Moving to a Rental in Retirement? 5 Tips for Success

Many retirees decide to move after they leave their full-time jobs. But while some move to a different — or often, smaller — house, others choose to rent temporarily or permanently. If moving to a rental is part of your retirement plan, read on to learn about five important tips to make it a success.

1. Purge, but Not Too Much

Purging stuff when one moves is a time-honored tradition. It's practical and allows you to rid your home of stuff that you don't need, want, or use. Retirees should definitely purge before moving to a rental, as rentals are often smaller than their houses. Start with the easy things, like items related to your job, commuting, or home maintenance. 

However, don't go overboard with purging at this point. As you start a new chapter, you may have a lot of new feelings and want to get rid of many things so you can start fresh. But emotionally-charged purging can be dangerous. You should take a more conservative approach, especially at the beginning. 

2. Don't Over-Customize

One of the biggest advantages of renting in retirement is its flexibility. You can easily pack up and move to a new unit, go from an apartment to a house (or vice versa), or even relocate to a new area. Maintain this flexibility by not customizing too much based solely on the first apartment or rental you move into.

For example, what if the entire living room furniture set doesn't fit properly into the layout of your new living room? Rather than get rid of the extra pieces, try to use them in more creative ways throughout the house — such as additional seating in bedrooms or a side table in the hallway. This way, you'll still have these items if you decide to move to a new place with a different layout. 

3. Consider Storage

What if you're downsizing significantly and your stuff simply won't all fit in your new abode? Should you purge more ruthlessly? Retirement is a big transition and often an emotional one. Getting rid of everything to fit into a particular small apartment could result in a lot of regrets.

Instead, use an off-site storage unit to hold what won't comfortably fit. This allows you to hedge your bets, waiting to see how this rental works out and how much you actually need as you actually move into retirement. 

4. Get Moving Help

By not sinking your home sale profit into a new house, you should have more to budget for professional moving help. This is particularly important if you're retiring due to health concerns or have lived in the same house for many years (accumulating more stuff than you might expect).

You can tailor the moving help to the exact amount and types of assistance you need. Work with them to pack some or all of your belongings, disassemble or reassemble some items, handle the actual transport, and even help set up furnishings afterward. And by finding a quality moving service now, you'll save time and money if you decide to move again in the near future. 

5. Know Your New Place

The more familiar you are with your new living space, the faster and less stressful your move will be. If possible, measure the rooms, walls, and windows. Compare this to your furnishings. Look for things that may complicate the actual move, like parking issues or narrow hallways. Take photos and videos to help with planning. And make backup plans if you're not sure about any large furniture. 

Where to Start

Whether renting is a last-minute retirement decision or one you've planned for years, navigating the move can be difficult. Get help by consulting with the moving pros at Helping Hands Movers. We'll assist you with all your moving needs no matter how large or how small. Call today to learn more.