Once the kids go off to college, most people will start thinking about downsizing. While it may seem a little early to think about what life will be like post-retirement, the home you live in today will impact your options years down the road.

As you get close to post-retirement, your tasked with making a big decision. Do you remodel to age in place so that you can stay put? Or do you move to a senior-centric community that can accommodate your changing needs as you age? The answers to these questions are always the same: Aging Americans prefer the idea of avoiding assisted living facilities in favor of living at home. Wouldn’t you?

 

The dilemmas facing aging Americans today

According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University (JCHS) “Within 20 years, one in five Americans—almost 80 million people—will be older than 65 … they will want to remain in the current homes for as long as possible.”

However, the study goes on to reveal that today’s homes and neighborhoods, and supportive social services are not ready to accommodate the natural desire to stay in one’s home.

If you or anyone you know is over the age of 75, you’ll understand this concept: As we age, our homes gain importance in our physical and emotional lives. It can feel like a marriage for some: until death do us part. More Americans are remodeling to age instead of moving to downsize because it gives them more control over their space and comfort.

 

Is the home you live in today, the right size for the house you’ll live in tomorrow?

You may love your home—maybe you raised your kids there and have fond memories of family gatherings over holidays and other cherished events. Ask any realtor, who will gladly tell you, there is a ton of sentimental value associated with homes. Unfortunately, emotional equity does not get factored into a home’s market value.

However, if you are remodeling to age in place, it is a win-win. You get daily reminders of all that you love about your home and the comfort and safety of remaining there through your latter years. But there are few things to consider before mature adults and seniors decide to invest in a home remodel.

Is your current home located in a walkable neighborhood? A walkable neighborhood not only features a short distance to shopping, dining, groceries, and parks, but it also features good lighting and safe, well-maintained sidewalks.

If your home is centrally located near these types of amenities, then remodeling to age in place could very well be sound investment. Walkable neighborhoods are a highly desirable amenity that increase home values.  

But if you or a loves one are telling yourselves, our neighborhood isn’t really walkable but we’re near a bus stop! Think again. As a senior citizen, taking a bus can be fraught with all types of challenges.

 

How to decide if remodeling to age in place is the right choice

You want your home to be easy to take care of—even managing landscapers and other types of household help can become burdensome as we age. Here are some things post-retirement families need to consider before starting a remodeling project:

• Does your home have a sprawling green lawn? Are you prepared to maintain it?
• When was the roof last replaced on your home? You may need to factor this and other “hidden” expenses into your remodeling cost.
• Is your home a single-story layout, with no entry stairs? If your master bedroom is not on the main floor, can you convert a bedroom on the main floor to accommodate you and or your spouse?
• Your remodeling costs may include new flooring. If so, ensure that thresholds are flush with the floor to make using a walker or wheelchair safer.
• As we age, our eyes continue to age as well. Before you begin your remodel, gather some inspiration then consult with an interior designer to determine if your home has plenty of lighting.
• A must-have in any remodeling to age in place project: a walk-in shower with a seat or a walk-in bathtub with a wide door.

 

Other things to consider when remodeling a home for senior living include installing extra handrails to outdoor and indoor stairs, adding non-slip surfaces to the bathtub and shower to prevent falls, and building easy-to-reach storage spaces.

Whether you’ve lived in your home for 25 years and are remodeling to age in place to live there another 25 years or you plan to move around to accommodate your changing needs, we understand that either choice is a life transition.

If you decide that it’s time to downsize or remodel your home to age in place, we’re here to help you through the process. Our storage facilities are designed to make life transitions a little less stressful.

Conveniently located with the latest security features, are just two reasons why our customers return time and again when they need an affordable storage solution. Contact one of our friendly Property Managers to learn more.

 

When your children share a bedroom it can go in two directions. A shared bedroom can either be a source of endless fighting, or it can lead to good memories and bonding between siblings. Can you prevent one and encourage the other? Is it even possible to influence your kids’ relationship?  In a word, yes. Continue reading “Tips for Keeping the Peace when your Children Share a Bedroom”

 

On a tight budget this February? No problem! Valentine’s Day is about love, not money. With a little time and creativity, you can create a Valentine’s Day experience that shows your love without breaking the bank.

In fact, a tight budget can sometimes be a blessing in disguise. It can make you more romantic, as you create more thoughtful gifts and experiences. Instead of buying something mass-produced, you put time and effort into something personal. After all, something free or cheap can still be special. Continue reading “How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day On A Tight Budget”

 

Summer is a popular season for moving, but what’s cheaper, buying a house in the summer or winter? Summer is a popular time for moving and house hunting, but is it really the best season for buying a house? Continue reading “Which is Cheaper, Buying a House in the Winter or Summer?”

 

Knowing where and how to hide Christmas presents can be difficult if you have smart kids. They’re sharp enough to pick up on little clues, and they have enough time during the holidays to snoop out any poorly hidden gifts. Figuring out how to hide big Christmas presents from these dedicated, clever kids gets harder every year.

Motivated by excitement, curiosity, or the challenge of discovering your hiding spots, they can be relentless in their search. Need help outsmarting them? Here are some tips to keep your holiday presents a secret.

Continue reading “How to Hide Big (and Small) Christmas Presents from Clever Kids”

 

Today, Labor Day is a magical 3-day-weekend when we get to take a day off work, watch sports, travel to a new town, and barbecue with family and friends. But what do we really know about the history of Labor Day? Continue reading “Fascinating Facts About Labor Day to Impress Your Friends and Family”

 

Moving with kids can be a big challenge. On the one hand, you need to focus on getting everything done for the move. Tackling a seemingly endless to-do list of things to organize and pack may seem overwhelming. However, at the same time, you need to think about your kids and their emotions as they work through the change.

To help you strike a balance between moving and parenting, read through this guide and note anything that’s important for your situation. Continue reading “The Ultimate Guide to Moving with Kids”