Moving Tips From AARP and Bill Porter
Many older people, upon retirement or for other reasons, are keen to downsize, although too few actually understand what it means to go from a single-family home to a more practical dwelling.
Bill Porter, vice -president for the Peripheral Neuropathy Support Network, has moved five time in 55 years (he is a Realtor), including about two months ago. He recommends the following checklist to make the move a little easier.
He says he has been downsizing for the last several moves. That means parting with belongings and assets that are too large or impractical for the new home.
Here are his ten tips to cushion the process:
1. Long before you move, have your important furniture appraised by a certified appraiser
2. Divide your furniture between children and/or family on an equal basis (give yourself some time for this). A party with all the family can assure that everything is in the open (No side deals!).
3. If family or friends have no interest, look to a local auction companies, who may surprisingly savvy about downsizing moves
4. If you are not satisfied with local auction companies, talk with neighbors, friends, church, etc. Much of the furniture we accumulate over a lifetime is of little interest to family, who may live in smaller apartments. But those with similar similar-sized homes in your own neighborhood might be really interested that magnificent antique China cabinet
6. Place your furniture/belongings with thrift stores, consignment shops, or other outlets in your area
7. If you are not satisfied with any of the above ideas, place your furniture/belongings in storage and take the pressure off an already emotionally-fraught experience
8. If all else fails, keep what you can and give the rest to GoodWill, the AmVets or some appropriate charity and keep the receipt for taxes.
9. I encourage you to start way in advance of your move so that you don’t have to make some regretful choices.
10. The order of this list is not important. The key is maintain control of the items that are important to you.
11. AARP has published an article on downsizing and moving. Here is a checklist to ease the transition.
https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2021/moving-checklist.html