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Consider aging in place with home modifications.

Real estate agents sell houses and help people find houses but, on occasion, I’ve advised clients that their best move may be no move at all. If you love a home and are able to age in place, that may be your best option. I’ll be here to facilitate a sale or purchase when the time comes, but I am committed to always doing what’s best for my clients.

Fortunately for all of us, there are a lot of wonderful organizations who are experts in helping families right-size and make adjustments needed so that seniors can safely age in place.

Senior relocation company Caring Transitions created a brief guide to “Bringing Rightsizing and Age in Place Modifications Together.”

(Posted with permission from Caring Transitions of Northeast Atlanta) As we age, it’s important to consider how our living space can support our changing needs. Aging in place home modifications can help seniors maintain their independence and stay in their homes for as long as possible. Combining these modifications with rightsizing, or downsizing to a more manageable living space, can create a safe and comfortable environment for seniors.

  1. Assess Your Home for Safety and Accessibility.
    Before making any modifications to your home, it’s important to assess your current living space for safety and accessibility. This includes identifying potential hazards such as loose rugs, uneven flooring, and narrow doorways. You should also consider the accessibility of your home, including the placement of light switches, electrical outlets, and other fixtures. By identifying potential safety and accessibility issues, you can create a plan for making the necessary modifications to your home to ensure a safe and comfortable living space for seniors.
  2. Prioritize Modifications Based on Needs and Budget.
    When it comes to combining rightsizing and aging in place home modifications, it’s important to prioritize modifications based on both needs and budget. Start by identifying the most critical modifications that need to be made to ensure safety and accessibility in the home. This may include installing grab bars in the bathroom, widening doorways, or adding a stairlift. Once these critical modifications have been made, you can then focus on making additional modifications that will enhance comfort and convenience. Remember to consider your budget when making modifications and look for cost-effective solutions that will still meet your needs.
  3. Consider Universal Design Principles.
    When combining rightsizing and aging in place home modifications, it’s important to consider universal design principles. Universal design is the concept of designing products and spaces that are accessible and usable by people of all ages and abilities. This means incorporating features like zero-step entrances, lever door handles, and adjustable height countertops. By incorporating universal design principles into your home modifications, you can create a space that is not only safe and comfortable for seniors, but also for visitors and family members of all ages and abilities.

Work with a Professional to Ensure Quality and Safety.
When it comes to combining rightsizing and aging in place home modifications, it’s important to work with a professional to ensure that the modifications are done safely and effectively. A professional can help you assess your home and determine which modifications are necessary to create a safe and comfortable living space for seniors. They can also ensure that the modifications are done in compliance with local building codes and regulations. Additionally, a professional can help you select the right products and materials to ensure that the modifications are of high quality and will last for years to come.

As seniors age in place, it’s important to make modifications to their homes to ensure safety and comfort. Design for aging in place includes home modifications such as grab bars, non-slip flooring, and wider doorways. These modifications can help seniors maintain their independence and reduce the risk of falls.

In addition to home modifications, age in place home care can provide assistance with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and transportation. Rightsizing and aging in place together can also be beneficial, as it allows seniors to declutter and downsize their living space while still maintaining their independence. Caring Transitions offers professional guidance and support for these transitions, as well as assistance with estate planning and other services. By incorporating these strategies and seeking professional help when needed, seniors can age in place with peace of mind and improved quality of life.

If you are interested in Caring Transitions for relocation or estate liquidation services, contact Mike DeLeon.

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When a realtor tells a senior NOT to relocate.

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), many of my consultations with older adults who are thinking about downsizing and relocating, (a good 10-15% of them) will lead to a discussion about aging in place.

Aging in place can also be about helping clients find a forever home to move to in a new location, which is conducive to the needs of the person and may even help them stretch their finances, depending on how they chose to finance the next place. In some cases though, I consult about staying put… Many wonder why I would do that instead of finding them another home to move to.

Well, the answer is simple… because sometimes the home is already their forever home, IF, and only if, they consider a few changes to ensure the home is better suited to their current needs. My goal is never to move someone who doesn’t need (or want) to move.

Here’s a case study as an example: I visited a lady who had a 2-story home with a guest bedroom and small bathroom on the main floor, and 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms upstairs, which included the owner’s suite. The space was open and spacious on the main level. She had recently become a widow and had paid off the mortgage as instructed by her late husband’s final wish. She loved the community she has lived in for 20+ years but thought it would be best to move to a smaller house. As we talked and did the research, we concluded that the equity in her house would not quite cover the purchase of a forever home and she was not willing to go back to having a mortgage payment of any amount.

The plan of action I suggested was to:

  1. Get quotes to remodel the guest bathroom on the main floor allowing that to become a true main level owner’s suite, accessible for her to live in as opposed to having to go up and down stairs every day.
  2. Get quotes to update the entrances to the home adding accessible features including universal design touch-ups that would allow her to age in place in the current home and not have to experience moving from a place and location she loved and could afford to keep. 
  3. Revisit after getting quotes to discuss the options again and consider if she would need additional information to fund the renovations or if moving would be back on the table as an option and how to do that without costing her too much in monthly expenses.

    My role as an SRES Realtor was simply to advise and refer contractors or remodeling companies that would incorporate the ADA/universal design features, as well as staying in touch to provide additional information until the homeowner had made their decisions.

We sometimes provide services without financial gain.

We always say real estate is more than property, it’s about the people!

We are available to answer questions you or someone you know has about aging in place or finding your next home. Contact us any time.

Additional Resources: AARP article on stylish updates for aging in place.

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Factors seniors consider when relocating.

Today’s retirees are on the move. Crime, traffic and more and sending many of them away from the cities they’ve lived in for decades but how do they decide where to move next?

A great article called “Politics and Pickleball” looks at some active seniors who searched for their next home but looked at much more than the real estate. The article says that while they consider proximity to family, recreational opportunities, cultural events, and climate, the surprising factor increasingly cited by retirees is — politics.

Some want a state with politics more in line with their own perspectives while others were interested in the opportunities created by being in a place where their own politics may not be the majority.

Read the full article on NextAvenue.org.

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What is the ‘Slow Living’ trend?

There’s little dispute that we’re living in an increasingly stressful world. We’re connected every minute, trying to do more in less time, and the result is stress which compromises our physical and mental health. The list of ailments that can be blamed on stress is familiar and lengthy, and includes headaches, anxiety, poor concentration and insomnia among other things.

A recent Newsweek article looked at the move toward Slow Living which is described as “a movement that encourages people to eliminate external pressures that are fueling their stress, do things that make them happy, and most importantly, slow down the pace of life to be more present in every moment.”

It’s what baby boomers talk about all the time – fondly looking back at days when life seemed simpler, slower, there was quality time spent with loved ones. People actually visited one another unscheduled and spoke face to face. It’s a movement so many people have been craving and it’s paying off for those who are actually able to step back and enjoy even small moments spent with people you care about.

>>Click here to read the article from Newsweek and read about the effects that Slow Living is having on those brave enough to hop off the hamster wheel.

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Moving? Use a Senior Real Estate Specialist.

If you’re planning to buy or sell real estate, it’s a good idea to consider working with a senior real estate specialist or SRES like Atlanta Seniors Real Estate.

Here are a few reasons why an SRES will be beneficial:

  1. Experience: A senior real estate specialist has extensive experience working with clients who are 50 years of age or older. This means they understand the unique needs and concerns of seniors when it comes to real estate transactions.
  2. Knowledge: SRES designees have received specialized training in senior real estate, including topics like reverse mortgages, age-restricted communities, and estate planning. They are equipped to provide expert advice and guidance on these topics.
  3. Connections: Senior real estate specialists often have strong connections with other professionals who work with seniors, such as estate planning attorneys, financial planners, and senior living communities. They can help you build a network of resources to assist you in making informed decisions.
  4. Advocacy: A senior real estate specialist can serve as your advocate throughout the real estate transaction, ensuring that your interests are protected and your needs are met.

Overall, working with a senior real estate specialist can help ensure a smoother and more successful real estate transaction, especially if you or a loved one is a senior.

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A Guide to Senior Housing Options

It’s time for a move — perhaps it’s downsizing or moving into housing that offers a level of care that you or a loved one needs. There have never been more options for senior living than now, but with so many choices can come quite a bit of confusion.

The list includes:

RETIREMENT LIVING

  • Retirement/Active Adult Communities
  • Senior Apartments
  • Senior Cohousing

LONG TERM CARE

  • Assisted Living
  • In-Home Senior Care
  • Active Senior Housing
  • Independent Living
  • Continuing Care Communities
  • Congregational Retirement Communities
  • Nursing Homes
  • Specialized Care
  • Hospice

How do you know which type is right for you? Do you know the questions to ask? SeniorLiving.org is out with an update to its Senior Living Guide. They do a great job of explaining the differences between different options. Then, when it’s time to sell your home and relocate, contact a Senior Real Estate Specialists like Atlanta Senior Real Estate to help you with options in your own community.

>>Check out the Guide and look for options in your area.

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Spring Cleaning – 7 Things to Do

Spring is right around the corner so it’s time to look at spring cleaning. If you’ve been wanting to declutter, this is a perfect time to start.

Senior relocation company Caring Transitions (best known for estate sales, packing/unpacking and more services for senior moves) is out with a list of 6 things to incorporate into your spring cleaning routine.

  1. Rearrange closets
    Take everything out, put away the winter clothes, and rearrange shelves and hangers to give yourself some extra storage space and make room for lighter pieces.
  2. Clean out your pantry
    Go through your pantry, fridge, freezers, cabinets, drawers etc., clearing anything that’s expired or unnecessary.
  3. Check for pests
    Be sure that there aren’t any cracks in windows or doors where creepy crawlies could creep in; check window seals for fungus/mold buildup; replace door mats regularly; thoroughly sweep behind furniture at least once a week.
  4. Wash walls
    You should always give walls a good scrub before welcoming warmer air indoors – especially after spending months with thicker clothing on stands indoors gathering dust.
  5. Spring clean appliances
    Be sure all appliances are wiped down with damp cloths or sponges daily and cleaned properly on both inside and outside surfaces every month or two.
  6. Refresh fabrics
    Fabric such as curtains or bedding absorbs smells from cooking throughout winter months same goes with rugs which need vacuumed & freshened regularly too.

>>Click here to read more about Spring Cleaning from senior relocation specialists Caring Transitions.

Article reprinted with permission of Caring Transitions of Northeast Atlanta. Contact Mike DeLeon for information about their services.

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What home sellers can expect for 2023

Is it the right time to buy and sell in Atlanta?

Seniors toying with the idea of selling a home, downsizing or simply looking to move closer to family found themselves a bit confused with the crazy real estate activity of 2022. While it may have been a great time to sell a home, it was challenging to find another one — especially in the Atlanta area which has been named one of the hottest real estate markets in the country.

So, is 2023 going to be a better year to sell and move into another home? While buyers are returning to the market looking for more reasonable home prices without competing against a dozen other buyers, it really depends on interest rates and, most importantly, homes being priced appropriately.

A recent NBC News article said, “prices will have to be attractive for homebuyers to take on interest rates that remain elevated. Home sellers have already resorted to mortgage buydowns — a type of deal allowing buyers to secure lower rates, at least in the first few years of homeownership — or concessions like new appliances to persuade buyers to sign on the dotted line.”

To navigate this challenging time in real estate, contact a Senior Real Estate Specialist who has the resources available to guide you to a successful and less-stressful transaction. Contact Atlanta Seniors Real Estate to learn more.

>>Read the full article from NBC News here.

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How seniors can stay engaged after retirement

You planned for retirement, you had the party, everyone congratulated you, and now you want to make the most of this fantastic time of your life. After they retire, many seniors struggle when they don’t have work-purpose.

So, how do you find purpose in retirement?
How do you stay engaged in the world around you?
How do you avoid loneliness and feeling isolated?

Senior relocation company Caring Transitions is out with some great tips including:

  • Identify your goals and interests
  • Pursue a second career
  • Reactivate an old passion
  • Make new friends
  • Enjoy nature’s gifts
  • Give back to your community

Enjoy this time when you may have fewer responsibilities and more time to do the things you love such as spending time with family/friends and focusing on your hobbies. It’s a time to simplify your life and that’s why retirement triggers downsizing for so many people.

Atlanta Seniors Real Estate helps seniors do just that. Contact us for a free consultation and discussion about how to downsize and find your next home.

>>Click here to read the full article from Caring Transitions. Shared with permission of Mike DeLeon with Caring Transitions of Northeast Atlanta.

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Atlanta – 2023’s hottest real estate market

A CNBC report recently looked at the country’s hottest real estate markets for 2023 and found their top ten all had one thing in common – they’re in the south. Atlanta leads the list which looked at such things as affordability, housing availability, and job growth.

The report shows that Atlanta, with its median home price of $371K, allows more than the national average of renters to afford a home. Plus, the city’s real estate ranking is boosted by numerous tech companies relocating to the area.

This is good news for seniors wanting to make a change whether downsizing, moving closer to their children or exploring senior living options.  For many, the time is right to list your home or at least start making preparations to take advantage of buyers wanting to move to the country’s hottest real estate market.

>>Click here to read the full CNBC article.

>>Click here to contact me and learn more about what you can do now to prepare to list your home and what you can expect in the process.

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The 2023 Real Estate Market

What do real estate professionals think is in the housing forecast for this year?

Insider talked to real estate and real estate technology professionals about what they anticipate for 2023 when it comes to both commercial and residential real estate transactions and development. Among comments – big growth expected in the southeast, more emphasis on housing affordability, and watching to see how inflation impacts buyers and sellers.

It’s good information and interesting perspective about what lies ahead for all of us whether we are in the real estate business or you’re a home buyer or owner.

>>Click here to read the full article from Insider.

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Active Adults are Shopping for a Lifestyle

Today, seniors are different from previous generations. They’re living longer, healthier lives than ever before. And they’re different when it comes to real estate and downsizing. Real estate professionals have found that many seniors and active adults are really shopping for a lifestyle rather than the building itself.

It was the top of discussion at an investment conference in Washington DC recently — how seniors are driving changes in the senior housing market. While they’re active and want to be around other active adults, many are also seeking housing that will allow them to age in place, so they don’t have to keep relocating.

They found the pandemic had an effect on how 55+ individuals want to live moving forward – they want to be around other active adults, not isolated, and investors are responding to the need for that type of housing community.

>>Read more about the conference findings at rebusiness.com

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4 Assets Your Kids May Not Want to Inherit

Leaving assets to your children has long been considered a thoughtful gift but it can become a burden for recipients. AARP recently published an informative article that may have you rethinking your estate plans especially when it comes to the four assets they highlight.

(From AARP) Leaving your children an inheritance is a blessing, but it can also be a curse, particularly if the items you’re handing down require work, time, money or space.  Consider complicated assets like an antique car or a digital wallet full of cryptocurrency. Sure, your kids will appreciate these assets, but if the possession you’re giving away is too complicated to comprehend or hard to value, it could cause stress. 

“When it’s an asset people don’t understand, it’s very difficult,” says Jean-Luc Bourdon, founder and wealth adviser at Lucent Wealth Planning. He once had a client who inherited a unique car but didn’t know what to sell it for or whom to trust. Instead of unlocking the value, she held on to the vehicle.  ​

Even IRAs and 401(k)s can be problematic, since they aren’t easy to transfer to the next generation or your children hold on to them for sentimental value. The same goes for expensive furniture, ceramics and collectibles that take up space or are hard to get rid of.

“The most common assets [kids don’t want] have some type of obligation attached to them to maintain value,” says Joseph McNair, a certified financial planner at WA Asset Management. “The closer to cash the assets are, the less cumbersome they are.”

>>Read the full article here.

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What is Swedish Death Cleaning or dӧstädning?

It sounds worse than it is – dӧstädning is really just the process of getting affairs in order.  It’s a Swedish cleaning exercise that involves the family and paring down what we have as we grow older.  Here in the US, we downsize and cleanout but dӧstädning is really about selecting those things we want around us and thinking about what will happen to our things when we pass. If you want a family member to inherit an item, go ahead and pass it on to them. Make your wishes known and enjoy life with less clutter and only those most meaningful items around you. And, let family and friends go ahead and enjoy the things you want to share with them.

Senior relocation company Caring Transitions introduces us to Margareta Magnusson who wrote the popular book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.

(Published with permission of Mike DeLeon with Caring Transitions of Northeast Atlanta) A  decluttering phenomenon has swept the world, called Swedish Death Cleaning (SDC). Traditionally, this is an old tradition within Swedish culture known as, dӧstädning. Translated to English, it means “death cleaning.” Margareta Magnusson used this concept, giving it a modern update when she wrote her book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.

Magnusson writes, “If you care for your loved ones then it’s only fair to spare them the emotional and physical burden of cleaning up your stuff.” This is the basic concept of SDC, letting go of the amount of items in your life because when you pass on. This way your loved ones are not handling a mountain of unmanageable items which could cause stress or, even worse, in-fighting amongst them.

>>Click here to read the article and see an interview with Margareta Magnusson.

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Meet the Solo Ager

What is a Solo Ager? One online definition is, “older adults that are making decisions about their future independently. You might be a solo ager if you are… An individual or couple without children. An individual who never married or had children. An individual living alone since the divorce or death of a partner.”

AARP says solo agers face many of the same struggles as their married or partnered peers, but they do have a sense of optimism. A recent AARP article says, “most solo agers associate living alone as they age with positive feelings like independence (60%), satisfaction (50%), and happiness (38%). Few report feeling sad (13%) or angry (2%). ”

What to know more about his group of aging adults sometimes called “elder orphans?” Read AARPs interesting research on the solo ager.

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New Trends in Retirement Living

What are the latest trends in retirement living? There’s a definite move toward accommodating retirees focusing on health, wellness and nature. Here’s a great article from Next Avenue about the latest trends.

In 2008, Janice Barton was vacationing at Serenbe, a biophilic, or nature-centered, community in the Chattahoochee Hills about 30 miles outside of Atlanta. She fell in love with the village’s English-style cottages, outdoor artist studio, nature trails, local shops and café all within walking distance, and decided to buy her forever home there.

“In a typical suburb, you drive into your garage, shut the door and that is it,” explained Barton, who at 73 is a solo ager. “Maybe you know your neighbors on either side or across the street but you don’t have anything in common so you don’t want to invest the time and energy. At Serenbe, I feel younger because I am engaged and I’m living a more vibrant life.”

Serenbe and other new amenities-laden retirement communities illustrate how the senior living industry is going through a transformation that has accelerated since the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-pandemic Americans age 65+ expressed the desire to stay living in their homes as long as possible; the social isolation imposed by the pandemic has solo agers — the 12% of the population who, according to AARP, are widowed, divorced or without adult children to care for them — rethinking the desire to age alone at home.

>>Read the full article from Next Avenue.

***What is Next Avenue? A very cool concept – click here to learn more about this resource for older Americans.

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US News & World Report — Best Senior Living Communities

Known for its “Best” lists, US News & World Report is now out with its Best Senior Living list. You’re now able to search for what they’ve determined to be the “best” near you.

(From US News & World Report) For many older adults, there may come a time when living in their current home is no longer desirable or possible. Making a choice about what the right next steps are can depend a lot on their health and their preferences.

Someone who no longer wants the upkeep of a larger home and yardwork might choose an independent living or continuing care retirement community. If basic daily tasks are becoming a struggle or if they’re recovering from a hospitalization, an assisted living setting where there is some help available, either temporarily or longer term, is a good choice. Families concerned for a loved one with memory loss can consider a memory care community with staff to help with both daily activities and safety.

To help seniors and their families make these decisions, residents and families from over 3,000 independent, assisted and memory care communities were surveyed. They were asked to rate their experience with the things that matter most – the kindness of staff; variety of activities; quality of the food and dining experience; whether local transportation is provided to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores or other daily needs; the quality of on-site caregiving and more. The top-rated communities for each level of care have been rated Best Senior Living in their categories.

>>Read the full article and search for communities near you.

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Establishing a Healthy Aging Plan

A great article in Forbes Health about how families can go about establishing a Healthy Aging Plan which includes exploring senior living communities which provide a safe environment with various levels of support which may be needed. Senior living facilities and communities are popping up everywhere and this article gives families are road map to planning a senior move.

(From Forbes Health) As we age, we can acquire health and physical issues that can impact our ability to live independently. In such situations, living at home—especially alone—might not be the safest option. Fortunately, planning ahead for a more suitable living environment can boost their overall quality of life. Read on to learn more about how various forms of senior living can fit positively into a balanced future and the importance of assisted living planning for a smart and healthy aging plan.

>>Read the full article

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How a move manager can help you downsize

A recent Washington Post article looks at “how a move manager can help you trim down on your belongings.”  There are several of these companies in the Atlanta area including franchises Caring Transitions and Smooth Moves. They are extremely helpful for homeowners or their adult children who need to clean out, liquidate items or pack in advance of a move or to simply ensure the space is clutter-free, clear and safe.

Like a senior real estate specialist (SRES), these organizations specialize in helping older adults downsize and relocate. Check out this article from the Washington Post and here are links to a couple of the senior move managers in Atlanta.

They will provide you with a quote for the services you need.

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Why do seniors choose to relocate?

It used to be that a family stayed in a home for 50+ years moving out only when necessary, but times have certainly changed. Couples and individuals are healthier longer and when they decide to move, it’s not necessarily a move to live with a child or into a senior living facility. 

The National Association of Realtors’ 2021 Generational Trends Report shows the changing priorities of today’s seniors.

  • 1/4 or more of seniors surveyed cite the desire to live closer to family and friends as their primary reason for relocating.  The second most cited reason is that they consider their existing home too large.
  • More than 1/2 of seniors surveyed say their top consideration when looking for a neighborhood is the quality of the neighborhood. Coming in second is its proximity to friends and family and third is its convenience to shopping and health facilities.
  • When asked about factors causing a buyer to move, 1/4 of 66-74 year olds and 1/3 or 75-95 year olds say a household members health is the primary reason.
  • Among those considering senior-related housing, today’s seniors are looking for detached single family houses located in a suburb.

Understanding what seniors want and need in their next homes is what Senior Real Estate Specialists do best. They specialize in knowing what homes and communities work best for seniors who want accessibility, convenience and security in their future neighborhood.

The survey also revealed that seniors contact agents as a first step in the home search process, take the longest (an average of 10 weeks) to search, and ultimately view fewer homes than younger home buyers. Seniors want a realtor with the expertise to make the homebuying process as stress-free as possible.  Atlanta Seniors Real Estate is one of the best at understanding how best to serve senior homebuyers. Contact us for a complimentary consultation to learn how we can help you with your next real estate transaction.

Click here to contact Hilary Walker
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4 Types of Value Attached to Family Heirlooms

(Published with permission of Caring Transitions of Northeast Atlanta)

What is a family Heirloom? Heirlooms are usually possessions passed down from generation to generation, holding a story about a piece of important family history. But not all heirlooms share the same type of value outside of your family circle. To most, that same heirloom isn’t worth much at all. That’s because everyone attaches a different value to their heirlooms, making it priceless in their mind.

There are four types of value we attach to family heirlooms — sentimental, functional, monetary and social. It’s beneficial to understand the value we put on items passed down from generation to generation — especially as we talk about these items with younger family members.

>>Click here to read more.

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Decluttering – Keep the Memories & Lose the Stuff

Everyone needs a little help with decluttering a home — a little outside perspective is helpful as you look at items such as collectibles you’ve had for years, perhaps decades. Check out this episode of Free Thinking with Montel. He interviews Matt Paxton who is a featured cleaner on the television show “Hoarders” and “Legacy List”. The leading downsizing and cleaning expert discusses how to simplify your life by decluttering.

Want to see more from Matt Paxton? He has a show called Legacy List all about downsizing, relocating, and discovering your family’s legacy.

>>Click here to select and view episodes of Legacy List online.

>>Click here to see a sample episode of Legacy List featuring Shirley Macon who packed up her home of 50 years and moved from New Jersey to Atlanta.

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Helping Older Adults Through the Moving Process

(Posted with permission from Mike DeLeon at Caring Transitions)

Here are a few tips from the experts to help you create a plan that can help you manage a move for an older adult.

  1. Don’t make seniors feel guilty. Avoid saying things like “Why did you hold on to this for so many years?” while sorting through belongings. Statements like this can cause stress and make seniors feel like a burden.
  2. Save photo albums for LAST. They can surface too many memories at once, which slows the process and triggers waves of emotions.
  3. Set a timer. Grab a kitchen timer or your phone and set it for one hour. Take a break once that hour is up.
  4. Color-code with Post-It Notes. Seniors have a tough time reading small writing. Color-code with post-it notes so PINK is pack, GREEN is sell, and BLUE is give away.
  5. Bring a door stopper. Doors get in the way, especially for older folks. Bring door stoppers to prop doors open to allow for easy room access for Grandma, and for large boxes and furniture.
  6. Consider online platforms for estate sales. Most seniors are not internet savvy, but their children/grandchildren usually are. There are many online estate platforms like CTBIDS.com, that sell everything online as buyers bid.  No in-person estate sales with strangers walking through the home and haggling over prices. The online estate sale platform handles it all, allowing the family to make money from hidden treasures around the home. 
    Best Sellers:  Electronics, jewelry, collectibles, and durable medical equipment.
    Items That May Not Sell Well: Large off-trend furniture, off-trend or well-worn clothes and kitchen utensils.
  7. Keep a schedule. Many seniors like a routine and stress if it’s altered. If the senior goes to bed at 10pm every night, don’t try to keep packing late at night.

Caring Transitions® takes steps to train and screen every employee and has developed estate sale standards that uphold the values of integrity and honesty for over 10 years. Since many of our clients are older adults, each of our offices are independently certified to support a “senior move” and help mitigate the effects of stress, health and common cognitive issues which are frequently challenges for late life relocations. In Atlanta, contact Caring Transitions’ Mike DeLeon – mdeleon@caringtransitions.com.