Making the Move: Tips for a Smooth Transition
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, the real adventure begins. Making a move in retirement can feel daunting, but with a little planning, it can be a smooth and exciting process.
Visit Before You Commit: Never move to a place sight unseen. Plan an extended visit—at least a week or two—to your top-choice towns. Try to visit during different seasons if you can. Stay in a short-term rental rather than a hotel to get a real feel for neighborhood life. Go to the grocery store, visit the library, and talk to locals. Ask them what they love about their town and what the challenges are.
Downsize with Purpose: Moving to a smaller town often means moving to a smaller home. View downsizing not as a loss, but as an opportunity to simplify. Let go of things you haven’t used in years. Keep the items that hold precious memories or bring you joy, and pass the rest on to family or charities. A clutter-free life can be incredibly liberating.
Jump into the Community: The fastest way to make a new town feel like home is to get involved. Don’t wait for people to come to you. Join the local senior center, take a class at the community college, volunteer for a cause you care about, or join a club centered around your hobbies—whether it’s gardening, bridge, or hiking. Your new best friends are out there waiting to meet you.
