Perhaps it’s the house they bought after getting married. It’s the house where they learned how to be adults. It’s the house they decorated every Halloween and Christmas. It’s the house where they fought and eventually made up. It’s the house you grew up in. It’s the home that they built.
However, with old age comes a new set of needs and necessities. Your old Houston house may be too big for them to move around in. In addition, all of that excess space would lead to higher maintenance and utilities that they might not be able to afford in retirement. The distance from their Houston home to the hospital can also pose a problem. Now that they’re seniors, your parents are going to need a more manageable and smaller house in Houston, TX.
So how will you break the news to them? How can you help your parents downsize their home in Houston, TX now that they’re in retirement? Be warned, this entire process can be long, tedious, and emotionally-charged, both for you and your parents. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the things that you can do to help your parents before, during, and after downsizing:
How can you prepare your parents with selling their house fast in Houston, TX?
Listen to them and understand your parents’ side
When helping seniors with downsizing, communication is key. The entire process can be daunting and unfamiliar which can make them unreceptive to your plans. Don’t exacerbate the situation by ordering them around. Instead, ask them how they feel and where the hesitation is coming from. This is their decision to make after all.
Frame downsizing as a fun, new adventure
They’re holding onto their old Houston home because of its history. Help them let go of the past by getting them to focus on the future. Frame their new home as a blank canvas that they can have fun with. Bonus: downsizing can be made less dreary if loved ones are involved.
Create a clear and organized plan
The best way to approach a big and complicated task is by dividing them into small and manageable parts. Start with a timetable that covers all of the key milestones: researching and planning, decluttering, packing, moving, settling in. Give yourselves ample time as well. There’s no need to rush.
How can you help your parents with decluttering and moving?
Start a home inventory
In order to figure out what to keep and what to dispose of, you first have to take inventory. A recommended approach is to go through rooms from lowest to highest emotional significance. This step can also be a nice sentimental and retrospective moment that you can share with your parents.
Let go of their unnecessary belongings
Before throwing those items into the trash bin, consider the other options first. A garage sale in Houston is the perfect way to dispose of these items while making money at the same time. You can also look into the different charities in your area. For antiques and collectibles, try to have them appraised by a professional first.
Help them with the moving logistics
A good place to start would be to coordinate with a professional moving company. After that, you can then start packing their least used items. Start packing their more frequently used items and essentials as D-Day approaches. Don’t forget to label everything accordingly.
How can you aid your parents with settling in their new home?
After months of discussing, planning, and decluttering, it’s finally over. Your parents are in their new house and you can all enjoy the fruits of your labor. Explore the new community with them. Hold a celebration in their new house. Help them turn the new house into a home.
Sell to a Professional Home Buyer!
Now that you have the nitty gritty out of the way, you can finally proceed to the easiest part. Contact Ohana Legacy Properties, LLC and sell your house fast in Houston, TX. With our help, you can let go of your old house without worrying about agents, commissions, repairs, or inspections!
We’ll buy your old house with our own cash money so you can finally focus on turning your new house into your new home. Contact Ohana Legacy Properties, LLC and let’s get you started on that fair cash offer!