Are you not sure how to get started on housing decisions for aging well? Have you felt overwhelmed trying to decide whether you stay home or make a move to something smaller or more maintenance free? You may be unsure about options to consider or worried about which option is best for you.
Many of the clients I work with just don’t know where to start – they feel stuck or overwhelmed or lack the confidence to make their own decision. If you are feeling the same way, you aren’t along. I want to share 3 easy strategies to help get you started towards making a housing decision and confidently plan for your future!
#1. Just Start…Researching
The best way to stop feeling stuck is to just start. Start little but doing some research. If not sure if you should downsize to a condo – then research condo living and condo buildings you may want to move to. Considering renovating your home to age in place, then call in some contractors for quotes. If you are thinking of moving to retirement living, then arrange some tours to explore what residences you may enjoy.
Whatever you do – just start researching. Your mind will be more at ease when you have factual information. Letting your mind wander with ‘what if’s’ and the unknown just causes worry. Begin discovering facts.
Along the way, don’t get caught up with opinions of family and friends – they aren’t the one living with the choice you make. So truly look at the choice you want to make, and what is best for you!
#2. Give Yourself a Timeline
If you don’t have a timeline, you don’t have a plan…you have a dream. Plan how many days, weeks or months you’ll give yourself to do the research. Then plan how much time you’ll give yourself to do tours or get contractor estimates. Next plan a time you will have fully reviewed your finances. Finally give yourself a deadline when you will make a decision about the best housing choice for you and when you will take action on that choice. Most housing choices we need to make are not urgent. There is seldom a right or wrong decision. So set a deadline for when you will make a decision and stick with it. My clients are often so relieved to have a timeline to work with.
#3. Be Confident to Pick a Choice
When you do make a decision, be confident in your decision. You need to have confident in your ability to make decisions for your future. Many times I find older adults starting to doubt their decision making ability. Ultimately you know what you need and want most in the world – trust your ability to make that decision. You’ve made it many decades by making many hard decisions for yourself, don’t let anything shatter your confidence in yourself.
If you still nee more guidance to get started on housing decisions for aging well, then register for upcoming online/phone in seminars to get FREE information to help you research options for your future.
I know you’ll make a wonderful choice as you plan for your future. Just don’t stay stuck – work on finding a way to move forward in small steps – whether it is researching your options, setting a timeline or having the confidence in the decision you make. Each of these steps is critical to you being successful at putting your housing plan into action.
Share Your Thoughts – in the comment section below share which of these 3 items has been the hardest for you in making plans for your future.
