Moving Into the Next Chapter of Your Life

There are a lot of great reasons to downsize after you retire. You can save money on mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and utility costs. You’ll also have the opportunity to cut back on things like lawn care and snow shoveling if you move to a townhome or condo.

And with scaling back work and home maintenance, you’ll have lots more time for the kind of activities you’ve been dreaming of. Here, Clyde Miles Construction Co. explains some of the benefits of downsizing.

Moving to Another State

You may have been looking forward to retirement to give you the chance to move to another state, too. Maybe you’re ready for warm winters on the beaches in California or the beauty of desert life in Arizona. Or perhaps you want to start a hobby farm in Kentucky or a vineyard out West. Now that you’ve retired, you can start planning for living your dream!

 

It’s possible to keep the home you’ve been living in and rent it out as another form of income. It’s smart to hire a leasing agent to take care of things like choosing renters, maintaining your property, and letting you know if an emergency arises. You can also get a second mortgage or refinance your existing home to get cash for a downpayment on your new property.

 

If you’re looking to relocate to California, visit Clyde Miles Construction Co. to learn more about our Premier Club and how you can receive priority placement on interest lists for new construction.

Decorating Ideas

You’re beginning a new life, the next chapter, but you don’t want to leave everything behind. Bring along things that meant the most to you, like family photos to hang on the wall, the quilt that was handed down to you by your mother, and that bed that you’ve found to be not too hard or too soft but is just right.

 

At the same time, moving is a great time to get rid of clutter. If you don’t want to get rid of most of your things, try getting a storage unit. You may find, though, that after a while, you really don’t need to hang on to a lot of those items anyway.

 

You’ll want to match your decor to your surroundings, like a soft pastel on the walls in a Florida home, bold Native American prints and art for your Arizona home, or an old-fashioned farm kitchen for your homestead. Buying local once you’ve moved will save you on moving costs as well as give you a bigger and better selection of those things that will suit your home to your environment.

 

Customize your bedroom to suit your tastes. For example you can choose your own duvet cover and customize it online. Decorating your intimate spaces with your personal sensibilities is a great way to set them apart from the common areas of your home.

Making Your New Place Stress-Free

You don’t want to bring the stress of your old life into your new one, so plan on making your new home as low maintenance as possible. For instance, a home warranty can give you a lot of peace of mind knowing if something happens to any of your major appliances or HVAC system, those costly repairs will be covered. Before choosing a home warranty company, be sure to read reviews to find a policy that fits your needs and budget when looking for a home warranty.

 

If you decide to purchase new appliances and gadgets for your home, be sure to check out comprehensive online reviews to ensure you’re making good choices. Moving is expensive enough without shelling out for poor products.

Pet Friendly

Because your pet is more than just a companion —they are a member of the family — an important consideration when buying a townhome or condo is whether or not it’s pet-friendly. If you’re moving into a home with a yard, you’ll almost certainly want it to be fenced. And that fence should be adequate to keep your pet in and wildlife out.

Set Up a Post-Retirement Home Office

Many people who have retired choose to keep working, whether it’s part time, freelance, or as a consultant. Or perhaps you simply like your office space where you can have your books, computer, and important documents neatly stored. Whatever purpose you have for it, make sure that you have a dedicated space that has everything you need to do your work. And definitely take breaks throughout your day. You already pulled your 40+ hour work weeks. Now any work you do should be on your own terms!

Feeling at Home

Once you’ve taken care of the details, you’ll want to get out there and get to know your new town and neighbors. Find clubs where people share your interest. Visit local museums and parks to get to know and understand your city’s history and culture. And volunteer for a charity you care about, giving back to the place you now call home.

Settle in and Relax

You’re finally getting to live the life you’ve dreamed of, saved for, and worked so hard to achieve. Plan now to make it feel like home by making sure you can do it as stress-free as possible with things like home warranties, pet-friendly accommodations, and a paper-free office. Then enjoy every minute of this great next chapter you’re writing.