A Guest Post by Teresa Greenhill 02/01/2023
A post-retirement move represents a major turning point in your life, the close of an important chapter, and the start of a brand-new, exciting one.
You can look forward to having less (or no) work and much more free time to spend on your hobbies or with friends and family. Furthermore, you will be living in a brand new home in a new neighborhood, which is also an exciting proposition.
Of course, there’s always some bad with the good. You may be feeling sad about leaving your previous life – and home – behind. Many people experience grief and depression after they move out, and you may be feeling the same way. Actively working on feeling more settled and at home after your move will ease your transition into your new life. Today, Retire Successfully offers some advice and suggestions on feeling at home post-retirement.
1. Make yourself busy with home maintenance tasks
Performing home maintenance tasks is killing two birds with one stone – you make your home more liveable, and you also get to know it better, which is essential to feeling more comfortable there. Some basic tasks to perform are deep cleaning, checking the HVAC system, inspecting the gutters and vents, and touching up your landscaping. HSH offers a list of home-maintenance tasks – seasonal, monthly, and yearly.
2. Get decorating
Personalizing your home according to your tastes is one of the most effective ways to feel at home. Decorating doesn’t have to be expensive – you can get some potted plants, hang up paintings, change the curtains, get new wallpaper, add an end table, and get a sheepskin rug. Putting up some personal keepsakes and meaningful items from your old home – like a picture of your family – will also help.
3. Set up utilities
You will need to move or set up utilities in your new home. If you’re renting, utilities are typically included as part of the rental agreement. You can save money by doing your research and comparing utility bills across different providers. The utilities you will have to set up include heating, gas, water, electricity, internet, trash, recyclables, and TV. You can ask your neighbors for recommendations.
4. Improve your outdoor space
You can improve your landscaping to make your exterior prettier. Also, you can add an outdoor space or modify an existing one for yourself or entertaining guests. Examples are seating areas, gazebos, patios, outdoor living rooms, outdoor kitchens, and gardens. Outdoor spaces allow you to get closer to nature and get your daily dose of Vitamin D.
5. Add security measures
Security measures make your home safer, which makes you feel safer and more at ease. There are multiple safeguards to put in place, such as home security systems, burglar alarms, door security (like locks), window security, security lighting, CCTV cameras, smoke alarms, carbon dioxide monitors, and fencing.
6. Insure your home and consider the costs involved
Insuring your home can be a worthwhile investment. Homeowner’s insurance covers damage to your home’s structure, injuries that happen on your property, and theft of belongings. If you want coverage in case home systems or appliances break down, then you’ll need to invest in a home warranty. This is a contract that you renew annually. It covers breakdowns to heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems, along with covering appliance repairs. If you’re looking for a home warranty company you can trust, give this a try.
7. Set up a stress-free office space
If you’re planning to work from home part-time post-retirement or consult while you adjust to your new life, then you should, ideally, create a stress-free office. It will make you more focused and productive, and you’ll be able to work in peace and comfort. To build an appropriate space, you need the right equipment, flowers or plants, storage space, a seating area (optionally), and office supplies. A strict schedule, regular breaks, flowers or plants, and regularly getting up to move around can help you stay de-stressed. Time offers 15 ways to make your office space as comfortable as possible.
Conclusion
You won’t feel at home in your new place overnight. Give yourself time to get used to your new environment, neighborhood, and the people around you. Don’t be afraid to explore your new surroundings. Also, take certain measures – like getting a home warranty – to keep your home protected. Lastly, following your usual routine but making modifications as needed can help you get settled in your new home faster.
Retire Successfully offers advice on early retirement in the 21st century. If you have any questions or comments, send us an email at theretiredoldguy@gmail.com. Your questions will be answered as soon as possible.
Learn more about Teresa Greenhill and get some great information about physical and mental health for seniors at mentalhealthforseniors.com. We are not affiliated with any of the commercial links listed above.