You have been working hard all your life, building a secure future and achieving your present lifestyle. Letting go of it would test your mental strength and require proper planning.
Many of you might be living in the house of your dreams, but it might be a tedious task on days to clean the unused bedrooms or the large drawing area or even climb up the stairs.
In a recent article, Business Insider featured Deborah Frieden and her husband who had been living in a three-bedroom single-family house for the last 36 years. But now in their early 70s, they feel they won’t be able to garden or climb several sets of stairs every day.
In such scenarios, you know it is time to move to a smaller home or a mobile home community. But how do you do that? Read on as we cover all aspects related to downsizing for seniors in Florida.
Why Downsize and Move to a Smaller Home?
For seniors who stay by themselves, downsizing their home is a fitting option. Some of the common reasons to downsize are:
Financial situations
According to a Bankrate survey, 56% of American workers feel they are lagging in terms of retirement savings. If you’re looking to boost your savings post-retirement, downsizing your home could be a smart move. This decision could lead to lower insurance premiums, reduced mortgages, decreased property taxes, and potentially lower rental costs.
Ease of accessibility
Your present house might feel too big now that your kids have gone out for higher education or jobs and stay elsewhere. It might be a good idea to move to a smaller home where the ease of moving around is better.
In such a case, a single-stored house can be preferable when compared to a duplex. For seniors with mobility issues, it can be a more pressing situation to move from a larger home to a smaller place with better accessibility.
Simplify lifestyle
You must have accumulated belongings over the years, which you can decide to keep or give away, reducing the clutter in your life. It can help you to reduce the stress.
Access to better amenities and communities
You can opt for better amenities than you already have and, hence, move to a smaller home within a community with better amenities and more people of your age to interact with.
Lower maintenance hassle
Downsizing to a smaller home would also mean that you lower maintenance requirements and hence enjoy more freedom.
Prioritizing safety and health
A larger home can be hazardous for seniors living alone and those with mobility issues due to age. You might decide to downsize your home to reduce such safety and health hazards associated with larger houses.
Advantages of Downsizing Homes for Retirees
If you view it this way, downsizing is more about right-sizing. Here are the various benefits it brings:
Reduced cost of living
Now that you are about to retire, you can choose to reduce your cost of living to balance your reduced fixed income. Downsizing your home can help you with it.
Getting rid of the extra square footage
You can get rid of the extra square footage in your home that is practically unused by moving to smaller homes where you can utilize the whole area.
Financial freedom
According to a professional organizer, storing items in your home can cost around $15 per square foot per year on average. This cost includes factors like the space these items take up, any fees for storage you might incur, and the costs of cleaning out or organizing your belongings. Downsizing can help you achieve financial freedom post-retirement.
Improving accessibility and safety
Downsizing would ensure that you move to the right-sized home where there is no restriction to your accessibility and there are no safety or health hazards associated with it compared to larger multi-storied homes.
Helps to reduce clutter
Getting rid of unnecessary items and keeping only the things you need will help you reduce clutter in your downsized home to promote a more organized place and more control over your surroundings.
Downsizing Tips for Seniors
If you are planning to downsize your home in Florida, here are easy-to-follow downsizing tips that will help you prepare better:
1. Take your time
Downsizing might sound simple, but it will take a long time to sort things out. Have ample time in hand before you make your move. Start packing and sorting through your belongings well in advance.
Understand that your lifetime’s possessions need to be sorted into priorities that might not just be a time-consuming procedure but will also be emotionally challenging for you. Do not rely on the last minute to complete your packing.
2. Make a plan
Plan your timelines well in advance to ensure you have your downsized home in time to move your possessions without rushing through it. You need to get used to the idea of moving to a new place, and you get time to seep in all the information and the change.
According to Senior Services of America, start by creating a detailed list of all your belongings. This will help you determine what you’re willing to part with and prioritize what you want to keep, making the downsizing process much smoother.
Here are some key details to keep in mind before you start packing boxes:
Get familiar with the floor plans of your new place.
Take measurements to ensure your furniture fits through doorways and elevators.
Check for any specific community policies that might affect your move-in process.
Once you have these logistics sorted out, consider the following questions:
Who will be helping you with the move?
What items are you planning to move with you?
When is your move-in date?
Where is your new home located, and what are the best directions to get there?
Having answers to these questions will help you plan and execute your downsizing and move more efficiently.
3. Take pictures of the current setup
You can take pictures of the current setup. If not all, your favorite spots at least. It will help you recreate them in your newly downsized home.
4. Organize your belongings
Organize your belongings concerning their priorities, emotional and sentimental values, utility, and any other reason you may be involved. Box them up and label them accordingly. You can get rid of the items that do not have any value to you, that you do not plan to use, or that you decide to discard. It would help you declutter your newly downsized house, considering there would be comparatively less space there.
5. Have the floor plan handy
Having the floor plan handy while downsizing will help you decide on the position of your larger items so that you do not have to move them multiple times after settling in. Based on your floor plan, you will be able to take a call on which larger items are essential and which ones you can get rid of.
6. Begin with smaller items
Smaller items are likely to take more time to pack, so start with them first. If you start with smaller items, you will have ample time to decide if you wish to discard any of them or want to carry them with you to your downsized home.
7. Utilize the ‘one-year’ rule
You can utilize the one-year rule if you have not used an item in the past year, you are likely not to use it ever. It will be safe to say that you can discard it and not hoard it in your new downsized home.
8. Label your boxes
When you pack your items, label the boxes correctly. Make sure you keep the boxes for each room or each purpose separate. It will ensure that you do not have to work through all the boxes to find a specific item, instead, you know just where to find them.
9. Digitizing photos and letters
Digitizing memories can be a good idea to save some space in your downsized house. It saves them forever and ensures that they do not get damaged at any point.
10. Keep documents and essential items handy
Keep a separate bag for essential items such as sleepwear, medication, toiletries, kitchen, cleaning, and meal supplies. It will ensure that you do not struggle to find them as soon as you move into your new home, giving you time to relax and unpack your belongings.
While all this might sound overwhelming, it is easier to accomplish when you have a checklist by your side. You can download a comprehensive downsizing checklist from The Zebra.
Downsize Your Home Now!
It might be a challenging task to downsize your home and leave the place that you have called home.
However, if you can think it through, decide well in advance, and give yourself enough time to pack, look back to the memories you have cherished, unpack, and resettle in your new home, it can be a more comfortable and liberating experience in the long run.
If you are one of the many thousands of snowbirds who swell Florida’s population by 5 percent every winter, you are well aware of the need to find a place to stay during your southern sojourn. One common solution is to find Florida rentals for snowbirds – Places you can rent for a few weeks or a few months while you pursue sunny Florida living. Before you commit to the first rental you come across, however, there are a few things you should know about this solution, and where to find the best rentals for your winter stay.
Location matters
While all of Florida is a sunny, warm paradise compared to the cold and snow in the North, the state is still quite large, with many options for where to stay. Before you start looking for a rental, you will need to decide where you most want to stay. Do you want to enjoy beach life? Would you rather live near the amusement parks? Are you looking for quiet country life or the amenities of the big city? Decide what kind of life you want in Florida, and then find a rental in the area that best fits your needs.
Stay flexible
While finding the right place to rent is very important, because it will determine which activities and amenities you can enjoy during your stay, you should still remain flexible in your search. For example, if Tampa is your dream location, but the costs are prohibitive, you may enjoy living in cheerful Lakeland, close enough to drive to Tampa but filled with attractions of its own. Keep your mind open to the possibilities and you will have an easier time finding the right Florida rental for snowbirds for your winter stay.
Know your budget before you rent
Costs for mobile home rentals in Florida for snowbirds can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars a month to thousands of dollars a month. Before you pass up the perfect place because you don’t think you can afford it, or commit to a place that is outside your financial capabilities, take the time to create a budget for your snowbird rental. Here are some factors to consider:
Maintenance costs for your northern home
Lot fees if you are renting a mobile home
Utility expenses
Activity expenses during your stay
Expected monthly rent
HOA fees
Transportation while you are in Florida
Once you know how much to spend, you can more easily find the right property for your winter stay in Florida.
Keep an eye on your northern properties
Renting in Florida means you do not have to worry about keeping up property s. However, your northern properties may still require attention during the winter months. Regular check ins, snow plowing, mail collection, or other tasks may need to be completed while you are in Florida. Make sure you find appropriate help for these tasks before you travel south for the winter.
Transportation matters
While there are many walkable locations in Florida, you will probably require transportation to at least some activities, healthcare appointments, stores, and more. Whether you have a car of your own, plan to take public transportation, or hope to hire a ride when you need it, a plan that fits your budget and lifestyle is important. Plus, the rental you choose should be able to accommodate your mode of transportation, or be located near the public transportation solution you hope to use.
Staying longer is usually cheaper
While you can find Florida rentals for snowbirds that are only for a few days or weeks, the majority of rental options are for at least a month at a time. Plus, you may save money if you plan to stay longer than a month. When choosing a rental, explore the options that staying a little longer gives you (Plus consider the advantages of missing out on even more of the bad weather in the North).
Save money by renting near, not on, the water
The beach, naturally, is one of the most in-demand Florida attractions. However, rental costs also tend to be higher the closer you are to the water. If you want to save a little money on your winter home, without giving up on your dream of beach living, consider looking for a place that is near, but not on, the water. Living within walking or driving distance of the beach, such as in Ruskin, FL, can make beach living a daily occurrence, without forcing you to deal with exorbitant housing costs.
Amenities matter
Most Florida rentals for snowbirds will offer you certain amenities as part of your rent. If you choose a 55+ community for your winter residence, you are likely to find even more appealing reasons to enjoy Florida living during the winter. Before committing to a rental, consider the amenities that come with it. Here are some ideas of what to consider:
Utilities
Laundry facilities
Community activities
Community pool or clubhouse
On-site fishing, boating, or swimming locations
Dog parks
And more
You don’t have to choose between quality and affordability
Sometimes, snowbirds fall into the trap of thinking that a beautiful rental has to cost a lot, while an affordable rental is probably low quality. The reality, however, is that you can find beautiful, durable, and affordable rentals in Florida. Often, 55+ communities, such as those available at Bedrock Communities, are able to balance cost and quality to provide attainable Florida living for most budgets.
Mobile homes can be an attainable solution
In the past, mobile homes have gained a reputation for being dangerous, run-down places no one would want to live. However, today, mobile homes are regaining a reputation as affordable, beautiful, safe, and rewarding communities. Before crossing off mobile home parks in Florida from your list, explore communities such as Bedrock to discover the advantages of living in a beautiful and well-maintained mobile home.
Renting can be a smart first step to buying
Is owning a winter home in Florida your dream? You may still want to rent. Renting a home in Florida for a few winters can help you decide exactly what you want in a Florida home. Explore different locations. Research different types of housing. Establish a budget you know will work. All while enjoying a low-obligation rental agreement that does not lock you into one home or location for the long term. Then, when you are ready, you can move on to buying a home that will make you happy for many years.
55+ communities offer many advantages
If you are looking for Florida rentals for snowbirds, you may want to consider joining a 55+ community. These communities are designed tp meet the needs and lifestyles of people in your stage of life. Here are just some of the advantages of these communities:
Quality housing
Community activities
Friendships and relationships
Amenities such as pools, clubhouses, games, laundry facilities, and more
Locations desirable to retirees
Look for Florida rentals for snowbirds online
How and where do snowbirds find rentals? One of the best places to look is online. There are many websites that provide access to safe, beautiful, and affordable rentals for your winter stays. Here at Bedrock Communities, we have many communities from which you can choose, conveniently located in some of Florida’s most desirable locations. That makes it easy to find a place to spend the winter months.
Book early (Really early)
If you want to snag a Florida rental, you need to start early. Many places begin accepting request a year ahead of time. That means finding a place now and booking it as soon as possible so you encounter no hiccups in your snowbird experience.
Choose rental insurance for peace of mind
Finally, consider purchasing rental insurance for peace of mind. This insurance will protect your belongings while you are renting in Florida. That means that you can enjoy everything Florida has to offer, even if you encounter hurricanes, theft, or other potential issues.
If attainable Florida living is part of your retirement plan, then consider Bedrock Communities. Located in some of Florida’s most desirable areas, our communities offer active places to live, relax, and pursue your Florida dreams.
If you are a snowbird, you will be happy to know that Central Florida has some of the best places to retire without hurricanes.
Florida has been vulnerable to hurricanes since the mid-80s. It is said that 41% of the total hurricanes in the US hit the land of Florida in some way or another.
If you have seen the map of Florida, you would know it is shaped like an inverted right angle. It is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on two sides and the Atlantic on the other. This increases its vulnerability to hurricanes, particularly during the holiday season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. However, this doesn’t put the entire state of Florida into a hurricane-prone zone. Some least-prone areas are northeast Florida and inland Florida (closer to North Florida).
That said, there are various options and areas to retire in Florida without hurricanes. Let’s find them out.
1. Orlando
Orlando is one of the largest cities in Central Florida, with a population of 255,000 residents. Since Orlando is not directly situated on Florida’s Atlantic coast, it is less prone to hurricanes. The city doesn’t face the direct brunt of hurricanes and simultaneously allows you to enjoy its effects in the form of calmer winds and pleasant weather.
One of the best parts of living in Orlando is the number of mobile home communities here, making your retirement fun-filled and an abundance of relaxation.
2. Lake Land
Within proximity of Tampa Bay, Lake Land can be another best area to retire in Florida without hurricanes.
Situated in the central area of Florida, Lake Land is regarded as a very low-risk hurricane zone. The best part is that Tampa is just a 45-minute away drive from Lake Land. This means ample opportunity to enjoy the Tampa Bay beaches on weekends or whenever possible.
Residents can also enjoy lake visits within the Lake Land, all thanks to its 38 lakes. It also contains some of Florida’s best mobile home parks including Citrus Center, Lake Bonny, and Colonial Village, to name a few.
3. Ruskin
Ruskin lies in the central east area of Florida. Like other cities on this list, Ruskin is also not prone to hurricanes and is regarded as a good growing community with new homes and a peaceful lifestyle.
Just 25 miles from Tampa and within the proximity of beautiful beaches, fishing areas, and a small-town feel, Ruskin, FL, is one of the finest cities in Florida for retirees. If you are a pet owner, you can also find a plethora of pet-friendly mobile home parks. You can live a snowbird life with access to many mobile parks such as Little Manatee or River Haven.
4. Winter Haven
Again, we added Winter Haven to the list as it is in central Florida, making it less vulnerable to hurricanes.
Winter Haven is also home to the safest mobile parks in Florida, like the Cypress Harbor. For retirees, White Haven will be perfect with the closest proximity to places of interest like Lake Dexter, Peppa Big Theme park, resorts, Lego brick attractions, forest trail, wetlands in the west of the city, Lake Eloise, and much more.
Furthermore, Winter Haven has a minimal population of only 52,287 people, making it the finest for retirement plans.
5. Clearwater
If you don’t mind moving closer to the coast, Clearwater in the central east region of Florida can also be a good option for enthusiastic retirees.
Being a retiree, living in Clearwater, FL, would mean enjoying the sunny weather within the very proximity of freshwater beaches. The nearest airport to Clearwater is St. Petersburg. Clearway is just 7.8 miles away from St. Petersburg.
If you are into water sports, this is a place to be for fishing, kayaking, boating, and more. It is a high-risk zone for hurricanes, but hasn’t seen any destruction recently.
If you want to retire in Florida without having to worry about hurricanes, you should look into the Central Florida areas listed above.
Lakeland, with its 38 lakes and natural water bodies, is a welcome relief from the cacophony of city life. Ideal for seniors who look for a quiet neighborhood, where they can lead fulfilling lives. Florida has always been a favorite vacation spot. People from all over the US flock to the warm southern state and some of them stay over for the winter. In the past few years, it has emerged as a much-loved retirement destination. Seniors regularly move to the Sunshine state and Lakeland occupies the top spot in their list of preferred cities.
But is a quiet life the only reason seniors rush to Lakeland? What makes it a good place to hang their coat and call it home?
Here are 10 reasons that make it worthwhile to settle in Lakeland in senior years.
1. There is no state tax
As a prominent city in Florida, Lakeland enjoys the same tax benefits as other places in the state. There is no state tax to be paid. Seniors who move to the state stand to make a lot of savings based on this condition alone. They might also get some relief on retirement earnings. If they are local residents, and have the papers to prove domicile in the city, they apply for further tax relief if they own farmhouses. There is hardly any real estate tax either. On the whole, Lakeland offers seniors many opportunities to cut down on regular expenses and protect their nest eggs.
2. Organized 55+ community living
Lakeland loves its seniors. The city boasts of several well-managed retirement homes or mobile home communities that offer some of the finest modern amenities for seniors. These smaller homes mean low maintenance but offer similar degrees of comfort and styling options. Living in these communities almost feels like living in luxurious resorts where all your needs are met. Mobile homes are less-expansive, meaning, seniors won’t have to undertake strenuous physical labor for its upkeep. You could get a private garden or a patio in some of them. They are also cheaper than building a custom house.
From swimming pools to laundry, to pet-friendly spaces, these retirement communities offer a rewarding retirement life for seniors moving to Lakeland. One of the best features of these communities is seniors get to socialize with fellow retirees and pursue shared interests within a safe environment. Some of the common amenities that seniors can enjoy are clubbing, temperature-controlled swimming pools, libraries, laundry services, and golfing.
3. Proximity to medical facilities, restaurants, entertainment parks
Lakeland’s growing senior population has had some far-reaching consequences for its hospitals and medical facilities. To cater to the senior residents, many hospitals now offer many treatments related to seniors. If seniors suffer from age-related diseases or disorders, they can access excellent medical facilities in Lakeland.
The city also has a number of restaurants, shops, and supermarkets so the 55+ community doesn’t have to go to other parts of the state to buy daily essentials.
4. Well connected to Orlando and Tampa
Orlando and Tampa are the two big neighbors and both are easy to reach from Lakeland. Ideal fun time activities include day trips to theme parks a.k.a Disney World where the whole family and close friends can get together for a day of wholesome entertainment. A chance meeting with celebrity figures can’t be ruled out too, given that many famous actors, golfers, and basketball stars have set down their anchors in the neighborhood.
5. Water sports, hiking, adventure
Today, seniors are not content with idling away time. They want to fill their leisure hours with meaningful recreational activities. Lakeland, needless to say, is replete with lakes and water bodies. Besides, there are at least forty parks to visit. Additionally, the beaches are close by. With a couple of hours’ drive from Lakeland, one can find internationally renowned ocean fronts. There is no dearth of adventure sports for the bold hearted.
Swimming, surfing, boat rentals, hiking, camping, and a lot of other outdoor activities break the monotony and provide seniors with a much-needed respite. It’s like a vacation that never ends.
6. Welcoming Weather
One of the factors that attract many people to Florida is the weather. Bright and sunny for the most of the year and mildly cold in winter, Florida, and Lakeland in particular have pleasant weather. The average daytime temperature hovers around 70 degrees. Nights are comfortable even in winter because the temperature rarely slips to the sub-zero zones.
This makes the state a hub for tourists and snowbirds. There are more opportunities to go out, have fun and enjoy the fresh air and bask in the sun.
7. Opportunity to work
Retirement doesn’t have to mean killing time. Seniors utilize years of professional expertise to help the community prosper. Retirees often seek out work or volunteering opportunities given the nearness to Central Florida. This helps them spend their time productively, contributing to local causes and getting a sense of belongingness. This also helps them add to their earnings, accumulate a small fund while protecting and supplement retirement savings.
It’s like a new lease of life for the 55+ community since they find themselves valued, respected, and appreciated for their work.
8. Rich cultural heritage
Lakeland’s local history, architecture, and urban myths make for a delightful ambiance. Retirees can participate in cultural activities and show off their unique personalities and talents. Talking a walk down its streets, one can get to know how Lakeland was almost named after local bugs instead of lakes and how the community founder took it upon himself to develop the town.
Museums, vintage railroad, and an old-world charm take it very close to what seniors want in a retirement location. Neighbors get to know each other quickly and community bonds are forged based on mutual trust and cooperation. A slow-paced living, without the rush and deadlines, make for healthier living, where seniors can finally take care of their health and wellbeing.
9. Low living costs
Despite its nearness to bustling Central Florida, Lakeland is still now affordable. Housing is affordable; seniors will find community living within easy reach since there are houses available for all budgets and needs. Real estate is less expensive as compared to the national average. More so, in the 55+ mobile communities which provide residents with all amenities that suit a wide variety of budgets.
10. Rapid development
Lakeland is growing fast. In fact, it is one of the top ten cities in the US that are witnessing rapid expansion in terms of people moving to the city. Apart from being a second home to the migrating population, it is the ideal stopover for tourists on route to Central Florida. It is also undergoing steady development as a city and gearing up to provide its residents with more modern facilities. It is the best time to move and set up a home here in Lakeland.
All in all, Lakeland is the city of the future and seniors will find a lot to do and be here. From spending quality time at hobbies and leisure activities to living in safe, well-serviced homes, the city offers low cost, high quality living for retirees.
