When you’re getting ready to retire, you might not want to live in a large, multi-level home. Many seniors choose the 65+ years to enjoy life on their terms, and that often means a smaller, more manageable property in a location that allows continued independence. Today’s Encore Life Health blog takes a look at a few ways to make your move so that you can quickly and easily get into a new groove.

Moving Assistance For Seniors

Although you have likely bought and sold homes before, you’ve never done so with the intent of retiring. This might mean you want access to things, like public transportation, that you’ve never considered before. Moving as a senior might also mean clearing out years worth of beloved personal belongings, which, try as you might to continue their secession, your family likely doesn’t want.

A Senior Real Estate Specialist – described by the National Association of Realtors as someone catering to the needs of maturing Americans – can help you buy your home. Another professional to consider: a senior move manager. This individual will help you tackle many of the practical aspects of moving, including sorting your family heirlooms for sale, donation, or to distribute to family and friends.

Moving In Made Easy

There are many moving parts that go into the relocation process. For seniors, these include not only the standard hurdles of physically moving your belongings but also double checking what services your moving company offers, making sure your new property is secure, and knowing well ahead of time what sorts of senior-oriented services are available in your new hometown or neighborhood.

The right moving company will be affordable but will also have experience moving large heirloom pieces, such as antique wardrobes. They’ll also guarantee that you will experience a no-touch move, which means you aren’t picking up heavy boxes and incurring a potential injury.

Something you will be responsible for is ensuring that your new home is secure. If it doesn’t have an alarm, contact a local security company and have one installed. You can also change the locks, which will ensure the former owners no longer have access to the property. To rekey a door, you can expect to pay $150 on the high end. However, some locksmiths charge around $50 each, but, before you go with the lowest price, read prior customer reviews and take a mental note of how reputable your preferred locksmith really is.

If you have hired a senior move manager, they can help you take care of transferring utilities and identifying the location of the closest hospitals and other medical services. If you’re ready to make friends right off the bat, SeniorCenterDirectory.com can help you map out the best places for mature individuals to socialize.

Types of Insurance

Another great idea when you’re moving is to invest in both mortgage and moving insurance. Mortgage insurance from Encore Life Health can give your family a cushion or pay your mortgage off completely should something happen to you. Moving insurance protects your belongings in transit and until they are brought into your new home. According to State Farm, your personal property is not covered by your homeowner’s policy while in transit. If your carrier doesn’t offer insurance, purchasing an independent policy is a smart move that can help you recoup financial losses in case of an unexpected accident.

There are many challenges that go along with moving as a senior. But, whether you need help clearing out years’ worth of clutter or simply want to find a place to socialize on your first Friday night in your new hometown, the tips above can help you get settled. Congratulations on writing the next chapter of your life, may it be just as full of love and happiness as everything that’s already been written.