Living your most illuminated retirement means going for what you’ve always wanted, and for many that can mean putting together a moving checklist, seeking out retirement relocation tips, and moving to the home of your dreams. If you don’t know where to start, this blog will provide you with a moving checklist for retirees, packing tips, retirement relocation tips, moving tips, and guidance for any retiree contemplating moving to another state.
In general, the most important moving tip that we give people is to examine the move from the following three perspectives: finances, emotions, and logistics.
The first of our retirement relocation tips is to consider if it makes sense from a financial perspective. Have you examined how this move would fit into your financial plan? Think about such questions as:
There are of course more dimensions to consider that can only be determined by an in depth look at your finances. But the numbers aren’t the only factor in play…
As our second retirement relocation tips, we’d advise you to consider the emotional implications of a move. How will this impact relationships with other people in your life, such as a spouse, kids, grandchildren, and close friends. For example, consider what the cost of airfare or travel will be. Or, what if you wind up needing your family’s support as you age? Lastly, what about the emotional impact it may have – are people going to resent you for the separation anxiety it could cause?
Also think about the community you are moving into. Are these the kind of people you want to be spending time with?
The move has to make emotional sense from a relationship perspective. Retirement is a period of life where you should be illuminated by the relationships you’ve created, and the ones you have the potential to create while retired.
There is a slew of practical matters to consider, and looking at them in depth is our third and final category of retirement relocation tips. Your safety is the most important consideration. Will you have to get a security system? Talk to people who live there already.
Also think about what resources the new location will offer. If you were to become physically impaired, will it still be as easy to get around? Are you required to drive or are there public resources that you can access if you can’t? This may be a time when practical options are better.
If all of this has you coming up with question marks, take our life transition survey. It may give you a clearer idea of what the important things are to keep in mind as you consider each retirement relocation tip.
It may seem like an obvious retirement relocation tip, but we’ll say it anyways: simpler is better. You may have the urge to pack it all up and take it with you. This brings us to the first of our packing tips for moving in retirement: less is more!
Now is the time to make room for new experiences and adventures in your life! It’s easy to do, but as a packing tip we advise you to try not to clutter your surroundings with relics of the past that may or may not convey all the emotional value you need them to.
As you clear out the clutter, keep these packing tips for moving in retirement in mind:
If all of this is overwhelming to you, as a packing tip for moving in retirement we advise you to just take it slowly. Go room by room or even drawer by drawer. This process should be natural and relieving, not painful and stressful. Allow yourself extra time – get started early – to make sure you don’t feel like you have to rush important decisions about what to keep and what to take with you.
And to that end, we’ve prepared a moving checklist for retirees that will help you leave no stone unturned – from start to finish as you plan your move.
This moving check list for retirees has many elements in common with a moving checklist for non-retired people. However, there are certain elements that are directly specific to the lives of people who are retired or about to retire, namely:
Weather, taxes, or just the allure of a new, exciting place can all be reasons for moving to another state in retirement. Here’s our moving out of state checklist if this is something you are considering doing.
First, look at your finances.
Other general tips for moving out of state in retirement involve your general expenses and standard of living. Will there be a cost of living adjustment? If so, have you factored this into your financial planning?
Lastly, remember that you’ll probably have to update your driver’s license. Some states give you only a month while others are more lenient. You’ll also have to change your car’s registration and insurance to the new state. Check out the guide from the DMV which has specific instructions for each state.
Packing to move in retirement can be a stressful experience or a time of great exploration, excitement, and the start of a very illuminated time in life. It is a time to be treasured. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the financial aspects of moving to another state in retirement or packing to move in general, we hope that our retirement relocation tips and moving checklist for retirees have provided you with enough insight. If not, please kindly reach out to us and let us know how else we can help!