and packing them all up stresses you out, a senior moving specialist may be helpful. Daily Caring explains that a professional moving manager can assist with everything from planning the move to arranging shipping and storage of boxes.Read on for tips for a seamless move, courtesy of Alder Terrace.Figure Out What to do with Your HouseBefore scheduling a mover, you need to figure out what to do with your old home. If you are planning to leave it to children as an inheritance, you can make the transfer now. Alternatively, you can sell your property and use the money to fund your move. It continues to be a sellers market, which can be advantageous to you especially if you would like to tuck it away for future senior care.If you choose to sell, youll want to give your property a little TLC. Look at what is currently selling in your area, and make a few changes accordingly. It may be as simple as swapping out some old fixtures for newer ones, or adding a fresh coat of paint to the inside. Curb appeal is also a major factor in a homes selling potential. If your lawn has seen greener days, work with a local landscaping company to get it healthy again. Likewise, if your trees havent been trimmed in years, now is the time. Look online for a local company providing tree trimming services and read through their reviews. Good tree trimmers are a little more expensive, but it is worth the upgrade. Fallen branches or trees that fall the wrong way can do substantial damage to your property. Thats not a risk you should be willing to take.Plan Your Move in AdvanceOnce you know what to do with your old home, you can start looking towards the future and planning your move. Note that some senior moving services can help you with these logistics. In case youre going it on your own, The Spruce offers a comprehensive guide to organizing and preparing a household move. They note that you also need to consider your budget when moving, accounting for the costs of everything from movers to packing supplies. Advanced planning can help minimize expenses.Get Help with DeclutteringCleaning and decluttering is one of the major steps of preparing for a home sale. Theres no point in packing boxes full of things you no longer want or need. Its logical to declutter your home and pare down your belongings before moving. Identify what you no longer need and then either throw out, sell, or give away these items.Senior moving services can help on this point as well. Decluttering on your own can be tough. Senior Safety Advice points out that it can be emotionally difficult to detach from items with sentimental value, for example. Its helpful to have a professional assist you in the process and take care of the tedious tasks, like getting unwanted items donated or putting little-used goods into storage.Leave the Packing to Someone ElseThe actual act of packing boxes can also be challenging, especially for seniors who are experiencing mobility issues. Again, senior moving professionals can take this job off your hands. Real Simple provides a moving checklist that can help you streamline the process as you collaborate with your moving support professional. For example, they note the importance of carefully labeling boxes to avoid mixups. Its best to label them according to which room they go to, since the movers can then simply put them in that room upon arrival.Alleviate Moving-Related Stress with Help from Compassionate ProfessionalsGetting support from a professional simply makes moving less stressful. Senior movers are driven by compassion and a desire to help, which can make the moving process much easier for elderly individuals. Knowing you have someone you can count on is invaluable in this transition period. Life Storage Blog provides tips for identifying early signs of stress, like irritability or insomnia. If youre experiencing such symptoms, alleviate the burden by hiring a senior mover.Moving as you get older poses unique challenges. However, you dont have to go it alone. Start by deciding how to manage your current home, and what services youll need if you choose to sell. Then find the right helpers to prevent you from getting overwhelmed by the process. Moving can be an exciting opportunity, so dont let the stresses overwhelm you in the process.If you or your senior loved one is looking to move into a community that offers care while allowing residents to maintain their independence, consider Alder Terrace. Our experienced staff and customizable options will give your senior loved one the support and care they need.

As children grow up and move out of their parents homes, many parents find themselves wondering what to do next. For some empty nesters, the answer is to move closer to their adult children. This decision can provide parents with the opportunity to be more involved in their childrens lives while also providing them with the chance to explore new neighborhoods and communities. However, moving as an empty nester comes with its own unique set of challenges. Here are some important steps to take when youre looking to move closer to your adult children, courtesy of Alder Terrace Gardens.Consult Your Adult ChildrenBefore you start packing up your belongings, its important to have a conversation with your adult children about your plans to move closer to them. Make sure they are on board with your decision and discuss their availability to help with the move, such as by assisting with house hunting or helping with packing and unpacking. Its important to make sure that everyone is on the same page before making any big decisions.Visit Neighborhoods That Interest YouOnce you have the support of your adult children, its time to start exploring potential neighborhoods and areas near them that youre interested in living in. Take the time to visit these neighborhoods and see what they have to offer in terms of amenities, community events, and facilities for seniors. Consider the proximity to medical facilities and other essential services that you may need access to as a senior, such as grocery stores and pharmacies.Make Digital Copies of Your Paper RecordsMoving as an empty nester often means downsizing your living space, which means youll need to get rid of some of your belongings. However, there are likely some important documents and records that youll want to keep with you. To save space, its a good idea to digitize these records. Save them as PDFs to ensure accessibility and easy sharing with your adult children and other family members.Budget for RelocationMoving can be expensive, so its important to create a budget for all the relocation expenses youll incur. This includes the cost of hiring movers, any upgrades or repairs you need to make to your new home, and any fees associated with selling your current home. Make sure to factor in any unexpected expenses that may arise as well.Research Nearby Services and AmenitiesAs you get older, you may find that you need some extra help with tasks such as housekeeping, personal care aides, and meal delivery. Research nearby services that offer these types of assistance so that youre prepared if you need them later on.Look for a Senior-Friendly HomeWhen looking for a new home, make sure to consider senior-friendly features such as single-level living, wider hallways and doorways, and easy-to-use fixtures such as lever-style door handles and faucets. These features will make your home more comfortable and accessible as you age. Take a look at Alder Terrace Gardens available accommodations.Use a Home Maintenance and Repair AppIf you need to upgrade your new home to make it more senior-friendly, consider using a home maintenance and repair app to make the process easier. For example, with the Frontdoor app, you can connect with local service providers and receive estimates for the cost of repairs or upgrades. You can also talk to contractors and experts face-to-face to ask questions about any potential repairs that you can handle by yourself.Take a Look at Assisted Living FacilitiesFinally, its important to plan for the future by exploring assisted living facilities in the area. While you may not need these facilities now, its important to have a plan in place for when you do. Research the options and consider visiting a few facilities to get a sense of what they offer.Making the decision to move closer to your adult children as an empty nester can be a life-changing experience. Follow these crucial steps to ensure that your relocation is a seamless and prosperous one. Enjoy the opportunity to explore new neighborhoods, create new memories with your loved ones, and plan for a happy and healthy future in your home.

As children grow up and move out of their parents homes, many parents find themselves wondering what to do next. For some empty nesters, the answer is to move closer to their adult children. This decision can provide parents with the opportunity to be more involved in their childrens lives while also providing them with the chance to explore new neighborhoods and communities. However, moving as an empty nester comes with its own unique set of challenges. Here are some important steps to take when youre looking to move closer to your adult children, courtesy of Alder Terrace Gardens.Consult Your Adult ChildrenBefore you start packing up your belongings, its important to have a conversation with your adult children about your plans to move closer to them. Make sure they are on board with your decision and discuss their availability to help with the move, such as by assisting with house hunting or helping with packing and unpacking. Its important to make sure that everyone is on the same page before making any big decisions.Visit Neighborhoods That Interest YouOnce you have the support of your adult children, its time to start exploring potential neighborhoods and areas near them that youre interested in living in. Take the time to visit these neighborhoods and see what they have to offer in terms of amenities, community events, and facilities for seniors. Consider the proximity to medical facilities and other essential services that you may need access to as a senior, such as grocery stores and pharmacies.Make Digital Copies of Your Paper RecordsMoving as an empty nester often means downsizing your living space, which means youll need to get rid of some of your belongings. However, there are likely some important documents and records that youll want to keep with you. To save space, its a good idea to digitize these records. Save them as PDFs to ensure accessibility and easy sharing with your adult children and other family members.Budget for Relocation Moving can be expensive, so its important to create a budget for all the relocation expenses youll incur. This includes the cost of hiring movers, any upgrades or repairs you need to make to your new home, and any fees associated with selling your current home. Make sure to factor in any unexpected expenses that may arise as well.Research Nearby Services and AmenitiesAs you get older, you may find that you need some extra help with tasks such as housekeeping, personal care aides, and meal delivery. Research nearby services that offer these types of assistance so that youre prepared if you need them later on.Look for a Senior-Friendly HomeWhen looking for a new home, make sure to consider senior-friendly features such as single-level living, wider hallways and doorways, and easy-to-use fixtures such as lever-style door handles and faucets. These features will make your home more comfortable and accessible as you age. Take a look at Alder Terrace Gardens available accommodations.Use a Home Maintenance and Repair AppIf you need to upgrade your new home to make it more senior-friendly, consider using a home maintenance and repair app to make the process easier. For example, with the Frontdoor app, you can connect with local service providers and receive estimates for the cost of repairs or upgrades. You can also talk to contractors and experts face-to-face to ask questions about any potential repairs that you can handle by yourself.Take a Look at Assisted Living FacilitiesFinally, its important to plan for the future by exploring assisted living facilities in the area. While you may not need these facilities now, its important to have a plan in place for when you do. Research the options and consider visiting a few facilities to get a sense of what they offer.Making the decision to move closer to your adult children as an empty nester can be a life-changing experience. Follow these crucial steps to ensure that your relocation is a seamless and prosperous one. Enjoy the opportunity to explore new neighborhoods, create new memories with your loved ones, and plan for a happy and healthy future in your home.

Finding love in your golden years is a precious gift, but navigating a late-in-life marriage can come with unique challenges. Use this list to help guide you through the process of settling into your new life together so you can make the most of every moment.Update Insurance and MedicareBeing able to pay for healthcare becomes more important than ever for seniors. Medicare coverage doesnt change just because you got married. If one or both of you is already receiving Medicare, you can continue to get the same care you have received without interruption. You may be eligible for Medicare due to your spouses prior work, even if you werent on your own.Because of the change in total income, there may be a change in your premium. Medicare Part B, for example, uses your familys total income to determine how much your premium should be. Check with your provider and provide them with updated information so you can have the correct numbers when budgeting.Combine FinancesWith marriage comes changes in finances, and these changes necessitate the creation of a new budget that reflects both your income and any changes in expenses that the marriage may have caused. You can create your own or use a budget template to guide you through the process. Take into consideration services you might need, including meal preparation and lawn maintenance.Find a New HomeFor seniors who are just beginning their married life together, the process of finding a homecan be challenging. With so many factors to consider such as location, budget, and amenities it can be difficult to know where to start. But with a little planning and patience, finding the perfect home as seniors is definitely achievable. One of the best ways to start the search is by researching home prices and attending open houses in different neighborhoods that fit your budget. This will not only give you a chance to see whats available, but it will also help you get a feel for each neighborhoods unique character.Plan for Future CareWhile you may have prepared wills previously, your new marriage likely means youll need to update both of these. Even if your desires for after your passing have not changed with the addition of a spouse, your living will or advanced directive, which details medical treatment you might receive while alive but incapable of making decisions should be revisited. Clearly establishing who is responsible for carrying out your desires is essential to eliminating turmoil down the line.You also need to discuss how you would like to approach long-term care in the future. This includes deciding if you will have in-home care or will live in assisted living and how these things should be paid for. If you decide that youd prefer to get a little extra support while maintaining your independence, Alder Terrace Adult Care Center offers excellent services along with supportive and compassionate care.Enjoy your time together by starting out on the right foot. Update your insurance, combine finances, find a home, and plan for future care so you can walk happily hand in hand for the rest of your days.

Perhaps it seems like your senior parents are losing track of their finances. You might be worried about their spending habits or their lack of organization. If your parents need round-the-clock care, you may want to look into an assisted living facility such as Alder Terrace. But if they simply need some help handling their finances, these tips can help you take care of them.Keep Track of Any Concerning SignsHave you noticed any signs around your parents home indicating that something might be wrong? Maybe you saw stacks of unopened envelopes in their kitchen, even though they used to keep their home quite tidy. Or maybe youve noticed packages from strange purchases that theyve mentioned. If your parents have suddenly become disorganized or adopted odd spending habits, they may not be able to manage their own finances.Note Any Medical ProblemsHave your parents been struggling with medical issues such as blurry vision or memory problems? If so, its probably time to step in when it comes to their finances. Credit Karma also suggests checking in with their neighbors and friends if you feel comfortable doing so they might have noticed concerning behaviors that you wouldnt see unless you lived with your parents.Manage Their Finances as a FamilyIf you plan to take over your parents finances for them, youll need to have an in-depth conversation with them about it first. You may also need to get your siblings involved. To start this conversation, Principal suggests bringing up a gentler topic first, like their general plans for retirement. Then you can bring up your concerns and broach the idea of taking on certain financial responsibilities for them, such as creating monthly budgets, filing their taxes, paying off their credit card bills on time, or even helping them set up a power of attorney. If they agree to let you manage their finances, youll need to get information on their bank accounts as well as any benefits they receive, like Social Security, Medicaid, or Medicare.Encourage Them to Sell Their BusinessIf your parents are business owners, and youve realized that theyre no longer capable of managing their finances on their own, its time to encourage them to sell their business. This may take more than one conversation, so be patient. And before they get ready to officially sell it, make sure to get a professional valuation carried out so that you can accurately determine how much the business is worth. This valuation should include all of the company assets, such as the real estate and inventory.Hire HelpOf course, it never hurts to talk to a financial advisor in this situation. By talking to an advisor, you can get expert guidance on your parents specific situation. Try to seek out an advisor who works with families and offers services geared towards seniors.Furthermore, if youre worried about your parents overall quality of life, you may want to bring ina part-time caregiver who can assist them with daily tasks. By helping your parents with their finances and hiring a caregiver to lend them a hand during the day, you can enjoy peace of mind.It can be difficult to talk to your parents about their finances and taking control of their financial situation for their benefit can be even more complicated. Thats why its important to approach this issue with a plan in mind. With these suggestions, youll be ready to give your parents the help they need so that they can get their finances under control.Are you seeking an assisted living facility for your senior loved ones? Find a home for them at Alder Terrace. Fill out the contact form on our website today to schedule a consultation.