The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines “aging in place” as an ability to continue living in “one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” Ideally, if older adults are able to find affordable, accessible and suitable housing options, they could potentially “age in place” – allowing them to remain in the same community for the rest of their lives.

Whether they are staying in the same neighborhood or relocating, many seniors now find themselves looking to purchase a new home. If you (or a loved one) are one of those seniors, read on for some helpful advice.

Purchasing a New Home

You’re only as old as you feel. Rather than renting or moving in with their children, many active and healthy seniors are interested in living independently for as long as possible. In fact, many of them are even purchasing their own dream homes during their Golden Years.

If you’re looking to purchase a new home during your retirement, congratulations! Of course, at any age, there are some important things to consider before buying a home. Experts recommend creating estimates of your cash flow needs, comparing to the relative home prices in your community, and considering the unexpected costs of home maintenance, homeowners insurance, property taxes, and more.

Emotional Challenges

In addition to the financial challenges of purchasing a new home, you should also listen to how you feel. Does the idea of owning your own home really light you up? Does the thought of leaving your current home make you sad? Do you feel heartbroken at the thought of downsizing your belongings? Moving is an emotional time, especially if you’ve lived in the same location for decades. It can be helpful to surround yourself with loved ones during the move. This can help you process any unexpected emotions that might come to the surface.

Finding Assistance

Many people have family members and other loved ones that they can call for assistance with moving. However, sometimes it is best to ask professionals for assistance with your big move. This can help ensure things go according to plan. A stress-free moving day will allow you to get settled easier, so you can start enjoying your new home.

In addition to hiring a professional moving crew to avoid any potential injuries or damages, you might also consider hiring professionals to assist you with planning furniture layouts and floor plans for your new home; organizing and sorting your household items; and selling your current home. You can also hire professionals to help you unpack your belongings after your move.

During and After the Move

Don’t feel like you need to do everything yourself during your move. It will greatly benefit your safety and your sanity if you have help. Just be sure to clearly and proactively communicate with anyone who helps you the day of your move. This can reduce the risks of injuries and – hopefully – avoid any damages to your beloved items.

After the move, you may want to consider ways that you can keep your new home less cluttered, to make it easier to maintain. This is especially true if you are downsizing into a smaller home. If that’s the case, you might consider moving unused items into storage – especially if you have items that you may not be ready to part with or do not immediately need.

This is a very exciting time in your life, and the decision to move into your dream home during retirement can have a positive impact on your Golden Years. By following the advice listed above, you’ll be on the right track for a safe and hassle-free move that allows you to quickly, easily become settled into your new home. Good luck!