By Mary Shannon
Individuals often move after retiring. Perhaps they were forced to relocate for work and now want to return to their hometown to be closer to family or travel to a place with a warmer climate, less congestion, or more privacy. Many downsize to a smaller house or go to a place with a lower cost of living to account for a smaller income as part of their retirement plan.
If you are among those making a post-retirement move, you may be concerned that your new abode won’t quite feel right for a long time. However, taking a few steps can help you settle in and feel at home in no time — REAP presents these steps below.
Place Personal Touches
The best way to make a place yours is to personalize it. Redo the walls in a color that appeals to your tastes. Research shows that different colors affect chemicals in your brain, impacting your mood, productivity, and overall mental wellbeing. If you’re not sure what color you want to go with, greens and blues are known to promote peace and calm, white can help with mental clarity (and goes with just about any decor scheme), and yellow casts a cheerful aura on rooms.
If you aren’t particularly enthusiastic about painting, wallpaper is another option. You can even custom-design your own pattern. Consider an accent wall with a striking pattern or wall stickers. You can even create a wall of memories by placing a photograph collage on one. Place your favorite art pieces, knick-knacks, and other items that remind you of home around the house.
When you are unpacking, create a plan and a schedule. This will help you get done faster. Locate necessary items first and complete a single room before moving on to the rest.
Set Up Security Measures
Ensure you know where all entrances and exits are. Change the locks to safeguard against invaders and secure all the windows and doors. Consider a home security system. Set up carbon monoxide and fire alarms. Install outdoor lighting, while there is some debate on whether or not it actually deters crime, it does make it easier to spot potential burglars creeping across your lawn and can help prevent accidents by increasing visibility after dark. Introduce yourself to your neighbors. They can warn you in advance about any suspicious or abnormal activity you may not notice yourself since the place is so new to you.
Acquire Insurance
On average, homeowners insurance costs $150 per month, though the price varies by policy and company. Typical homeowners policies usually only cover structural damage, theft, and injuries you incur on your property. This means they don’t pay for broken home systems or appliances. If you want to be covered for those, you need a home warranty, which is an annual renewable contract.
Home warranties generally include heating, plumbing, electrical, and cooling system issues and the breakdown of certain covered appliances. There are many home warranty companies, be sure to check out home warranty reviews to locate the best one for your needs and budget. Also, note that most homeowners insurance policies do not include flood and earthquake coverage. You will need to invest in additional coverage if you want to be protected from those kinds of natural disasters.
Moving into a new house can be a daunting process. The new space can feel alien and uncomfortable. However, taking care of important tasks and imbuing the house with your own style can make it feel like home quickly.
REAP welcomes guest contributions. The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of REAP.
Photo credit: Pexels
Retirement & Estate Advisors & Professionals (REAP) is a professional firm designed to assist families in protecting their assets and maintaining their standard of living. Contact us to find out more! (855) 904-REAP
