Downsizing strategies for a successful post-retirement move
Bill and Carlyn Reed are downsizing pros, after having done it a few times prior to moving into their current home at the Spanish Cove Retirement Village in Yukon.
When the Reeds got married they built a 3,300-square-foot house in Edmond. A few years ago, they moved into a smaller home. Eventually, to make things easier and less stressful, they moved into a Life-Care Retirement Community they now call home.
Along the way, they learned a lot of valuable lessons, one of which was that downsizing does not have to be overwhelming if it is done right.
“Know what’s important to you. Do some research and make sure you have an estate sale person you trust,” Carlyn recommended.
They learned that it was worth it to use a company that handles everything, from start to finish, even if that meant it cost a little more.
“When we moved to Spanish Cove and left that house, it was ready for the new owner to move in,” Carlyn said.
Bill added that he had heard of people who had negative experiences downsizing. Therefore, it was important to find a company with great references.
It was a big step, but the Reeds don’t look back. They wanted a life in which they could focus on the things they enjoyed — and they found that at Spanish Cove.
“This is 875 square feet and it has everything we need,” Carlyn said about their apartment.
They consciously parted with a collection of possessions they had accumulated over a lifetime.
“I had a lot of collections. I owned 12 sets of china, a doll collection, a basket collection. … You think your kids will love your stuff the way you do, but they don’t,” Carlyn said.
In fact, only a few items went to their kids — some tools, sentimental items, a few furnishings and antiques. The Reeds picked their favorites and parted with the rest.
“I didn’t want to have a storage unit,” Bill said. “We were ready to downsize and we did it.”
Occasionally, Carlyn will think of a favorite serving platter or another piece from her collection.
“But to say we miss those things? We really don’t,” she said.
Today, the Reeds are still as happy as they were five years ago when they made the decision to move to Spanish Cove.
“The thing that makes Spanish Cove so special is the staff and the residents,” Carlyn said. “We’re just one big family. We laugh together, we pray together, we cry together and we help each other.”
She doesn’t miss the big house.
“Even though our places are smaller, we have a gym, an indoor heated saltwater swimming pool, an art room. I go line dancing. They have tai chi and yoga,” she said.
Bill enjoys woodworking and gardening. He doesn’t need his old tools because Spanish Cove has a shop and provides the gear.
With home maintenance covered and a Life Care plan in place in case health issues arise, the Reeds are fully committed to enjoying their retirement.
“They do everything for you, so all you have to do is have fun,” Carlyn said.
“Living in a place like this is like being on vacation 24/7,” Bill added.
Downsizing after a lifetime of accumulating possessions can be daunting. Jill Huff, Spanish Cove’s director of Marketing, has helped senior adults downsize since 1995 and one thing remains true, she said.
“People who embrace it joyfully are much happier.”
People tell Huff that downsizing actually helped them worry less, she said.
“The two main reasons people downsize include their desire to have the freedom from upkeep and maintenance associated with homeownership and that they want lifetime Life Care. They don’t want their children or family to have to worry about what to do if their health changes and what to do with all their stuff. The residents I help are planners and want to make their own decisions,” she said.
Seniors experience many positive benefits of downsizing, such as improved health because of less stress associated with upkeep and maintenance.
Having a plan is key though.
“We help people with the downsizing process,” Huff said. “Spanish Cove Retirement Village has been in business since 1974 and we have professionals that residents have referred to us and we share this information with people as they begin the downsizing process.”
Doing it right does require some preparation, and that’s why Spanish Cove has assembled a panel of experts to educate the public. Spanish Cove will host a seminar focused on downsizing on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m. on the Yukon campus.
Panelist Anja Mottern of OKC Moves is a professional move manager specializing in retirement moves and has helped many seniors to “let it go.” Another panelist, Marie Breshears of M&M Estate Services, is a professional estate liquidator. She will share how to prepare for an estate sale and how to choose companies to help.
The event is moderated by Nikki Buckelew of Buckelew Realty with Keller Williams Platinum — a downsizing coach and certified senior housing professional.
“Downsizing doesn’t need to be so overwhelming,” Buckelew said. “It’s similar to ‘eating an elephant’ in that you approach it one bite at a time. When you know which bites to take and in what order, it can actually be pretty easy.”
Buckelew said the trick is to break the process down into manageable steps.
“Once completed, downsizing from a big home or yard to a smaller one is actually very freeing. People often comment that they wish they had done it sooner,” she said.
Lunch and tours will follow the presentation. Register at 405-3545906 or visit www.spanishcove.com for information.
This article is sponsored by Spanish Cove Retirement Village.