Keep Modifications in Mind

You may find a home you really love only to discover that it needs some changes in order to be safe or to fit your needs. This is where modifications come in, which can easily soar into the five figures, so it’s important to assess what your needs are and find the right contractor to help make the changes. Typically, changes are most often required in the kitchen or bathroom to make the spaces more accessible. So, if you spend $230,000 on a home (which is the average sale price in West Palm Beach) but it requires major modifications, you need to make sure you have room in your budget for these expenses. Otherwise, you could find yourself struggling financially.

Think Carefully About What You Want to Bring

Downsizing your home also means downsizing your belongings; it’s just a necessary part of moving into a smaller place because you won’t have room for everything. It can be a difficult process, but it’s an important part of the move. Think of it as a chance to declutter and get things into shape before you settle into the new house. Go through the attic, basement, crawlspace, pantry, and/or closets to get a feel for all your belongings; many people don’t realize how much they’ve accumulated until they get ready to pack! If possible, spend at least a week going through your things and paring them down. Donate, sell, and throw away items you no longer need and measure your furniture to make sure it will fit in the new home. For the things you want to keep but simply do not have room for, you might need to look into a self-storage unit, though keep in mind that it can run upwards of $100 per month — or more.

Keep Your Health in Check

Part of downsizing is making sure you’re able to remain independent, no matter what your health issues may be. That’s why it’s important to make sure your mental and physical health is in good shape, and to make any necessary changes to your home based on your evolving needs. It’s impossible to see into the future and know what the next five years will bring, so just keep your health in mind as you budget for modifications down the road. Eventually, you may have mobility issues that make stairs or a bathtub impossible to use, and your home should reflect this.

Keep the Moving Process Simple

Moving can be a tedious process, even when you feel you’re prepared. So, keep it as simple as possible by staying organized as you pack and asking friends and family for help on the big day. If you’re going to hire movers — which can cost you $318 on average, though many factors play into that figure — make sure you keep communication open with them as far as your schedule for the day goes so there will be no surprises.

Downsizing has many benefits, but one of the biggest is simply that it allows you to remain as independent as you want to be. Factor in your current health status, but also think about what the next few years may hold and plan as much as possible for your own safety and comfort.