Settling into a new home after retirement quickly can be easier than you might think. Even if you've relocated to a new town or city after retirement, getting comfortable with new routines and in a new community can be as simple as reaching out to your new neighbors and being open-minded about the great adventures ahead. Read on for some tips on settling comfortably into your new post-retirement home, courtesy of Boxwood Properties.

Peace of Mind as You Transition

A huge part of making a house feel like a home is the ability to create a worry-free safe haven. The last thing any new homeowner wants to worry about as they settle into their new home is an unexpected expense. In protecting yourself ahead of time with the right homeowners' insurance coverage, you'll be able to focus on making your home better suited to your lifestyle instead of worrying. 

As you purchase your new home, consider the types of insurance you'll need for peace of mind. There's a big difference between homeowners insurance and a home warranty. Homeowners' insurance covers unexpected damage to the structure itself, theft of belongings, and injuries on the property. A home warranty covers the appliances and major systems in the home, regardless of how they are damaged. Both types of coverage offer peace of mind that you won't have to come out of pocket for unexpected expenses. For optimal peace of mind as you purchase your new home, be sure to figure in typical housing expenses, too. 

Building Community

After focusing on the logistics of buying a senior-friendly home in your dream location, it's a good idea to reach out to locals, realtors, town officials, and people who work at the local senior center to find out about opportunities that might interest you. Whether it's volunteering in a local food pantry or spending your free time with a senior club, doing some homework on ways you'll spend your days will help your new community feel more like home to you quickly. 

Making Your Home Accessible

For many seniors, hiring a professional contractor can be a great way to make a traditional home more senior-friendly. Something as simple as installing a wheelchair ramp or leveling a driveway could make the difference between a home being perfect for you and that same home becoming unrealistic in your later years.

If your home’s windows need some attention, try to take care of it right away. After all, cracks in your windows can have a profound effect on your electric bill. So search for “leaking window repair near me” and browse ratings and reviews to make sure you’re getting a great deal from trustworthy professionals. You can also request a quote in advance.

Also, when considering a home that will work for the long term, be sure to think about the number of other seniors in the neighborhood, the proximity to medical centers, and the activities of interest to you in the community. Doing this research ahead of time will help you more naturally settle into your new life. 

Final Touches of Home

Your home will feel more like your own after you reach out to a renovation team for projects big or small. As you build those connections in your community, be sure to ask the locals about the best contractors in town. 

No matter where you're moving, ask your realtor about the professionals there who can help put those final personal touches on your new home. 

Boxwood Properties was created in 2019 by Kristin Laine, as she saw a need in Nashville for focused, boutique, property Management and Development. We’d love to hear from you!

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