Your Rightsizing "Dream Team": Who to Enlist for a Low-Stress Move

Rightsizing to a Life Plan Community isn’t just about moving; it’s about setting yourself up for a fresh chapter with less stress and more joy. And one of the secrets to success is knowing that you don’t have to do it alone.

Building Your Rightsizing Dream Team

You can build a “dream team” of trusted professionals, family and friends to guide and support you through this process. Before reaching out, take a moment to reflect on and prioritize your needs: 

• Define your goals. What does a successful rightsizing transition look like for you?
• Identify the challenges you face. What feels most overwhelming, whether it’s decluttering, selling your house or handling logistics?
• Match the resources you use to the challenges you’re facing. Reach out and enlist the experts who are qualified to lighten your load.
• Communicate openly with the professionals you enlist to assist you. This ensures everyone is working toward the same goal: helping you flourish in this next chapter of life. 

With the right people in your corner, rightsizing can be about excitement for what comes next instead of worry or stress about the process itself.

Emotional Support Networks: Involving People Who Matter

Rightsizing can stir up a lot of emotions, including excitement, nostalgia and grief. Lean on people who can listen and encourage you during this time. While professionals handle logistics, your emotional support network — family, friends, neighbors and faith groups — form the heart of a successful move. 

They can provide practical support during sorting and decision-making and share memories about cherished places and items in your home. Plus, they know when and how to celebrate milestones with you along the way. 

Senior Move Manager: Overseeing the Big Picture

A senior move manager is a professional who specializes in coordinating moves for older adults, providing start-to-finish guidance through the process and coordinating the other professionals mentioned in this article. They’re trained to provide resources that save you money, reduce stress and create a rightsizing experience that you’re satisfied with. 

A senior move manager may: 

• Develop a comprehensive moving plan that coordinates movers, packers and delivery schedules.
• Manage donations, consignments or estate sales.
• Space plan for your new home to ensure your belongings fit comfortably.
• Unpack and set up your new home.
• And more!

Real Estate Agent: Maximizing Your Property Value

If selling a house is part of your rightsizing plan, reach out to an agent early in the process. Look for a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, a Realtor who has gone through specialized training and is equipped to assist you with the unique challenges older adults face in today’s real estate market. 

A skilled agent will: 

• Provide a realistic analysis of your home’s value.
• Advise you on which home improvements and repairs to make before listing the house.
• Stage the house for the most effective presentation to potential buyers.
• Market your home to the right audience.
• Coordinate open houses and manage paperwork and offers.

Professional Organizer: Rightsizing with Purpose

If you find yourself staring at full closets and feeling stuck, or if you’re pressed for time before your move, a professional organizer can save you hours — and your sanity. A professional organizer works alongside you to tackle the daunting task of rightsizing, making it not only manageable but sometimes even enjoyable. 

Professional organizers can:

• Assist in identifying what to keep, donate, sell or gift.
• Create a system to ensure the process goes smoothly and nothing is overlooked.
• Reduce the emotional weight of decision-making by breaking the process into achievable steps.
• Provide a professional buffer if other family members are involved in the rightsizing process.

Financial Planner and Legal Advisor: Protecting Your Interests

A move to a Life Plan Community isn’t just about relocating. It may also include contracts, estate planning and changes in financial arrangements. 

Look for an elder law attorney, someone who specializes in assisting older adults with planning for the future and advocating for their best interests. When it comes to financial planning, consider choosing a fiduciary financial advisor who knows the ins and outs of what you’re going through financially in this stage of life. 

These professionals can:

• Review your Life Plan Community’s contract to make sure you understand services, fees and refund policies.
• Update your will, trust and power of attorney.
• Advise you on the best strategies for selling property, investing or utilizing assets.

Other Resources: Accessing Hidden Gems of Support

If your family isn’t nearby or you want to connect with others who have gone through the process, consider reaching out to community-based resources. Many senior centers, nonprofits and faith-based organizations offer practical support during a move. 

Remember that your HumanGood Life Plan Community is a tremendous asset in your corner. Don’t hesitate to ask for references and assistance when you need it. The community will have established working relationships with many of the professionals mentioned in this article, and turning to them for assistance can lead to a smoother transition.