Did you know that one-third of people relocate after the age of 65?
There’s something to be said about hitting the wide open road, whether it’s new possibilities, old drama left behind, or simply the promise of bluebird skies and warmer weather.
Moving after retirement is also a great way to simplify life by ridding yourself of material things, and reassessing what’s truly important to you. However, to save yourself some aggravation, it’s important to examine why you want to move.
Before you pack your bags, consider some of the challenges that could come up along the way.
The Emotional Costs of Moving
Leaving one’s hometown, extended family and friends can be lonely. In retrospect, my mom Kathy says she’s found moving to be harder than she thought, “with advancing age, even when going into it with my eyes wide open.”
It can be a real draw to move closer to family, but complications may arise when you live near someone after so many years spent independently apart.
Changing Healthcare Plans Takes Time
If you want to have a seamless transition between providers as you move and change health insurance plans, start planning early. It’s also a good idea to examine the cost differential of insurance in your new residence and your proximity to care facilities.
Before relocating, consult your new health care providers, have testing done and refill prescriptions. By selecting new providers, and dialing in appointments prior to moving, you’ll decrease your stress and worry.
When you move, bring digital or paper records from your previous providers with you, along with your current list of medications.
Buying and Selling a Home Isn’t Always Easy
A house is more than a home. Leaving a home you’ve lived in for decades can be emotionally challenging: be sure you’re ready to leave its comfort and familiar surroundings.
Before you move, place a magnifying glass on your finances. Downsizing your home may or may not be financially beneficial. And decluttering can be a time-consuming process.
Ease into Change with a Vacation Rental
If you’re not 100% sure about where to live when you retire, it may be in your best interest to “try it on first.” Vacation rentals found through VRBO, FlipKey or HomeAway are great places to start. By staying a week, or a month or two, you may confirm your suspicions—or seal the deal for a successful move.
