Downsizing is a great opportunity for reflection

For many couples planning for retirement, the thought of downsizing their home and possessions can be a fun but overwhelming prospect. Downsizing can be a great opportunity to re-evaluate your lifestyle and what kind of life you are interested in leading. Maybe the kids have all left the nest, and the thought of building a smaller dream home is an attractive idea. If you are looking at downsizing, here are a few ideas to keep in mind.

First, take an inventory of all your possessions. This may seem tedious, but it gives you a realistic idea of what you have and how much. Once you have an inventory, put these items into three main categories: must have, could live without and replaceable items. Must haves are obvious things that you want/need to go with you. Could live without items can include those possessions that have been sitting around but are no longer used. Replaceable items could be items such as a large wall-size television that could be sold and then replaced with a smaller, more efficient size.

Second, consider what you are downsizing to. Is it a downtown apartment? Building that dream home? Keep in mind what kind of things do you like to do. Do you enjoy hosting dinner parties? Do you want a quiet residence with minimal traffic? The answers to all of these questions will determine what you’ll pack and what you’ll want to sell, donate or pass on to family members. If you’re moving to an area with mass transit, you may not even need to keep your vehicle!

If you’re considering building a home, be sure and work with a professional builder, such as Cedar Ridge Homes. Working with a professional builder ensures that you can maximize your input into key areas of the home as well as subtle elements (such as storage) that may make a huge difference in comfort. We have been working hands-on with families in the Cedar Rapids and Marion area for over a decade and would love to work with you!