
Welcome to our series on older adult downsizing for a better life. As we age, our living environments often require change to match our evolving needs. Whether it's moving to be closer to family, finding a home that better suits our physical abilities, or simply reducing the burden of maintaining a large house, downsizing is a journey many of us will ultimately undertake.

Our Family’s Downsizing Journey
Deciding when to move can be one of the most challenging decisions you face as you or your loved one ages. This is not just a one-time decision but an ongoing process that you may revisit multiple times. Let me share a personal story to illustrate this journey.
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After my mom passed away, we moved my dad from San Antonio to Dallas to be closer to family. He went from a 3,000 sq ft, three-bedroom, two-bath, two-car garage home to an independent living 1,200 sq ft one-bedroom plus den apartment. Eventually, he moved into a 120 sq ft bedroom in our home. The last move was after my dad passed away, when we had to pack up his belongings. This final move is something everyone will eventually face, adding another layer of emotional complexity to the downsizing process. Over the course of three years, we went through the moving process four times. Each move brought new challenges and required careful consideration of his evolving needs.
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This experience taught us that moving isn’t just a single event; it's an ongoing journey that involves periodic reevaluation. In this first post, we’ll help you understand when and why it might be time to consider a move.
Older Adult Moving Trends
According to the 2017 American Housing Survey, older adults who move tend to be renters, those with lower incomes, those with higher housing cost burdens, and those who live alone. The three most common reasons for moving are:
41% - Living closer to family members,
29% - Better neighborhoods, and
25% Reducing housing costs.
Even though housing cost burden is a common reason for all age groups, it is particularly significant for movers aged 65 to 69, who reported this reason most frequently at 27 percent. Although older adults are far less likely to change their home residence than younger people, more than 3 million adults aged 65 and older move every year. Larger proportions of the oldest old population—people aged 85 and over—move compared to those aged 65 to 84.
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Depending on the destination of relocating older adults, movers can be classified into three types:
Aging adapters, more than 55%, tend to move to age-restricted neighborhoods within 50 miles of their previous homes, usually to places with good public transportation and perceived improvements in neighborhood quality.
Suburb lovers, approximately 38 percent of movers, prefer suburban communities that are conducive to driving and populated with people mostly younger than 55.
Long-distance movers, representing about 6 percent, relocate more than 50 miles, often to non-age-restricted communities.
Addressing the Emotional Challenges of Moving for Seniors
Moving from the family home can be a difficult topic to discuss for both seniors and their loved ones, especially when you have spent many years there. Typical reasons why seniors may be moving include the decision to:
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Rent or buy a smaller apartment, home, or condominium,
Join a continuing care retirement community,
Move in with a family member or trusted friend,
Transition to assisted living, or
Enter a nursing home or memory care facility.
The idea of relocating can bring up a range of emotions, including fear, sadness, and anxiety, which is normal. Downsizing emotions may involve one or more of the following:
Fear of the Unknown and Loss of the Familiar. The uncertainty of moving to a new environment can be daunting. You might worry about whether you will feel at home in a new place, how to navigate a new neighborhood, or if you will find a sense of community. The loss of familiar surroundings, such as your favorite chair by the window, the garden you’ve tended for years, or the local grocery store where everyone knows your name, often causes sadness during relocation.
Loss of Independence. Discussing the possibility of moving can feel like an intrusion and a challenge to your autonomy. It may also force you to face the reality of an aging body and mind, acknowledging that changes in your physical or cognitive health now call for a different living environment that offers more support and safety.
Saying Goodbye to Memories. Leaving a home filled with memories, where you raised your children, celebrated life’s milestones, and built a lifetime of experiences, can be deeply emotional and lead to a sense of loss.
Leaving a Long-Standing Community. Moving often means saying goodbye to a community you have known for a long time, including neighbors who have become friends, local shops and services you frequent, and the general familiarity of your surroundings.
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It's important to acknowledge that these feelings are entirely valid. Recognizing and addressing these emotions is a crucial step in making the transition smoother. While some seniors may dread the idea of downsizing, others may look forward to it. For some, moving to a smaller place that requires less upkeep can mean more free time to enjoy hobbies and activities. Embracing the positive aspects of the change can help ease the emotional burden.
Key Considerations for Seniors Deciding If It's Time to Move
Deciding whether to move from your current home is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. It's essential to evaluate not only your current living situation but also what you need in a new location to ensure it meets your evolving needs. Here are some critical areas to consider and questions to help guide your evaluation.

Life Transition
Major changes in circumstances, such as the death of a spouse or loved one, retirement, and friends moving away, can prompt this move. Here are some questions to help you evaluate if it's time to downsize:
Are you experiencing a major life change?
Have you recently lost a spouse or loved one? If so, are you finding it difficult to manage the home on your own?
Have you retired, and do you feel that your current home no longer suits your new lifestyle and activities?
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Is your social network changing?
Are your friends or neighbors moving away, leading to a feeling of isolation in your current neighborhood?
Would moving closer to family or a community of peers provide you with better social support and companionship?
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Do you need additional support during this transition?
If you’re grieving a loss, have you reached out to family or friends to help you with the emotional and practical aspects of downsizing?
Would a move to a smaller home or a community living arrangement provide you with the support and resources you need during this time of transition?

Health and Safety
Physical and cognitive decline can significantly impact your ability to live safely and comfortably in your current home. As you age, you may find that a large home becomes more challenging to navigate and maintain. Here are some questions to help you evaluate if it's time to consider a move based on health and safety:
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Is your current home safe for your physical needs?
Are there features in your home, such as stairs, multiple levels, or outdated bathrooms, that pose a risk to your safety?
Do you require modifications like grab bars, walk-in tubs, or ramps to support your health conditions, and is it feasible to make these changes in your current home?
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Does your home support your medical needs?
Do you have a chronic condition that requires frequent medical care? Would it be beneficial to relocate closer to your doctor or a medical facility?
Do you need space to accommodate specific medical equipment, and can your current home be adapted to meet these requirements?
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Are daily activities becoming more challenging?
Is it becoming difficult to maintain your home, including tasks like housekeeping, repairs, and yard work?
Would moving to a smaller, more manageable living space or a community with support services help you maintain your independence and quality of life?
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Accessibility and Mobility
Choosing a new home with an accessible floor plan is crucial for ensuring that you can live comfortably and safely for years to come. Pre-planning for potential wheelchair accessibility and avoiding physical barriers is key. Here are some questions to help you evaluate if a move is required to meet your accessibility and mobility needs:
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Is the floor plan accessible?
Does the home have features that meet ADA standards for Accessible Design, such as wide doorways, hallways, and accessible bathrooms?
Are there any steps or uneven surfaces that could pose a barrier, and can wheelchair ramps be easily installed if needed?
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Does the home accommodate your current and future mobility needs?
If you or your care recipient currently use a cane, walker, or wheelchair, does the home provide sufficient space to maneuver these aids comfortably?
Are there accommodations for potential future needs, such as grab bars in the bathroom, lower countertops, or accessible kitchen appliances?
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Does the home support your health conditions and lifestyle preferences?
Does the home have features that align with your health conditions, such as non-slip flooring, good lighting, and easy-to-reach storage?
Is the layout of the home conducive to your lifestyle preferences, allowing you to move freely and comfortably throughout the space?
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Falls Prevention
More than one in four Americans aged 65 and older fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. Keeping safety at the forefront when evaluating your home is essential to preventing falls and maintaining your quality of life. Here are some questions to help you evaluate if your home will adequately prevents falls:
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Is your home designed to minimize fall risks?
Does the home have non-slip flooring, good lighting, and handrails in critical areas like stairways and bathrooms?
Are there any trip hazards such as loose rugs, cluttered pathways, or uneven surfaces that need to be addressed?
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Does the home support your health needs related to fall prevention?
Do you have a plan for regular vision and hearing check-ups, as poor vision and hearing loss can increase the risk of falls?
Are there features in the home that help accommodate any existing balance or mobility issues, such as handrails on stairways, grab bars, a walk-in shower, or a stairlift/elevator?
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Can the home help you maintain an active and engaged lifestyle safely?
Are there safe, accessible areas for you to engage in physical activities that can help maintain strength and balance?
Is the layout of the home conducive to social engagements and activities without increasing the risk of falls?

Lifestyle
Family
You might move later in life to be closer to your children, grandchildren, and other relatives who can help you age in place. Here are some questions to help you evaluate if it's time to move based on family considerations:
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Do you no longer have work or family ties to your current location?
Are your children, grandchildren, or other close relatives living far away, making it difficult to see them regularly?
Has your social network in your current location diminished, leading to feelings of isolation?
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Do you want to be closer to family members?
Would being near your family provide you with more support, both emotionally and practically, as you age?
Are you looking to spend more time with your grandchildren and participate in their daily lives?
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Do you want to change your lifestyle or support network?
Would moving closer to family allow you to be more involved in family activities and create a stronger support network?
Are you seeking a change in your living environment that aligns better with your current lifestyle preferences and needs?
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Social
Access to on-site social events and community activities can greatly enhance your quality of life as you age. Living in a large home can feel lonely if you don't need that much space, but transitioning to a senior living community or a socially active neighborhood can help you find a space that better fits your lifestyle. Here are some questions to help you evaluate if a move is right based on your social needs:
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Do you feel lonely or isolated in your current home?
Is the large space of your current home contributing to feelings of loneliness?
Are you finding it difficult to meet new people or participate in social activities in your current location?
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Would a more social living environment benefit you?
Are you interested in living in a senior community with on-site mixers, daily activities, and dining options where you can easily meet and interact with neighbors?
Would having access to organized social events and community activities enhance your lifestyle and prevent feelings of isolation?
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Are you looking for a neighborhood that accommodates your social preferences?
Do you prefer to socialize with neighbors and participate in block barbecues, community centers, or other group activities?
Would moving to a neighborhood with a strong sense of community and social engagement better suit your outgoing nature and desire for social interaction?
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Upkeep
Housekeeping, repairs, and maintenance can become increasingly burdensome as you age. Unused rooms in your home create unnecessary upkeep responsibilities. Downsizing your home can help reduce the time and effort spent on maintaining the home and landscaping, as well as decrease the financial burden. Here are some questions to help you evaluate if it's time to move based on upkeep considerations:
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Are there entire floors or spare rooms in your home that are unused?
Do you find yourself spending time cleaning and maintaining areas of your home that you no longer use?
Would moving to a smaller home with fewer unused spaces make housekeeping more manageable and efficient?
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Do you dislike lawn maintenance and garden care?
Are tasks like lawn care, gardening, and outdoor maintenance becoming too physically demanding or unenjoyable?
Would you prefer a living situation where these responsibilities are minimized or managed by others, such as in a condo or senior living community?
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Is maintaining a larger home becoming a financial burden?
Are the costs associated with repairs, utilities, and general maintenance of a larger home straining your fixed income?
Would downsizing to a smaller, more affordable home help alleviate the financial stress of maintaining a larger property?
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Transportation
When evaluating your location, consider the travel distance to essential services and amenities. Even if you currently drive, there may come a time when you are unable or choose not to continue driving. It’s important to have a transportation plan to access your frequently visited locations. Here are some questions to help you evaluate if it's time to move based on transportation considerations:
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How accessible are essential services and amenities from your location?
Are you within a convenient distance to shopping, restaurants, pharmacies, and medical facilities?
If you stop driving, will you be able to easily access these locations through alternative transportation options?
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What public transportation options are available in your area?
Does the location offer reliable and accessible public transportation?
Are there bus stops, train stations, or other public transit options nearby that can help you maintain your independence?
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Are there affordable and accessible alternative transportation options?
Have you considered the costs and availability of taxicabs, Uber, Lyft, or community transportation programs?
Are there volunteer transportation programs, Dial-a-ride, or assisted transportation services available in the area that could provide low-cost or no-cost options for your needs?
Does your medical care plan, like Medicare Advantage or Medicaid, cover any transportation services, and are these services available in your new location?
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Weather
When evaluating the geographic location of your home, consider how the climate will impact your health and daily life. Moving to a warmer climate can help you avoid snow and ice, but health conditions affecting breathing may be aggravated by extended periods of heat and humidity. Here are some questions to help you evaluate if it's time to move based on weather considerations:
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Will the climate in your new location support your health needs?
Do you have health conditions that could be aggravated by extreme heat and humidity, such as respiratory issues?
Would moving to a warmer climate help you avoid the risks and challenges associated with snow and ice?
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How will the weather impact your daily life and activities?
Will the climate in your location allow you to comfortably participate in outdoor activities you enjoy?
Are there indoor options for staying active and social during extreme weather conditions, whether it's heat, humidity, or cold?
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Can you handle the potential weather-related challenges of your new location?
Are you prepared for the costs and logistics of dealing with weather-related issues, such as air conditioning in hot climates or hurricane preparedness in coastal areas?
Will you have access to community resources and support systems to help you manage any weather-related emergencies or health concerns?

Economic Necessity
Most retirees are on a limited or fixed income, but there are still incidentals that are hard to predict, like health care costs, home repairs, and travel. Reducing your monthly expenses by moving into a smaller, less expensive space saves on mortgage payments, home insurance, and property taxes. It can also mean lower utility bills and repair costs. Here are some questions to help you evaluate if it's time to move based on economic necessity:
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Can you afford to stay in your home for the next five, 10, 20, or more years?
Are your current and projected retirement savings sufficient to cover the ongoing costs of maintaining your home?
Do you foresee any major expenses, such as health care costs or home repairs, that might strain your budget?
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Are your housing expenses greater than 30% of your income?
Is a significant portion of your monthly income going towards mortgage payments, property taxes, and home insurance?
Would downsizing to a smaller, less expensive home help reduce this financial burden?
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Do you have sufficient cash left at the end of the month?
Are you able to comfortably cover your monthly living expenses and still have money left over for savings, emergencies, and leisure activities?
Would moving to a more affordable home improve your financial stability and peace of mind?
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Do you want to convert home equity into income?
Would selling your current home and downsizing allow you to access the equity built up in your property?
Are you interested in using the proceeds from your home sale to supplement your retirement income or cover other expenses?
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Are you prepared for upcoming big-ticket repairs?
Are there significant maintenance or repair costs on the horizon for your current home, such as roof replacement, HVAC system updates, or major renovations?
Would moving to a newer or smaller home help you avoid these large, unpredictable expenses?
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By asking yourself these questions and considering each of these factors, you can make a more informed decision about whether it’s time to move and what to look for in a new home that will meet your needs.
Resources to Help with Older Adult Moves
Professionals, including certified financial planners and elder law attorneys, can help you navigate the many nuances of downsizing and aging in place and help you make the best decisions for your future. Here are some organizations and resources that can assist you in this process:
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Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS). CAPS are trained in home modifications for aging in place and certified by the National Association of Home Builders. They can help you adapt your home to meet your changing needs.
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National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC). This network connects older adults with service providers in healthcare, financial services, and home remodeling. They help older homeowners, their families, and caregivers successfully age in place.
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Habitat for Humanity Aging in Place Program. Through this program, older adults can get help aging at home in their chosen community. Habitat for Humanity works with human services organizations to meet individual needs, such as home repairs and modifications.
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National Association of Realtors (NAR). NAR offers education and certification for realtors working with older adults seeking to downsize. Look for a realtor with a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation for expertise in this area.
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Aging Life Care Association. This association represents Geriatric Care Managers (GCMs), who help older adults find resources to make their daily lives easier. GCMs can assist with care planning and coordination.
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Rebuilding Together. This organization offers services to make homes safer, including repairs and modifications to prevent falls and improve accessibility.
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National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM). Senior move managers from NASMM can oversee the entire moving process. They have expertise in helping older adults move and can be hired to assist with all aspects of the transition, including organizing and packing.
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National Council on Aging (NCOA). As a nonprofit advocacy and service organization, NCOA provides various practical resources and support services to help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life.
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By utilizing these resources, you can ensure a smoother and more manageable transition when deciding to downsize or move to a new home that better suits your needs.
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Moving is rarely a one-and-done decision. It’s a journey that requires ongoing reflection and adjustment. By understanding when and why it might be time to move, you can make informed choices that enhance your quality of life and ensure that your living situation continues to meet your needs. Stay tuned for the next post in our series, where we’ll explore different living options and how to choose the right one for you.
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