Many Douglas County residents have lived in the community for more than 20 years. They moved here when their families were young, sent their children to the excellent schools here in Douglas County and have enjoyed the wonderful youth sporting activities and community recreation centers. And they have remained in Douglas County because their home was big enough for hosting large family holiday celebrations.But there comes a time when we (yes, I am one of you!) look at 20-plus years of accumulated "stuff" and realize it's time to downsize to a more manageable-sized home. And the task of downsizing seems so daunting that we further delay the move and keep accumulating even more "stuff." But moving should leave you overjoyed, not overwhelmed!The first step is to create a plan that fits your lifestyle and future needs. Do research and consider such factors as your interests, health, financial situation, location of your family and friends and how you envision your future. Then narrow your decision down to several options that will suit your vision of your future lifestyle.If you are very active and still on the go, you may want to investigate the 45-plus adult communities with single-family ranch homes. If you want this move to be your last, your best option may be a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community). You can move into an independent living unit, but as your needs change you can remain in the same community and simply move to assisted living or skilled care. Many CCRCs now also have memory care units.The second step is to communicate your options with your family and friends, not to get their feedback but to inform them of what you are considering. See if they have any questions or concerns. Make it clear that this is your decision and you have reached it after careful deliberation. In some cases, a move can be more emotional for the adult children than it is for their parents!The third step is to surround yourself with qualified professionals who are familiar with downsizing moves. A real-estate agent who specializes in working with mature adults will have all the best-qualified professionals at their fingertips to help you. An agent with the Certified Senior Housing Professionals (CSHP) designation is a good example. Due to the rigorous requirement of 25 continuing-education courses in senior-related topics each year there are only 130 CSHPs in the entire United States. A real-estate broker can refer you to a senior placement specialist who is very knowledgeable about the various adult living communities in the area and will help you decide the best community option for you if that is the direction you choose to go.The fourth step is to thin out all that extra "stuff". This is the step that most people find extremely daunting. Depending on your timetable it is recommended you take one room in a specified time...week or month. You only need to focus on what you need and want to take with you...senior move managers will take care of the rest! They know experienced estate sales companies who will maximize the value of what you do not want to take with you. Or you can donate items to your favorite charity.Step 5 is to adjust to your new lifestyle after your move. Don't ignore your emotional well-being which may have been overlooked in the hustle and bustle of the move. It is normal to experience some emotions that you had not expected, but it happens in all important life transitions. A well thought out plan and open communication goes a long way in easing you into your new home and community.Realtor Lee A. McCue is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist based in Centennial. She can be reached at Lee@McTeamRealEstate.com or 303-859-0198.
from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://douglascountynewspress.net/stories/Steps-to-follow-when-its-time-to-downsize,213003?branding=15
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