Moving as a Senior: How To Make It Go Smoothly

Your golden years often come with life changes. Along with retirement and grandkids, you may find yourself reconsidering your living situation. Fortunately, there are many services available to make your transition from your current home to a senior-friendly community easier. Read on for some pointers from Retired Living Today.

A Senior-Friendly Living Community

Whether you choose to live in a 55+ community or age in your own home, your biggest expense as a senior—aside from medical costs—is likely to be your housing costs. Despite no longer working, you have to pay some sort of rent or mortgage. If your home is already paid off, you still need to calculate the cost of property taxes, home modifications, in-home care, maintenance and more into your monthly budget. The bottom line is, your bills don’t stop just because you retire. To account for this, you should search for affordable housing that checks all the boxes.

Choosing a 55+ Community

Fifty-five and up communities offer a number of senior-friendly benefits for older adults. For starters, as A Place For Mom notes, they’re affordable—rent and purchase prices are typically on par with units and homes in the surrounding areas. They are also low- or no-maintenance, are typically quiet, and usually boast several amenities. However, because younger families cannot take advantage of these units, they are harder to resell than homes in other neighborhoods.

Choosing an HOA Community

If you want a low-maintenance home that comes with “rules” but that you can easily resell in the future, consider buying into a homeowner association. HOAs are also low maintenance, come with amenities and, because of strict rules and guidelines, are generally quiet.

Because HOAs don’t have age restrictions, though, HOAleader.com points out that you can buy into a community when you’re still young and able to work, making them a preferred option for advanced planners. If you did not plan in advance but still want to move into an HOA, consider using a reverse mortgage, which is available to citizens who are 62 or older.

Refinancing an FHA Loan

In addition, if you originally mortgaged your home with an FHA loan, look into whether it’s time to refinance it as a conventional loan. One of the benefits in doing so is the possibility of eliminating the mortgage insurance requirement found with FHA loans, saving you money that can be used to plan for your future housing needs. Another benefit of a conventional over FHA loan is that you’re able to borrow more without FHA-type restrictions. Do your homework to understand the pros and cons, and to find out about conventional loan requirements.

Moving Services for the Senior

If and when you do choose to move, look into services that specialize in senior moves. These senior-friendly specialists can help you determine what items are and are not essential for your relocation. They can also help organize and sell property, and facilitate the entire move on your and your family’s behalf. These specialists can organize everything from the packing to the transportation of your belongings to unpacking in your new place.

Home Services for Seniors

Once you make the transition, there are many other professionals who can help you settle in quickly and safely. A reputable locksmith can help you rekey all your doors. Their fees generally range from about $50 to $150 per door. Rekeying your home can give you peace of mind that you are the only person who has access to it and therefore, that you are safe in your new residence. It’s important that you hire a trustworthy locksmith. You can do this by searching a site like Angi.com to find a professional who is bonded and insured. They should offer a warranty and come with glowing testimonials.

Once the locks are changed, consider installing a smart home security system for an extra level of safety. You can hire a pro to do the work. However, today’s security systems are often easily installed as DIY projects, depending on the type and number of components.

Other home services geared toward seniors include transportation, household maintenance, home modifications, and personal care.

As an adult aging in an increasingly expensive world, it’s important that you plan ahead so you can enjoy a smooth and affordable retirement. A good place to start is with future living arrangements and the services you may need to make a smooth transition.  

Retired Living Today is all about having a meaningful retirement, from sharing strategies for planning your retirement to tips for life as we grow older. Reach out to us today!

Harry Cline wrote and submitted this article. Please check out Harry’s website at http://newcaregiver.org/

Cover photo from Pexels.