Retirees who are transitioning into independent living in Texas may find the process challenging, especially if they’ve lived in the same residence for decades. However, there are a number of simple steps you can take to make your transition easier.
Select a Community in the Same Area
While some retirees choose a community that is out of state, it may be wiser to choose one that is in the same area as your current home, that way you’ll enjoy the same climate, culture, meals and lifestyle. You’ll also be close to family, and If possible you want a domicile which uses the same color scheme or layout, as moving into an apartment or cottage which is radically different can be difficult.
A lot of retirement communities offer furnished dwellings. Even if this is the case, you’ll want to find out if you can bring furniture and decorations from your previous residence as this will go a long ways towards making your new home feel like the old one.
Downsize Purposely
For most retirees, relocation into a retirement means that they will have to downsize. However, this should be done gradually and purposely rather than haphazardly. Anyone who has lived in the same resident for years probably has a ton of stuff that has to be moved, and realistically it could take months to do it. The earlier you get started, the easier the process will be, and you’ll be able to go through all your belongings to decide which keepsakes you can give to your forebears and which can be sold, donated, kept or thrown away.
Install the Right Appliances
Any crucial appliances you need that aren’t already furnished by the retirement community should be installed. Technology has advanced to the point where there are a number of devices and gadgets which not only looks stylish and decorative, but which can also be used to make your life easier, while compensating for illness or aged related limitations.
Bring Photos or Mementos of Family
Those who are close to their families will want constant reminders of them. To that end, they’ll definitely want to bring along family portraits that can be hung in different areas of the home along with family albums and scrapbooks that they can look through whenever they want. This will alleviate the loneliness that often comes from relocating into a new location.
Setup a Garden
Many retirees have gardens in their existing properties that they put years of work into, and they’re reluctant to leave it. However, it may be possible to setup a garden in your new home (if space allows), where you can transplant the flowers or plants from your older garden to the newer one.
Decide What Matters to You
One person’s concept of home can and will differ from another’s. This is why before making your transition you’ll need to decide what items, furniture and appliances make you feel at home. There are probably family heirlooms that you consider priceless but remember, you may not be able to bring everything, so choose carefully.
