Searching for a retirement home is exciting!

You’ve put in your time, you’ve saved, planned, and maybe even started collecting grandchildren along the way.

But now it’s time to give back to yourself and live in the moment.

After all, nothing beats having that special place to come home to. A place that fits your new lifestyle and even compliments it in unique ways.

This article shares some of our most valuable tips available for seniors looking to find a suitable community and move into their new retirement home.

Start Downsizing Before You are Ready to Move into Your Retirement Home

You heard right, start now!

Downsizing can be incredibly time consuming, and for some, very difficult.

So, before you decide to scour communities looking for single level homes and amenities, you should start downsizing your current living space early in preparation for the next steps-

• Start small by sorting through clutter in your home that you feel isn’t worth packing up and moving.
• Be aware of the number of rooms you have now that you may not have when you move and downsize accordingly.
• If you have stuff you can’t let go of but won’t have room for, be sure to factor an easily accessible storage unit into your moving plans.
• Now is the time to pass on heirlooms and donate what you don’t need.
• For items you don’t often use but plan on taking with you, box them up now and set them aside. The less you have to do when moving day arrives, the better.

Begin to Research Areas & Communities That Fit Your Needs Long-Term

The most challenging part of choosing a retirement home is deciding which community will work for you now and in the future.

As a retiree, it’s easy to get distracted by mesmerizing scenery and unique home designs.

But keep in mind, if this is to be your forever home; you may want to consider the practical side of things as well-

• First and foremost, choosing a single level home is always the best option.
• Beautiful yards and swimming pools are always a draw, but be sure to consider how much maintenance you are willing to take on and for how long.
• Keep your family in mind in case there comes a day when you need more assistance than expected. Moving far away could strain your family’s ability to be there for you if you were to need them.
• Don’t overlook your budget. If you plan to live off a fixed income alone, you should consider costs quite carefully to avoid stress and financial strain.

Be Sure to Take in More than Just the View a Retirement Home has to Offer

Deciding on what you want now is easy, but planning for future needs and possible changes is a lot more challenging.

Because of this, it’s best to map out a few basic requirements that you don’t necessarily need now but may become crucial later in life-

• Look for wide entryways and hallways in case the need for a wheelchair or walker ever were to arise
• Homes with the fewest steps and stairs are always best
• Look for homes that have at least one walk-in shower
• Minimal needs for renovation is ideal
• Walkable community access is a plus

Don’t Forget to Factor in Special Needs

If you have medical needs, be sure to plan for those too.

The last thing you want is to do a lot of traveling back and forth to doctors and specialists as you settle into your seniority.

A few things to consider-  

• Distance to a pharmacy
• Distance to an emergency room
• Nearby medical professionals that accept your insurance
• Regular checkups and visits that must be maintained

Finding a retirement home isn’t all about spectacular views and places to take a stroll.

When searching for a forever home, you should consider every aspect of your life now and those that may come into play later on.

Contact a Certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist to Help You Find the Perfect Retirement Home

Last but certainly not least, don’t tackle this complicated task all on your own.

Choosing your retirement home and moving should be as stressless and strain-free as possible.

After all, this is the time to reward yourself for all those years of raising children, hard work, and putting off “me time” moments.

Partnering with an experienced Seniors Real Estate Specialist is the best way to ensure all of your needs are met, and every aspect of this stage in your life is fully considered and applied appropriately.

Contact Key Realtors today and get a Certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist on your side. You’ll be glad you did!