Written by Janet Helm, Realtor® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)
As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) , I often hear: "One day we will tackle the decluttering.” “There is no rush, we will move when ready." “One day, I’ll have grab bars installed in the bathroom.” “One day, we will tour retirement communities.” Many people hold onto the hope that, at some point in the future, the perfect moment will arrive—when everything will line up and the decision to move, downsize, or make necessary home adjustments will feel clear and easy. I’m here to tell you from years of experience, there is no “perfect” time. The clouds don’t part, and a choir doesn’t sing when it’s time to act. That moment doesn’t arrive on its own, and waiting for it can leave you caught off guard when things inevitably change. It’s easy to ignore signs—whether it’s the growing difficulty in getting around a home, realizing it’s harder to keep up with daily tasks, or noticing that tasks you once did easily are becoming unsafe. The truth is, it’s often easier to pretend that everything’s fine. You don’t want to burden others, and you certainly don’t want your family or friends to feel like you’re not capable. Asking for help, planning ahead, and making decisions before a crisis forces your hand doesn’t make you weak. In fact, it puts you in control. As my mom used to say, “You’re in the driver’s seat.”
I’m currently working with a vibrant client who's taking a proactive approach to rightsizing—we’ve explored 55+ communities, toured a retirement residence, and I’ve even had the joy of meeting their fun-loving extended family; having a plan in place makes the journey smoother, more empowering, and far less stressful than waiting until a crisis forces a rushed decision.
Having a plan doesn’t mean you have to make big changes immediately. It might be as simple as deciding to bring in a little extra help around the house, or garden, installing grab bars in the bathroom, or even starting to declutter so that when the time comes to downsize, it’s less overwhelming. Having your home assessed for resale, may include a few simple updates to ensure your home sells for top dollar. (Before spending money on any repairs or updates, feel free to ask me first as most updates should be minor nothing expensive or extensive.) Go on a few tours of retirement residences, calculate your costs to stay and or to move. These small actions can create peace of mind and help you move forward with confidence, knowing you’ve prepared yourself for the future in the way that’s best for you.
Whether you decide to stay in your home or explore other living options, the key is having a plan. It’s not about waiting for the perfect moment; it’s about being proactive. If you wait too long, you might miss the window of opportunity where you could have made changes on your own terms. Planning for what’s next allows you to maintain your independence and ensure your needs are met, without feeling like a burden or like things are spiralling out of control.
When you plan, ask for help or guidance, you are living life on your terms, not waiting for circumstances to take that control away from you. Whether you stay or go, having a plan puts you in charge of your next chapter. Are you or know of someone who has questions or is ready to look at rightsizing options? Ask HELM! I’m always just a phone call away!