I can do it myself!
Moving out of a home of many years is daunting and physically strenuous, especially when age creeps in to affect muscles and coordination. How many times have we made the determination that we could lift that last box and find ourselves in bed, or worse the hospital!
I find that many of my senior clients have always done it themselves. I’m talking about every aspect of their lives. Many folks who had suffered through the depression years had learned to survive by being self sufficient. Not only did that save money, but it gave dignity and self worth to many who were losing their money and homes during those difficult years. Unfortunately, this practice can become a health risk both mentally and physically as age overtakes the will do accomplish our goals.
I recently had a client who had saved and enormous amount of ‘treasures’ over the 45 years they had lived in their home. Their health was failing, and they decided to move into a senior apartment. When I first visited with them, I suggested we get outside service companies to help with the tremendous downsizing project. There are reputable companies who specialize in organizing, packing, selling, and moving the personal property that can be overwhelming if done without professional help. Both husband and wife thanked me and decided to go it alone.
The process nearly hospitalized both of them. They became angry and upset at the prospect of moving. Both developed serious back problems as well as depression during the move. They would not accept anyone’s help. They turned down offers from their kids to assist with the downsizing. ‘We’ve never put a burden on our children and we’re not about to start now!’
The end result was that this wonderful happy couple slowly evolved into negativity. They resented the buyers for forcing them into such a negative situation, and became difficult to deal with when negotiating the sale of their home. What could have been a relatively easy and smooth process became the worst nightmare of their lives.
If you are the type who must do everything without professional help, I suggest you re-read this article. Take inventory of your physical limitations such as balance problems, back and neck issues, as well as heart and lung limitations. Can you stand and bend for long periods of time. Be realistic when looking at the timing of your move. The real estate market has peaks and valleys. Would a faster downsizing attract more buyers and inevitably more money if the home were sold during peak months? I’ve seen too many clients do it themselves only to finally be ready to sell in the slow months, and then find it hard to attract a buyer.
I heard a funny saying by one of my treasured senior friends. ‘The older I get, the better I was!’ That joke does have some truth as to our limitations to go it alone on every challenge coming our way.
Tags: difficulty, moving