Settling Into Your New House as a Retiree
Settling Into Your New House as a Retiree
Written by Medina James
Retirement is an exciting time full of new opportunities. For many people, it’s a time to downsize and simplify their lives. This can mean moving to a smaller house or even downsizing to an apartment or condo. If you're one of the many people making a post-retirement move, consider these tips from The Lake Life Realty Team about how to quickly and happily adjust to your new house, so it feels like home.
Create a Comfortable and Clean Office Space
If you're working from home part-time, it's essential to create a comfortable and clean office space. This will help you be productive and avoid distractions. Start by decluttering your workspace. Get rid of any knick-knacks or unnecessary clutter. Then, deep clean your office so it's fresh and inviting. Once your office is clutter-free and clean, add some personal touches like photos or art to make it feel like yours.
Here are a few other tips for ensuring your office fits the bill:
- Choose a comfortable chair with good back support.
- Place your computer monitor at eye level to avoid neck strain.
- Use a laptop stand or an external keyboard and mouse to reduce neck and shoulder strain.
- Make sure your office is well-lit and that you have plenty of fresh air circulating.
- Take regular breaks to move your body and get some fresh air.
Decorate Your New Home on a Budget
One of the best parts about downsizing is that you don't need as much stuff! This means you can save money on decorating your new home. Take inventory of what you already have and decide what you need and what you can live without.
When shopping for new furniture and décor, look for sales and clearance items. You can also find great deals at second-hand stores or online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
Tackle Essential Home Maintenance Tasks
After you move into your new home, Home Buyer explains that there are some essential maintenance tasks that you'll need to handle right away. These include changing the filters in your furnace and air conditioner, assessing the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, testing the GFCI outlets in your kitchen and bathroom, and checking the expiration dates on your fire extinguishers. Taking care of these tasks now will help you avoid problems down the road.
Install Smart Home Technology
One of the surest ways to make your life easier after a post-retirement move is to install some smart home technology. A smart thermostat, smart lights, and a smart security system can go a long way in improving your everyday life. These technologies can help you save money on your utility bills, keep your home more secure, and make your life more convenient overall.
Protect Your Home and Your Investment
Many people swear by their extended product warranties on their cell phones, televisions, and computers, but they don’t think about applying that practice to their homes. Home insurance is a great start, but it doesn’t cover large system failures, like busted plumbing or an HVAC unit that’s on its last leg. A home warranty, on the other hand, does. This coverage is even more important if the home you bought is older. Go here to find out more about what kind of coverage you could get for your new home, so that you aren’t faced with a big expense after moving in. You can look for policies that cover specifically what you anticipate needing over the next year.
Get To Know Your New Neighbors
Meeting your neighbors and forming new friendships will help you settle into your new home quickly. Attend community events, introduce yourself when you see someone out walking their dog, or invite your neighbors over for a cup of coffee. Getting involved in your community will help you feel more connected to your new home and add fulfillment to your daily life, explains Giving Compass.
Here are some tips for engaging in a meaningful conversation with a new person:
- Introduce yourself and make small talk.
- Ask about their day or what they're working on.
- Share information about yourself and what you're interested in.
- Be friendly and welcoming, and smile!
If you’re looking to join a warm and welcoming community in New Hampshire, let The Lake Life Realty Team help you to find the perfect place.
Settle into Your New Home and Neighborhood
Making a post-retirement move can be exhilarating, but it requires you to prepare and take actionable steps to adjust. Remember to create a comfortable workspace, explore budget-friendly decor, handle essential home maintenance tasks, and find the right home warranty to protect your new investment. Before long, your new house will feel like you’ve lived in it for years!