Managing a Move to Senior Residence

If you are using a Seniors Real Estate Specialist to sell your home because you’ve already decided to move into a senior living residence, they can also work with you on navigating the emotional rollercoaster that comes along with downsizing.

Moving elderly parents

For most people, aging brings a new set of challenges. New health problems may affect your ability to live independently, financial challenges make it tougher to maintain your lifestyle and adult children moving to faraway places may make you feel less connected to your home.

Some people move every few years or even more frequently, while others remain rooted in the same location for decades. But for many people, there comes a time in old age when it becomes necessary to move.

While relocating is never easy, moving as a senior carries its own difficulties. If you or a loved one is moving into an assisted living or memory care facility due to declining health, the very reason for the move will likely make the process even more difficult. A lifetime of accumulated possessions might be squirreled away in your home. And if the move is due to financial stress, moving itself can be expensive.

There are many ways to make a move go more smoothly. Knowing when to move, making the right choices about having a family member move in with you and doing a little advanced planning for a new home and reducing the load beforehand can significantly reduce the stress involved.

Reasons why seniors move:

• Too much maintenance or the home is too large.
• Personal safety is an issue for seniors living alone.
• Social isolation is a factor when family and friends pass away.
• Health concerns require a move closer to family.

Here are a few solutions to help your senior parent(s) overcome their moving struggles or concerns:

• Conquer the fear of the unknown by encouraging questions; discuss their concerns and new possible living arrangements.
• Provide pictures and room layouts so they can start imaging themselves living in their new environment.
• Consult experts for financial health and resources, wills, health care directives, and power of attorney.

Decluttering and Downsizing: Estate Sale Services

Sorting and Cleaning

The estate sale professional begins the process by assessing the assets. After acquiring an inventory of the estate, and an estimate of profits, the planner consults with the owner to determine if the potential sale will be valuable enough to move forward. If the owner approves, a contract will be made between both parties and the process moves forward.

Staging and Pricing

The sales professional weeds out the unsaleable or marginal items and either disposes of them or donates them to charity. The items of value are tagged, priced, and staged. The price tags are large and easily visible. Prices are usually set for quick sale but are often flexible for bargaining. After pricing, items are staged in a way that allows optimum accessibility and within easy reach.