Moving is a big job, but when you're a senior and you're moving from the home you've raised your family in to something smaller, you have some specific considerations you have to make. You can take measures to reduce the stress of the days ahead. Here's a guide to help you through the process as you get ready to downsize and prep for your move.

1. Knowing When It's Time to Downsize
Life happens quickly. One day you're in the midst of raising your kids, tripping over one another in a house that barely seems big enough, and the next your kids are grown and you're left with a large house that's more work than it seems to be worth. Most homeowners do not buy their homes with the intent of downsizing, but as they enter their senior years, the realities of owning a large home begin to catch up with them. Knowing when it's time to downsize is not always easy, but these tips and guidelines should help a little. Here are some signs that it's time to consider downsizing:

• Need to Stretch the Budget - Your retirement savings are only going to go so far. If you need to stretch them, then it's time to consider downsizing to stretch your housing budget.
• House Upkeep Becomes Overwhelming - If the task of cleaning and maintaining your home is overwhelming, and you don't have the budget to hire outside help to do the job, then it's time to consider downsizing.
• Vacant Rooms - If you have multiple rooms in your home that you never use, then you don't need them. They are costing you money to heat and maintain, and downsizing will fix this problem.
• You Need a Different Layout - As we age, getting up and down stairs gets harder and harder. If you have a multi-story home, you may need to downsize to a single-story home or apartment to ensure you can navigate your home successfully.

If you're noticing any of these are true about you, then downsizing is going to be the right choice.

2. Sorting Belongings
Once you've made the decision to downsize, then it's time to sort through your stuff. Moving to a smaller place means you can't take everything with you, no matter how attached you are to your things.
To sort, you will need to sort your things into four basic categories: Keep, Store, Sell/Give, and Trash. Start with one area of your home at a time, even if it's just one closet or one dresser, and go through each item, deciding which fits into which category.
If you're having trouble figuring out what to toss, look for these key signs that something is best thrown out or given away:

• You never took it out of the box
• It doesn't fit your style or needs
• You think "I might need this someday"
• It's old or out of date
• You won't use or read it again
• It's an unfinished project
• It hasn't been touched in more than a year and holds no sentimental value
• Furniture that won't fit in your new space

Next, know which items should be stored. Some items you don't need for day-to-day living, but need to keep for a variety of reasons. Items that are best stored include:

• Paperwork and documents
• Items with sentimental value
• Seasonal items you don't have room to store at your new home

Finally, decide what you should keep. Make sure you don't overlook:

• Sentimental items that you want to see regularly
• Items with high value that you wish to keep close
• Clothing items important for special occasions

Keep in mind that the more you get rid of before your move, the easier time you will have fitting everything into your new space.

3. Packing to Move
Now comes the job of packing. This is not an easy task, so make sure you give yourself enough time to do the job well.
It's important to remember that packing is a physically demanding job. You are not as young as you once were, so give yourself enough time to handle the task without physical stress or injury. Here are some tips that will help make the job a little safer:

• Tackle Small Jobs - Break the task of packing your home into smaller jobs, which are much more manageable. Remember, you took many years to accumulate your belongings, so don't expect to be able to pack them in a week. Set aside an hour or two every day to work at the task until it's complete.
• Be Aware po Box Weight - Even if you have help on moving day, you might need to move boxes around your new home as you unpack, so keep the weight of the boxes in mind as you pack. Mix heavy items with light ones to keep the weight of each individual box reasonable. In general, make sure no boxes weigh more than 50 pounds.
• Ask for Help - This is probably not a job you can handle on your own. Ask for help. If help is not available, consider setting aside some funds to hire movers.
• Handle Fragile Items with Care - Be sure to wrap fragile items carefully, and add more layers than you think are necessary to ensure they come out of the process unscathed.
• Use Plastic Tubs - For items you will be storing for the long-term, use plastic tubs instead of cardboard to ensure that they are protected and safe.
• Pack a "Open First" Box - Unpacking is just as stressful as packing, so make your job a little easier by keeping one or two "open first" boxes with the essentials you will need for your first days in your new space. Items like bedding, linens and toiletries will be enough to get you through the first few days so you do not have to stress yourself to unpack quickly. Put this box in the truck last.
• Label Well - Labeling your items so that you know exactly what is in every box will help you unpack more quickly and effectively once you're settled in your new space.

4. Hiring Movers or DIY Move?
After you have started downsizing your belongings and packing, you're going to need to make one of the most important decisions in this process - are you going to handle the move yourself, or hire someone else to do it for you. Before weighing the pros and cons, ask yourself a couple of questions:

• What is your health like? Can you handle taking on much of the tasks and come out healthy?
• How much family help is nearby? Does your family have time to help?
• How close is your timeline? Do you have the luxury of time?
• How far are you moving?

If you think you could handle the move on your own, then you need to weigh the pros and cons of this decision. The main benefits of doing the move yourself are:

• Spending less money
• Ensuring your fragile items are handled well
• Moving on your own timeline, with the ability to move a little at a time

The drawbacks are as follows:

• More physically stressful
• Greater demand for help from friends and family
• Expensive if you are moving cross-country

If you choose to hire movers, you enjoy several benefits, including:

• Limited stress in packing
• More efficient and safe moving practices
• Better protection of large items with experienced movers
• Faster move
• Cheaper for long distance moves
• No need to rely on friends and family

In general, if you are moving 500 miles or more, a professional crew may be the cheapest option, and will almost certainly be the least stressful option. However, there are some drawbacks to moving companies to consider, which include:

• Having strangers pack and handle your stuff
• More expensive for local moves

So what's the bottom line? The answer to this question will depend on many factors, but if your health is compromised, you are moving a long distance or you don't have friends or family nearby who can help, then you're probably going to want to hire a professional. Otherwise, you can save some money by doing it yourself.

5. Keeping Moving Day Safe
After all of your planning, packing and preparation, when moving day finally arrives, you're going to want to take some measures to ensure everyone and everything is safe. This is a big job, so a little forward planning is not going to be a bad idea.
First, you are going to want to make sure you are not injured during the move. To avoid a serious back strain or even more serious injury, make sure you:

• Get sufficient help. You can't handle your move alone.
• Don't pack any boxes that weigh more than 50 pounds.
• Use proper lifting techniques.
• Leave the heavy lifting to someone younger, or use a dolly.
• Keep a clear path into and out of your home.
• Keep your pets away from your home on moving day.

In addition, make sure you take care of your nutritional needs. It's easy to skip meals and drink breaks in the hustle and bustle of moving. Make sure you do not get dehydrated, and provide plenty of food for yourself and your team of movers to ensure everyone has the energy they need to do the job well.
Next, make sure you take measures to avoid damage to your belongings. Make sure you stack boxes carefully, with heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on the top. Label the boxes so the top and bottom are clearly seen, and make sure you load the truck so that the heavy times are distributed near the front. This will protect the balance of the truck while driving to your new home. Finally, make sure anything that might shift during transit is tied down and secured properly. You don't want to arrive at your new home with damaged belongings!

6. Prepare for the Emotional Side of Moving
For some, moving involves a new adventure, and as such is an exciting time, but this is not the case for everyone. Some people find the transition to be a challenge, especially if they are giving up living in a place that they made family memories. The home where children were raised and grandchildren were welcomed can be hard to leave.
To prepare for the emotions of moving, make sure you first embrace them. It's normal to feel a bit sad when making this type of transition! Don't fear these emotions, as they are a healthy part of settling in to your new normal.
That said, sometimes the sadness can turn into something more. Be aware of the fact that some seniors will struggle with a condition called Relocation Stress Syndrome after making a major move. This is defined as a "physiologic and/or psycho-social disturbance as a result of a transfer from one environment to another." Signs of this syndrome include:

• Depression
• Sadness
• Despair
• Confusion
• Apprehension
• Anxiety
• Sleep problems
• Withdrawal
• Isolation

If you are noticing these signs in yourself, or if your senior loved one is experiencing them, be prepared to get medical or psychological help to ease the transition a bit.

7. Getting Settled in Your New Home
Once you've moved, take some time to get settled in your new space. Here are some tips to help you settle in more quickly.

• Meet the Neighbors - Establishing social connections early will help you feel at home in your new space.
• Get to Know the Community - Whether the social events of your assisted living community or the stores and social opportunities around your town, take some time to get to know the community where you have settled.
• Unpack Logically - Start with the items you need right away, then unpack a little at a time until you're fully settled in your new home.
• Schedule a Party - Invite your family or friends over for a little housewarming. You may need to limit the guest list to ensure everyone will fit, but don't be afraid to show off your new space.
• Establish Routines - Routines go far in making you feel at home, so move towards routines as quickly as possible. Bring the routines you loved from your old home, if possible, to your new one.
• Change Your Address - Missing bills because you never received them is stressful. Change the address on all of your utilities, medical bills, insurance companies and credit or bank statements as soon as possible to ensure you are getting all of your mail. File a Change of Address form with the post office as well.

8. Extra Belongings: Store, Bequeath or Sell?
As you sort through your belongings, you will find that you have a number of items that are still in good shape, but you simply don't need. In these instances, you will need to decide whether you are going store those items, sell them or bequeath them to your beneficiaries now. Making this choice is not always easy. Here are some guidelines that can help.
First, decide which items you want to hang on to for a while. This is a highly personal decision, and will depend on how much storage space you have, or whether or not you choose to purchase a storage unit. If items hold specific sentimental value, are items you need on occasion and still think you will need or want to bequeath but aren't ready to do so now, then you need to store those items. Keep in mind that the more you store, the more you will have to spend for storage.
Next, decide if there are any items you want to go ahead and pass along to the next generation. This can be a very rewarding way to part with your items. You will be able to see the next generation enjoy your items, but you won't have to store them. Some items that it makes sense to bequeath now include:

• Heirloom furniture you won't have room to use
• Special dishes or sets of china
• Decor that might have a sentimental value
• Antique and vintage items

Finally, decide what items you can sell. Often, antique and vintage items can bring a significant price. Make sure you're getting a fair deal, though. Have items appraised by an antiques dealer before selling them to protect yourself. 

9. Tips for Family
If your elderly loved one is planning a move, here are some ways you can help with the transition:

• Plan more time than you think for the move. Older people take longer to make decisions, pack and settle in, so give enough time.
• Know when your help is wanted, and be ready to step in. Provide space when it's needed as well.
• Be prepared for frustration on the part of your parent, especially if the move involves a move to assisted living.
• Encourage your loved one to make friends as soon as possible after they move, which will help them get settled more quickly.
• Watch for signs of emotional distress. Even a move that was your loved one's decision can create trauma and stress as the time progresses.
• Have compassion for your loved one and the changes they are facing.
• Set the time schedule, and keep everyone on task.
• Help with the preparation of checklists that will help everyone stay on task.

​With summer just around the corner, now is a great time to get your home in top shape for the months ahead. Whatever your weather, caring for your home now will help to ensure a worry-free, comfortable summer. Follow a few of these tips each week and enjoy the rest of the season knowing that your home is in good shape.

INDOORS

• Vacuum or brush off refrigerator coils to help maintain energy efficiency. Depending on your model, the coils will be located either on the bottom or on the back of the appliance.
• Empty dehumidifier pans and clean the hoses according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If possible, take area rugs outside and hang them over a deck or porch rail to air out.
• Adjust ceiling fans for proper balance and change the rotation to the summer setting. While you’re at it, give the unit a good dusting to avoid blowing dust around the room.
• Switch out heavy bedding for lightweight summer fabrics. Have the winter bedding cleaned before storing it away for the season.
• Close the chimney flue to prevent insects from entering and to help keep cool air in during the months ahead.
• Repot houseplants to give their roots a fresh start for the summer.
• Check door and cabinet hinges and lubricate any that stick or squeak.
• Open windows even on cooler days to get fresh air flowing throughout the home.

OUTDOORS

• Inspect siding for cracks or other damage and make any needed repairs.
• If paint is peeling, cracking, or chipped, repair and repaint now to limit damage to the underlying materials.
• Remove window screens and clean them with a soft brush and soapy water. Rinse well and allow them to dry in the sun. Repair any holes or tears, or replace the screen material before reinstalling. It’s a fairly easy DIY job to replace the screening, or you can check to see if your local hardware store offers this service.
• Have the air conditioning unit serviced to ensure good operation. Promote good air intake by keeping shrubs and plants around the unit trimmed.
• Clear dirt and debris from gutters and eaves.
• Seal cracks in the driveway and keep walkways clear of debris and overgrown plants.
• Test irrigation and sprinkler systems and replace any broken sprinkler heads or emitters. Check for proper water coverage and adjust if necessary.
• Power wash decks and patios and seal surfaces as appropriate.

​The days are getting noticeably shorter, and maybe there's a nip in the air - sure signs that fall is on its way. Now is the perfect time to get your home in shape before winter rolls in, while the weather is still pleasant enough for spending time outdoors.

Seal it up: Caulk and seal around exterior door and window frames. Look for gaps where pipes or wiring enter the home and caulk those as well. Not only does heat escape from these openings, but water can enter and may eventually cause mold problems and even structural damage.

Look up: Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles. Winter weather can cause serious damage to a vulnerable roof, leading to a greater chance of further damage inside the home. Although you should always have a qualified professional inspect and repair the roof, you can do a preliminary survey from the ground using binoculars.

Clear it out: Clear gutters and eaves troughs of leaves, sticks, and other debris. Consider installing leaf guards if your gutters can accommodate them - they are real time savers and can prevent damage from clogged gutters. Check the seams between sections of gutter, as well as between the gutter and downspouts, and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.

No hose: In climates with freezing weather, drain garden hoses and store them indoors to protect them from the elements. Shut off outdoor faucets and make sure exterior pipes are drained of water. Faucets and pipes can easily freeze and burst, causing leaks and potentially serious water damage.

Warm up time: Have the furnace inspected to ensure it's safe and in good working order. Most utility companies will provide basic inspections at no charge, but there can often be a long waiting list come fall and winter. Replace disposable furnace air filters or clean the permanent type according to the manufacturer's instructions. Using a clean filter will help the furnace run more efficiently, saving you money and energy.

Light that fire: If you enjoy the crackle of a wood-burning fireplace on a chilly fall evening, have the firebox and chimney professionally cleaned before lighting a fire this season. Creosote, a byproduct of wood burning, can build up to dangerous levels and cause a serious chimney fire if not removed.

Happy Fall Yall!
Carolina Senior Transitions Team
​704-900-3218

​Your children have finally moved out and you and your spouse now live alone in a four-bedroom colonial (or a similar type of house). You have two choices to make:

1. Remodel your house to fit your current lifestyle and needs
2. Sell your house and purchase the perfect home

Based on the record of dollars spent on remodeling and renovations, it appears that many homeowners are deciding on number one. But, is that the best long-term solution?

If you currently live in a 3-4-bedroom home, you probably bought it at a time when your children were the major consideration in determining family housing needs. Along with a large home, you more than likely also considered school district, the size of the property and the makeup of other families living in the neighborhood (example: you wanted a block with other kids your children could play with and a backyard large enough to accommodate that).

Remodeling your home to meet your current needs might mean combining two bedrooms to make one beautiful master suite and changing another bedroom into the massive walk-in closet you always wanted. However, if you live in a neighborhood that historically attracts young families, you may be dramatically undermining the value of your house by cutting down the number of bedrooms and making it less desirable to the typical family moving onto your block.

And, according to a recent study, you will recoup only 64.4% of a remodeling project’s investment dollars if you sell in the future.

Your home is probably at its highest value as it stands right now. Instead of remodeling your house, it may make better financial sense to sell your current home and purchase a home that was built specifically to meet your current lifestyle and desires.
​
In many cases, this well-designed home will give you exactly what you want in less square footage (read less real estate taxes!) than your current home.

Bottom Line:
If you are living in a house that no longer fits your needs, at least consider checking out other homes in your area that would meet your lifestyle needs before taking on the cost and hassle of remodeling your current house.

Wouldn't the ideal house be one that works to everyone's benefit, no matter age or ability? Universal design makes such a house a possibility.

Incorporating universal design allows for a house that addresses the abilities of all groups and ages and makes homes more livable for everyone.

It is often referred to as barrier-free living. Design features could include no-slip floors and tubs that increase safety for everyone in a home. Other examples of universal design characteristics are lever door handles that serve the person with arthritis and the person entering a room with an armful of groceries equally well. And no-step entries make it simple for seniors to safely move from room to room.

Aesthetic Upgrades
Products used in universal design once had an institutional feel to them. Now they're sleek and modern and marry safety with style.

Aging In Place Comfortably
The features are especially beneficial as people age and face more limited mobility. Living in homes designed with universal design principles makes it more likely that you'll be able to age in place with comfort.

Increase Home Safety
Universal design can also prevent falls, the leading cause of injury among older adults. Even simple changes, such as raising light levels, removing throw rugs and installing handrails and grab bars, can enhance the safety of a home considerably.

For more information about universal design or have any questions contact the
Carolina Senior Transitions Team at 704-900-3218.

A study by Edelman Berland reveals that 33% of homeowners who are contemplating selling their houses in the near future are planning to scale down. Let’s look at a few reasons why this might make sense for many homeowners, as the majority of the country is currently experiencing a seller’s market.

In a blog, Dave Ramsey, the financial guru, highlighted the advantages of selling your current house and downsizing into a smaller home that better serves your current needs. Ramsey explains three potential financial advantages to downsizing:

1. A smaller home means less space, but it also means less time, stress and money spent on upkeep.
2. Let’s assume you save $500 a month on your mortgage payment. In 30 years, you could have an additional $1–1.6 million in the bank to get you through your golden years.
3. Use the proceeds from selling your current home to pay cash for a smaller one. Just imagine what you could do with no mortgage holding you down! If you can’t pay cash, aim for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage and put at least 10–20% down on your new home. Apply the $500 you saved from downsizing to your new monthly payment. At 3% interest, you could pay off a $200,000 mortgage in less than 10.5 years, saving almost $16,000 in the process.

Realtor.com also addressed downsizing in an article. They suggest that you ask yourself some questions before deciding if downsizing is right for you and your family. Here are two of their questions followed by their answers (in italics) and some additional information that could help.

Q: What kind of lifestyle do I want after I downsize?

A: “For some folks, it’s a matter of living a simpler life focused on family. Some might want to cross off travel destinations on their bucket lists. Some might want a low-maintenance community with high-end upgrades and social events. Decide what you want to achieve from your move first, and you’ll be able to better narrow down your housing options.”

Comments: Many homeowners are taking the profits from the sales of their current homes and splitting it in order to put down payments on smaller homes in their current locations, as well as on vacation/retirement homes where they plan to live when they retire.
This allows them to lock in the home price and mortgage interest rate at today’s values which makes sense financially as both home prices and interest rates are projected to rise.

Q: Have I built up enough equity in my current home to make a profit?

A: “For most homeowners, the answer is yes. This is if they’ve held on to their properties long enough to have positive equity that will be sizable enough to put a large down payment on their next home.”

Comments: A study by Fannie Mae revealed that only 37% of Americans believe that they have significant equity (> 20%) in their current home. In actuality, CoreLogic’s latest Equity Report revealed that 78.9% have greater than 20% equity. That equity could enable you to build the life you’ve always dreamt about.

Bottom Line
If you are debating downsizing your home and want to evaluate the options you currently have, let's meet up to help guide you through the process.

​The Carolina Senior Transitions team is happy to announce our new firm relationship with Wilkinson ERA Real Estate. Here are just a few reasons why we are excited to join this great local real estate firm. More details to come.

​Highlights:

• 5.45 million existing homes were sold in 2016! This is the highest mark set since 2006.
• Inventory of existing homes for sale dropped to a 3.6-month supply, the lowest level since NAR began tracking in 1999.
• The median price of homes sold in December was $232,200. This is the 58th consecutive month of year-over-year price gains.

According to data from the U.S Census bureau, there are approximately 76.4 million baby boomers living in the United States today. Contrary to what many think, there are very different segments within this generation, and one piece that sets them apart are their housing needs.

John McManus, editorial director of Hanley Wood’s Residential Group says his company “is focusing on the preferences of the younger half, or second-wave baby boomers, as they exhibit different needs than the older boomers.”

What are ‘second-wave baby boomers’ looking for?

McManus says, “They are seeking a fun, dynamic lifestyle with a home that can also adjust to their changing needs in the future. Living space should either include accessibility features, such as doorway space, lower shelves, and nonslip surfaces, or be easily adjustable when the time comes.”
​
In a homebuyer study performed by The Farnsworth Group, the participants revealed their reasons for purchasing a new home. The top three factors that influence their purchase include area/location (50.2%), price/affordability (37.4%), and the layout of the home (19%) (as shown in the graph below).