When it comes to downsizing and moving, you do not want to attempt this process on your own! Each generation has its own unique characteristics. “The Greatest Generation,” folks currently in their late 70’s-90’s years of age, have been fiercely independent, which makes them a group for all of us to emulate. “I’ll do it myself” has been their mantra throughout their lives. I find this has worked well for them in the past, but when it comes to making a move from a long time home to a senior community, this can make the moving process difficult and sometimes impossible.

“I don’t want to bother my children, they have enough to do.” I’ve heard this so often and know that it is a noble intention on the older adult’s part, but trying to go it alone is a recipe for disaster in many cases. The best results occur when collaboration occurs as a result of an open dialogue between the parent and the child or children. Together, the family can work together and decide what the family can do and what needs to be outsourced.

The good news is there are so many service providers that have blossomed over the last five years. I have partnered with many wonderful entrepreneurs who specialize in working with seniors. These companies offer services so needed, especially when family and friends are not able to provide the help needed when contemplating a move. I work with packing and sorting companies, stagers, movers, contractors, estate sale companies, senior financial planners, estate attorneys and so many other ancillary businesses that have the senior’s best interests in mind. So going it alone is no longer necessary, or the only option, when others are not able to offer help.

An example of this comes from past clients of mine who purchased their home from me many years ago. They remembered me and called for my help in selling their home and moving them to a senior community. He had some physical limitations and his wife had a medical condition that would not allow them to even consider lifting and sorting the years of accumulated personal property…their treasures. He wanted to take the items for his new apartment and leave the rest for disposal, charity or an estate sale. We had a packing and sorting company help them pack dishes, books and personal items as well as coordinate the mover. They even drew a picture of their new apartment and guided them as they decided what to take and what to leave. They successfully moved into their new apartment. Then this same company moved items that cluttered the interior and moved furniture so that the property showed its best. We sold it in a few weeks, and then planned an estate sale that was done prior to closing. After the sale, the home was clean and ready for the new owner. The sellers received two-thirds of the proceeds from the estate sale and was now comfortably situated in their new senior community with no physical issues from the move. They were pleased that they sought our help and were amazed at how simple the move had been.

The bottom line is that you don’t have to do it all on your own. With the help of your family, friends and service providers, a move from a long time home no longer has to be overwhelming. Just learn to say, “YES”!

Bruce Nemovitz is a Senior Real Estate Specialist, as well as Certified Senior Advisor. Bruce has sold residential homes in the four county Milwaukee-Metro areas for 30 years. He has just published a book called Moving in the Right Direction, a Senior’s Guide to Moving and Downsizing. He works with his wife Jeanne at Realty Executives Integrity.

Please feel free to call Bruce or Jeanne with any real estate questions, you may have at 262-242-6177, or email at Bruce@BrucesTeam.com. You can go to their website at www.brucesteam.com and view the many articles and important information related to moving and downsizing!