The prospect of selling and relocating from a longtime home can be daunting, especially for older adults. Whether you or a loved one are moving to be closer to family, increase safety, or downsize to a smaller home or apartment in a retirement community, there are several ways to make the process of selling your home easier.
Get organized
Selling your longtime home can be overwhelming, but it’s easy to prevent stress if you plan well in advance. Do you want to sell independently or enlist the help of a realtor? Will you hire professional movers? Now is the time to start making these decisions and arrangements for your move. Set realistic expectations, and don’t be afraid to enlist help from friends, family, or a professional moving company.
Eliminate clutter
When it comes to preparing your house for the market, the first place to start is to look through your personal possessions and decide what to keep, store, donate, or sell. Especially if you are moving from a longtime home, it can be difficult to let go of items that have sentimental value. Consider giving treasured possessions to family members who need them and will use them often. Knowing your favorite items have a good home can make letting go much easier!
Refresh and repair
After you’ve organized your possessions, it’s time to look for areas of your house that need to be repaired or revamped. Even small changes like new carpets or a fresh coat of paint can refresh your home and attract potential buyers. Older houses may have smaller windows or darker rooms, so experts also suggest bringing as much natural light into your home as possible by removing heavy window treatments and buying bright LED bulbs.
Ask for help
Moving isn’t easy, and shouldn’t be done alone! Sorting through your treasured possessions, lifting heavy items, and transporting your belongings from one home to the other can take a great deal of time and energy, so don’t wait until the last minute to enlist help from friends, family or a moving company. Some retirement communities also recommend moving services for seniors to ensure a smooth transition into your next home.
