Many Baby Boomers will be among the 43 million Americans who will relocate this year.
Whether you are downsizing because your nest is empty, or moving to a golf community or convenient condo, moving can be stressful and emotionally draining. The following suggestions can help you execute a smooth move:
Take Inventory: As soon as you decide to move (even before you put your house on the market), begin taking inventory of everything in your home. Start with the most remote corner of the basement and work your way through the entire house until you reach the peak of the attic.
Will It Fit?: Most likely you will need to scale down the number of belongings you take to your new home. Compare the size of your new space with your old space. Will all of the belongings you plan to take fit? Visualize where your current possessions will go and then decide what to do with those pieces that probably won’t fit.
Rid Yourself of Possessions You Don’t Need: Inevitably, you have gathered quite a few belongings over the years. Do you still need them all? Family or friends may want to keep some sentimental pieces, but after they have looked through the items, decide whether to throw away, sell or give to charity the things you are not taking with you. This will not only prepare you for moving but will also clear clutter and make your home “show” better to prospective buyers.
Keep Emotions in Check: The emotional impact of changing one’s lifestyle, parting with objects from the past and going through a house full of belongings – and memories – is hard work, both mentally and physically. Make sure there is enough time allotted to review possessions and to adjust to the idea of moving.
What Will the Future Hold?: Your planned lifestyle will also influence what and how much you take. For instance, if you expect to travel frequently, you may want fewer possessions than if you plan to spend more time at home.
Decision Making — Round Two: After deciding what you “absolutely must keep,” give yourself a one-week break and go back through your possessions another time with a more critical eye. Once you get used to the idea of parting with certain belongings, it may be easier to make a final decision the second time around.
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