A special thank you to guest blogger Bob Shannon of SeniorsMeet.org for this week’s post!
You’ve just retired and are looking to invest in a bigger home in a diverse, fun and eclectic place like Houston, TX. You’ve dreamed of pursuing your interest in homesteading in a home large enough to accommodate it and appeal to your kids and grandkids so you never have to miss the chance to spend time together. Maybe you want to grow produce or raise livestock, or the extra space is more for hosting and entertaining friends and family.
Regardless of your motivation, there is no better time than right now to get started on your dream. Follow these steps to achieve your goals!
1. Determining What You Can Afford
A crucial step in any home-buying experience is figuring out how much you can invest in a new home. Because retirement income is relatively stable, calculating your available funds versus outgoing funds is simple if you want to do it yourself. The internet has made this easier than ever, though, with dozens of tools available to calculate what is affordable. When budgeting, also set aside money for moving expenditures and home repairs you may have to make when moving into your new home.
Don’t forget that whatever direction you’re taking your homestead, you’ll want to invest in it, too. Are tools, a barn and a tractor on your wishlist? Or maybe you want special landscaping, sprawling patios, and an outdoor kitchen? You’ll need to budget for your goodies that fuel your day-to-day activities. You can shop around for the best deals on the big stuff, like contractors and used farm equipment, and for the smaller items, you can always find online savings opportunities, like scoring a Crate and Barrel discount code.
2. Finding a Home Right for Homesteading
Homesteading comes in many sizes, with urban homesteading on the rise, and there are some basic considerations to make when purchasing your new home. Typical first forays into homesteading include raising chickens and planting a vegetable garden. Make sure that any homes you look at have land that can accommodate space to keep your chickens, potentially in a henhouse or full-size chicken coop, and plant a sizable garden to produce food for your family. Indoor considerations for homesteading include space for a root cellar and a pantry area to store goods you can.
3. Making Space for Family Time
In addition to enough space for homesteading, make sure your new home has the square footage to support visits from your family. The number of guest bedrooms is a prime consideration for overnight stays. Take note of spaces that can be easily converted into playrooms for your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Consider yard size and flatness when thinking of the potential installment of playsets, trampolines and other outdoor play items to have at hand for when the little ones come to visit.
4. Taking Precautions as a Retiree
It’s important to be aware of your health and mobility during the moving process. Ensure you don’t overdo it by arranging for help with the transition. This can be family, friends or neighbors, or you may hire a moving company. Obtain appropriate moving boxes and equipment such as dollies that are designed to help you pack and move safely.
If the process of moving seems overwhelming or you’d just like to have your move be as stress-free as possible, employ a senior move manager to take charge. These professionals handle every aspect of a move for you, from assisting with packing and unpacking to hiring a moving truck company for the big day.
Every retiree should be able to create the golden years of his or her dreams. Your new home should facilitate that, from pursuing new interests such as homesteading to surrounding yourself with the ones you love most. With these tips, you’ll be enjoying sharing the fruits of your gardening with your grandkids in your new home in no time.
Connect with the Heights Blog for more ideas, information and inspiration!