Downsizing must-haves for seniors
By Korey Welch, Owner of Boom Realty
and Senior Mortgage Broker, Loan Factory
Downsizing doesn’t have to feel like a loss. It can feel like a grand adventure and an exploration of your heart’s desire.
Here are some whimsical “must-haves” for seniors as they feather their smaller-yet-smarter nest:
The magic measuring wand (a.k.a. tape measure). Before the beloved armoire takes a victory lap to the new place, check that it can actually fit through the front door. Nothing deflates moving day like discovering your couch is Cinderella at midnight – too big for the ball.
A treasure chest of essentials. Not everything can come along for the ride. Curate a box of “first-night musts”– favorite mug, cozy blanket, prescription meds, slippers that know your feet like old friends, and perhaps a cheeky stash of chocolate.
The Hall of Fame collection. Keep only the best stories: A handful of photos, that quilt Grandma stitched, the book you’ve read so many times the pages have become confetti. Downsizing is less about losing things and more about giving VIP status to what matters most.
The Goldilocks chair. Your body deserves a throne. Find a chair that’s not too tall, not too squishy, but just right for naps, TV marathons, and storytelling. Bonus points if it reclines like a friendly butler.
Light, light, and more light. In smaller spaces, lighting is everything. Think cheerful lamps, glowing night lights, and maybe even a dramatic spotlight for when you feel like performing your one-person show. (“Welcome to tonight’s reading of The Grandkids Don’t Call Enough!”)
A bit of greenery. Plants are quiet roommates that don’t borrow the remote. A sunny window deserves a potted pal – bonus if it’s low-maintenance, like a succulent or a peace lily.
A playlist of joy. Music shrinks no space. Whether it’s big-band swing, Motown, or ’70s rock anthems, a speaker that fills the room with song makes even a tiny kitchen feel like a dance hall.
Hobbies in a box. The key is portability: Knitting supplies in a basket, crossword books in a drawer, jigsaw puzzles in a neat stack. Small home, yes – but still room for big fun.
Tech that doesn’t misbehave. A phone or tablet that’s simple enough to answer without a Ph.D. in rocket science. Essential for keeping in touch, scrolling baby photos, and Googling “Do houseplants like jazz?”
A dash of whimsy. A quirky lamp, a wall of silly family photos, a jar labeled “Cookie Emergency Fund.” A smaller home deserves a sense of humor – because really, life is more fun with a wink.
Choosing a senior housing option is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of personal preferences, health needs, and financial factors. As a 25-year veteran of both the mortgage and real estate industries, I understand the complexities involved in making these transitions. My goal is to help individuals and families make informed decisions that promote quality of life, independence, and peace of mind throughout the aging journey.
If you’re considering selling a home as part of this process, I offer professional real estate services at a listing commission of just 1% – a structure that can save sellers tens of thousands of dollars. I’m here to help every step of the way.
Korey Welch, Owner of Boom Realty and Senior Mortgage Broker (NMLS: 14991) with Loan Factory (NMLS: 320841), is a licensed mortgage broker/real estate broker based in Rockland. For more than two decades, Korey has been helping seniors determine the best fit. For a complimentary consultation, contact him at korey@koreywelch.com, 781-367-3351.
If you have questions about building an ADU, navigating local zoning, or how it might affect your property value, I’m always happy to help. As a 25-year veteran of the real estate and mortgage business, I bring deep experience and a personal touch to every conversation.
