Senior Guide to Downsizing in Kansas City

Seniors find downsizing incredibly overwhelming. Not only physically but also emotionally. After all, leaving the place they’ve called home for so many years can’t possibly be easy. For them, it’s not only about giving up their house. It’s about giving up the memories they made there. Memories of their friends, family – perhaps even spouses who are no longer with them. Still, despite taking its emotional toll on the elderly, moving to a smaller environment comes with its own benefits that outweigh the cons. With that in mind, we’ve put together a thorough guide for seniors downsizing in Kansas City. Its primary purpose is to prepare you or your loved one for this life-changing event while ensuring the stress levels are kept down to a bare minimum.

Why Should Seniors Downsize?

There are plenty of reasons retirees should consider downsizing. Here are a few:

• Improved finances – Even though most seniors have a fixed monthly income, that’s not to say they don’t have expenses. Unexpected healthcare bills are often an issue when people get to a certain age, so cutting back where possible is usually advised. By choosing to relocate to a smaller space with lowers utility bills, you will surely save a substantial amount of money.
• Simplicity – The fewer things seniors own and the smaller their home, the easier it is to keep things tidy. With age, regular maintenance becomes physically more demanding. Why strain to do the hard work yourself or leave it to the relatives when you can downsize instead?
• Moving around – It’s not easy navigating steep stairs every time you require something from the upper floor. Falls are a common occurrence among seniors – one that can have disastrous consequences. Beginning anew in a tiny apartment or a house prevents accidents and makes it less complicated to move around.
• Medical reasons – Perhaps, you’ve got chronic medical conditions that require frequent observations. In this case, being close to a doctor is a necessity. As for those who can’t properly take care of themselves, there are many assisted living facilities to move to all over Missouri. Typically, they are equipped with all the tools, and personnel one might need.
• Proximity to family – After a lifetime of being further away from their children and grandchildren, some retirees may find solace in finally being able to move closer to their family.

Is It Time to Think About Downsizing in Kansas City?

If unsure of whether the time to downsize has come, ask yourself several questions.

• Are there any rooms inside your house that are currently of no use?
• Is the lack of money a problem?
• Are there many unused things lying around?
• Is it hard to keep up with regular maintenance?
• Does the place feel empty or lifeless?
• Has the home built enough equity?

Should the majority of your answers be positive, swapping a larger home for a smaller one is definitely something you should consider.

How to Prepare for Kansas City Downsizing?

Downsizing isn’t something to be rushed. Instead, it might be a better idea to plan it days, weeks, even months in advance! To ensure you are fully prepared for the change, there are certain things to take care of.

Decide on the Place to Move

The ultimate decision should be based on various factors. The location, the size, and your needs, being some of them. Certain people prefer moving into smaller houses, while others prefer apartments or retirement homes.

Decide on the Moving Date

Have you thought about the date of your move? A long-distance Missouri relocation isn’t something that can be planned and executed in a day. You’ll need someone to assist you, at least when heavy lifting is in question. In this case, professional movers can be of great help. But they can’t be booked overnight. Instead, you’ll probably have to contact them weeks ahead of the relocation. It’s best if you make reservations as soon as you become 100% sure of your downsizing in Kansas City. In the meantime, deal with decluttering and packing, and make sure to stay on schedule.

Familiarize Yourself with the Layout of Your New Place

Once you sell your old home, your hunt for the new one begins. After you’ve found an adequate property, make sure to study every single aspect of its layout to determine how much space there is. Being aware of every free inch of the place can give you a rough idea of how many belongings you can transfer. The rest, however, you can either give away, toss out or sell.

Declutter and Pack Room by Room

If you’ve given yourself enough time, there is no need to hurry. Go about decluttering and packing slowly, covering one room at a time. Start with rooms that are rarely used, and leave the commonly used ones for the end. Sort out through less essential items first while you figure out what to do with more meaningful things. If possible, keep them. Just bear in mind that some valuables won’t be making the cut because of their size.

Make Digital Copies of Memorabilia

If unable to bring – improvise! For instance, you can transform the physical copies of your grandkids’ artwork, old videotapes, and photos into digital ones – the ones you can look at on a computer or a phone. Ask your loved ones to help out, or hire someone to do it for you.

Separate Essentials

You’ll need a bag of essentials separated from the rest of your packed belongings to avoid rummaging through boxes the very second you step into your new home. The bag should include your medication, your prescription glasses, toiletries, documents, money, some clothes, and anything else you might need urgently.

How to Stay Positive While Downsizing?

Don’t think so much about what you will be losing, but rather about what you will be gaining. Yes, at first, it will be hard. But you know what – there will be sunshine after rain! Once the adjustment period is over, you’ll reap the benefits of downsizing in Kansas City. You’ll finally have your peace and quiet without having to clean or work around the house every so often.

Guest Blog Post from Emma Jones