Steps to Take Before Moving in Retirement

Moving to a new place for retirement may be attractive for many reasons. You may be looking to lower your living costs or just want to embrace your new freedom since you’re no longer tied to a job. Regardless of the reasons, we’re ready to help you relocate successfully. 

In the following article, we’ll give you basic steps to take before you move in for retirement so you can make the big step without much stress. 

Key Takeaways

• Set a realistic budget that includes different topics like climate, lifestyle, and means of transportation.

• Consider the cost of living and the access to different facilities, especially health care.

• Visit your shortlisted places at least for a few days to determine the best place for your retirement. 

Thoroughly Research Your New Location

You may think Florida is a great place just because you love vacationing there, but vacationing isn’t the same as living. Have you settled for a long period in Florida and dealt with temperatures over 100°F, mosquitos, and hurricanes? 

Before relocating to your new place, research as much as you can. You can also do a test run to see how it goes. In other words, live in a rented apartment for a few weeks or even months to get a better idea of what it’s like to live there. 

You can also ask the locals about their favorite things and what they don’t like about the place. 

Here are the top 3 things to research to ensure that place is what you need:

1. Cost of living: Analyze what your monthly expenses would be in that location. Remember to include housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation.
2. Medical care: Check for local health care options and what you’d need to do to see a family doctor or specialist.
3. Cultural and recreational options: Research local amenities like restaurants, shopping centers, and public transportation. We also recommend making sure the location supports your hobbies.

Compare Housing Costs in Your Desired Area

Many people have accumulated substantial home equity by the time they retire. Cashing in and buying a small house for retirement may free up funds in your budget. 

But don’t simply look at house prices. It’s critical to examine the total cost of housing, which includes property taxes and insurance. If you need a mortgage, you will most certainly pay a significantly higher interest rate than if you locked in a low-interest mortgage in the previous years.

Don’t overlook the association costs if you want to move to a condo or homeowner’s association. Also, evaluate the cost impact of a specific assessment.

Consider Your Pets in the Moving Plans

Many people retire with empty nests. However, your pets are also family members, so consider what it will mean for them if you retire.

If you’re moving into a condo or homeowner’s association, be sure you understand their pet policies. Many groups have breed or weight limitations that limit the number of pets you can own. Making a plan for pets is especially crucial if you’re retiring abroad, as relocating animals across borders can be difficult.

Plan and Execute Your Move Efficiently

Once you’ve decided on the best location from your shortlist, then you’re ready to arrange the move. Create a relocation plan, checklist, and budget to help you keep track of the process.

We also suggest creating a schedule for cleaning, purging, and packing your stuff. If you plan to sell or rent your house, switch your utilities and redirect your mail. Ask friends and family for help throughout the relocation to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

Once you’ve established your new surroundings, it’s time to relax and enjoy your golden years in the home you carefully selected.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Relocating for Retirement 

Although moving for retirement could seem like a dream come true, it’s crucial to be realistic, so let’s analyze its pros and cons

Pros

• You can save money by carefully selecting your location. Moving somewhere with reduced living costs and taxes may allow you to finance a more pleasant retirement.
• You can choose a community depending on the things that matter to you. Sometimes you end up living somewhere that isn’t your first choice due to job restrictions. However, when it comes to retirement, you can prioritize your lifestyle preferences.
• There’s always the chance that you won’t enjoy the place where you retire. During your working years, a move can imply moving careers or pulling your children out of school. However, if you relocate for retirement and realize you don’t enjoy your new home, you can try again without disrupting your life.

Cons

• Unless you move to a place close to your loved ones, relocating usually means spending less time with your family and friends. You may also spend more money if you plan to make frequent trips to your family’s home. 
• If you’ve just visited your retirement destination for vacation, it can be difficult to determine whether it’s a decent place to live.
• You might not save as much money as you thought when you downsize. Some states like Florida and Arizona, have long been considered economical retirement choices, but have faced an increase in out-of-state transplants. 

Remember to consider these factors before planning your move to guarantee a peaceful process that aligns with your needs during retirement.

Hire Professional Movers for a Stress-Free Move

If you’re ready to plan your retirement move, then be sure to contact professional local movers in Los Angeles, as they’re the best choice to relocate your belongings without any risk of damage. Don’t take the movers for granted and avoid doing the whole moving process by yourself, as it could complicate things. Hire expert movers for this task so you can focus on enjoying your upcoming years in your dream place! 

This blog post was written by A to Z Valleywide Movers, a professional moving company in Arizona that offers different moving services for residential and commercial clients, including packing, relocating, and storage.