Downsizing Tips for Seniors in San Diego

Downsizing makes sense when you’re retired, but letting go of your home can come with many emotional challenges. Knowing the right time to downsize and staying positive through the process are essential for a smooth transition.

So if you’re looking for a little direction on downsizing for seniors, read these benefits and tips from our experts at Casa de las Campanas, and get ready for a new chapter in your retirement. 

How to Downsize Your Home

You’re more likely to feel more positive about downsizing and decluttering if you take it one step at a time. Check out these tips from our senior living community in San Diego on how to get started: 

Start early. Having to rush when you’re moving is stressful. It’s easier to adjust when you’ve had a while to make a downsizing and decluttering plan. Many experts recommend starting the downsizing process at least three months before you move.

Know your floor plan. Knowing the exact layout and size of your new home will help you create a plan to downsize. For instance, if your current home has 3 bedrooms, and your new home has 2, you only need to bring enough furniture for 2 bedrooms. You may even want to consider using an extra room in your new home for something other than a bedroom, like a personal library.

No duplicates. Over the years your home has collected a lot of extras. You may have one too many holiday cookie cutters or perhaps your golf gear requires its own closet. Try to just keep what you truly need to be happy in your new home. 

Take your time. Allow yourself plenty of time to thoughtfully sort through your belongings. Many people find more contentment in the downsizing process by having a friend or family member join them. Share stories about your sentimental items and take time to reminisce. You might even make new memories along the way. 

Focus on what you’re gaining. Though change can be difficult for many older adults, it’s important to look at the bigger picture. By downsizing your space, you’re elevating your happiness. Especially when you choose independent living with services and amenities designed to enrich every dimension of your retirement. 

Ask for help. Your closest friends and family can help you with the downsizing process by going over the details of your move, giving you advice on how to decorate your new space and offering support if the process gets overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to take a break  to chat with a friend over coffee and regain a positive outlook on downsizing. 

What Are the Benefits of Downsizing?

There are many benefits of downsizing for seniors, like an easier space to maintain, the opportunity to find a home with updated features, and the ability to move closer to loved ones. However, many older adults don’t realize that downsizing and decluttering also has these 4 surprising benefits:

1. Simplify your finances

If you’re like most seniors, you have limited or fixed income. However, no matter how well you budget, you still can’t predict unexpected health care costs and home repairs. Preparing for these expensive costs leave little room in your budget for things like vacations. A smaller, less expensive space means you can save big money by reducing your mortgage payment, property taxes, home insurance, and utility bills. 

2. Make life simple

Your kids may love the memories they made in your sprawling backyard, but taking care of your lawn gets a lot more difficult as you get older. Plus, you don’t want to spend the best years of your retirement maintaining your home, when you could enjoy the company of your friends and family, hitting the golf course, or working on your wellness routine. 

3. Maintain independence

Stairs, multiple levels, outdated kitchens and bathrooms, hard-to-reach cabinets, or long walkways can become fall hazards as you age. Downsizing to a smaller, safer, and more comfortable space that’s easy to navigate will help you maintain your independence longer than if you stayed in a home not suited for older adults.

4. More time for you

When you’re not worried about the constant hassles of homeownership, you have more time for the things you love. Whether it’s spending extra time with your dog in the park, trying out a group fitness class or sleeping in on Saturday, you’ll finally have free time to relax and create the retirement of your dreams.

Senior Living at Casa de las Campanas Is the Right Move for Your Retirement

Join Casa de las Campanas as we celebrate our 33rd year as the only Type A not-for-profit Life Plan Community in San Diego County, and experience restaurant-style dining menus, top-notch services and amenities, and incredible hospitality. 

Our goal is to make moving into our community simple. That’s why we’ve partnered with Moving Station®, an experienced team of professionals that allows us to coordinate your move and so much more. It’s no wonder why Casa de la Campanas is voted #1 in customer satisfaction with independent senior living communities 3 years in a row!

To find out how you can receive move-in services for our retirement community or schedule a tour, contact our residency counselors online, and we’ll respond as quickly as possible.