Choosing your new home is an emotional decision but letting our heart rule our head can lead to some choices that turn out not to be overly practical. As we grow older, our physical and emotional needs can change and that means that the home we live in needs to be versatile and adapt to changing needs. Finding the right place within your budget range can be tough.
Do your research
Doing your research is key to finding the right bad but what should you be looking for? As well as the practicalities of the property, you need to be confident about the area too, especially if you are moving to a new town or city.
What amenities does the area offer, for example, and what about other things like the crime rate? What you don’t want to do later in life is make compromises that will adversely affect your quality of life.
According to Live-In Care Hub, it is possible to downsize to a smaller property and still enjoy the quality of life that you always have. What it does mean is making to change to how we think about things and being practical and pragmatic in our approach to what will work for us as we age.
- Outside space– getting outside, enjoying fresh air and exercise as well as what nature has to offer is essential for mental health but if your garden is becoming too much, opt for a property with a local park nearby so you can still enjoy outside space.
- Local amenities– be pragmatic about the location of your new home. Can you walk to the shops, library, pharmacy or your GP? What about public transport – how close is your nearest bus stop.
- Getting help– you also want to be confident that should you need help at some point in the future such as home care or personal care help, there is help available and covers the area in which you live.
- Your support network– we all have a support network, the friends and family we rely on for companionship, friendship and help from time to time. There is nothing wrong with viewing downsizing as a fresh start but moving too far away from your close family and friends can be difficult.
The property itself
No matter what age you decide to downsize, the property you choose as your new home could be the place that you reside for some years to come. You need to love it, just like you loved yourold home.
For many people, leaving their home in which they have lived for a long time is a wrench, even though they know this is the right decision. Don’t rush into downsizing but when you are ready, consider all the options for a new, smaller home.
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