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Go-To Relocation Guide for The Next Stage of Your Life

Wednesday, March 1, 2023
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Life is not just a story, it is a book filled with incredible chapters. New beginnings are often signified by big life events - going to college, getting married, having kids, making those big career leaps, and retirement. The latter offers much more free time and freedom of movement. You can now live wherever you choose. In fact, around 1 million people decide to make the move after retirement. We’ve put together several benefits to doing so.

Best places to retire

Couple thinking of their next moves while playing a game of chess in the retirement village

There are many reasons to relocate after retirement, the main one being moving closer to the family. Many people choose to relocate closer to their families for comfort and familiarity. However, there is also the chance to live in and explore a new city. You now have the chance to see a part of the world that you could not have before even while saving some money. 

If you want to move after retirement to a place that you have never lived in before, you would have to narrow down your choices. A lot of research has to go into your decision. Not only do you have to find things to do, but you also have to check the cost of living, the transportation system, and the type of houses or retirement villages that you can live in.

New lifestyle, new climate, new you

Backs of two people walking on a beach in a retirement village in Florida

Outside of the cost of living, another important aspect that can influence your decision to move after retirement is the climate that the area has. Experienced adults often prefer warmer climates where the winters are softer on their bodies. This is one of the reasons that people in their golden years may opt to move to a city where the idea of shoveling snow is handled by the city itself, instead of you. 

However, areas that have warm climates may have a higher cost of living. Therefore, it is important that you research the two (climate and costs) to see which is better for your retirement lifestyle. Many people opt to move to retirement villages in Florida due to the warm weather as well as to experience a more reasonable cost of living. But, there are many other states and cities that can offer you the same. So, do your due diligence well in advance.

Rent or buy a place after retirement

Woman drawing back curtains of her room in the retirement community

Downsizing can be a great way to save money while enjoying your life, after moving after retirement. You should think about moving into a small house, a townhome, a condo, or an apartment. There are even some amazing retirement villages for experienced people to live in where you can be catered to.

Either way, moving to a smaller home means that there is less to maintain, and clean. This can save you a lot of effort and time so that you can do in retirement what you enjoy.  

It is suggested that renting after retirement can offer you several financial advantages. For one, when you are renting a place, it means that you have a landlord whose sole purpose is to keep it in tip-top shape. This means that they are responsible for maintaining the interior as well as the exterior of where you live, depending on your contract with them. 

Hence, if something were to break, you would have to call them to get it fixed instead of doing it yourself. This can also include lawn care. Therefore, having someone who is in charge of the maintenance of the property can give you peace of mind.

Another good thing about renting after retirement is if you are someone who wants to travel. As in not to be limited to one location because you happen to own a house there. Renting can help open you up to live in different parts of the US or the rest of the world to experience new surroundings. The best way to get into a new culture is by living there instead of merely visiting it. 

Before you move, check your health care coverage

A midshot of a woman with a gentle smile on her face while looking at her phone as she's on facetime with her family

Health care is something you should also keep in mind when looking where to relocate to after retirement. It is wise to hope for the best but prepare for the rest by making sure that you are covered. Therefore, if you are with a medical provider that you cannot replace, nor would you want to, then you may want to reconsider your retirement relocation options. 

Outside of healthcare, you would also want to consider how moving to a new place to retire will make your quality of life better. Moving to a new location to retire can improve your life since it can aid you to explore new opportunities, and meeting new like-minded people. As well as a chance to rediscover or find out more about yourself. All of this can help with your quality of life in terms of mental health.

Best things about moving after retirement

 Man sitting outside of retirement community in the green grass with his eyes closed to meditate

It has been said that people who move after they retire are happier when compared to those that stay in the same place. There are three top reasons for this; financial, physical, and mental well-being. 

It is a new stage of your life where you can explore while living in comfort either in a place that you grew up in or one that is completely new to you. It is an adventure whichever way you decide to look at it. An old home can allow you to see how the area has changed with the times, and how your friends have changed too.

A new place to retire lets you see the world from a different angle, one that you may only have seen in pictures. And, the bills do not have to be that bothersome depending on where you move to. 

Your family can also play an important role. You may want to make a move after retirement in order to be closer to your children, grandchildren, or friends and family that you consider close. 

You may decide to retire to your old home which has changed throughout the years to something almost new due to the prices being cheaper. Regardless of why you decide to move, you would end up feeling more positive emotions after the move.

Pitfalls to watch out for before moving to retire

A man writing on his tablet while sitting on a sofa enjoying his time after retirement

While moving after retirement for family is an appealing concept there can be a few pitfalls to watch out for. These types can be avoided by having an open line of communication with your family. For example, your family that you have moved closer to may have to move away due to a job offer. Or that moving in with your kids may cause issues with the in-laws due to limited space, etc. 

It is highly recommended that you speak to your family before making any move. You can let them give you ideas as well as find a house to move into that is close to them. They can also advise you which town to move to when you retire. But, the choice is yours. 

Another pitfall to watch out for is the idea of avoiding paying taxes. While many people would rather pay as little as possible, there is a chance that this could be to their disadvantage. Not due to the cost, but due to moving away from friends and family to chase that lower tax payment. There are other ways to lower your costs of living (such as downsizing) that will not impact your quality of life. It is worth repeating: do not move somewhere to retire only because of taxes. 

There should be several points on your checklist before moving after retirement, such as friends, family, health care, climate, cost of living, etc. And tax should be the last one, well in theory.

Turning the page to the next chapter of your life with Shyft

A midshot of a man looking at a glass of red wine that he is holding up to celebrate his new retirement lifestyle

You may need some help when it comes to organizing your move. It takes a lot of work, research, as well as finding the right mover to get you to your new forever home to relax after retiring. You can use Shyft, the world’s first tech-driven moving platform, to help you move. Shyft organizes moves for people of different ages. 

All you need to do is go on to the Shyft site and fill out the very short questionnaire about your move. From here, one of the high-skilled Shyft Move Coaches will contact you by using the ShyftNext app. This is a free-to-download mobile app for Android or iPhones. And, it does not take up too much storage space on your phone. Your Move Coach will only contact you through this app at the time that you request. Your Move Coach will only call you at the time that you are available to talk.

The call with a Shyft Move Coach and what happens after

Woman sitting in front of her laptop while researching best places to retire

It is during this call which is a video one that you get to meet your Move Coach. What is more, is that your Move Coach will take down as well as create your inventory list of all that you want to take with you to your new home. This is so you do not have to do it yourself, relieving a lot of stress. When the call is over, your list is sent to you for your confirmation within half an hour.    

When you are satisfied with your list and have sent it back to your Move Coach, Shyft will then take your list plus your moving information to Shyft’s secure bidding platform. This is where qualified, experienced, and verified moving companies gather to bid on projects. It is here that three or more moving quotes are gathered from different movers. All the quotes are sent to you along with information about the companies as well as what they offer. 

This is so you can make an informed decision on which mover you want to work with. The choice is in your hands. And, all the moving quotes are fixed meaning that there are no hidden costs to surprise you. Plus, if you need any help Shyft is on call for you. All day, every day including the evenings and weekends. So, if you have any questions or want advice, you can drop Shyft a message or give Shyft a ring. 

Another thing that can also help with your moving process is the Shyft moving marketplace. It is here that you can order new items to be delivered directly to your new homes. And, all the items (including services) come with a discount.

Check out Shyft while doing research on where you want to move to for the new chapter of your post-work life. Remember to look after yourself and your loved ones. All while also having a lot of fun with your free 8 hours a day. Happy rest and fun times ahead.