Tips for Selling a House Before Moving to a Senior Living Facility

Moving to a senior living facility is a significant decision—one that comes with exciting and challenging changes. Before you or a loved one can start enjoying the benefits that come with life in a senior living facility, there’s one major detail to take care of: selling the house.

Whether you or your loved one lived there for a few years or decades, selling a house can be an emotional experience, and it may even feel overwhelming. The good news? You’re not alone. With the right planning, expert help, and knowledge of what to expect, the process can go smoothly.

1. Determine a general move-in timeline.

Before choosing a date to put the house on the market, sit down with a calendar and consider various factors that can impact an ideal moving timeline. Are there health needs, upcoming life events (such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations), or even seasons that should be taken into account? After all, nobody enjoys moving during a snowstorm! If any significant people in your life—adult children, siblings, close friends, and trusted advisors—will be helping with the move, talk through your plans with them to make sure everyone is on the same page. 

Next, work with the senior living facility to understand which move-in dates are available. From there, you can map out a general timeline that’s realistic. Creating a clear, flexible plan with achievable steps along the way can make the transition feel manageable. 

2. Enlist the experts. 

Selling a house isn’t a solo project. Expert help is essential for paving a smooth path for the journey, from prepping and staging to moving into a new place.

Contact a real estate agent. 

Even if you or your loved one is ready to put the current house on the market right away, it’s never too early to begin looking for experienced real estate agents in your area. The right professional can help you navigate the fluctuating real estate market, give tips for staging the house for sale, and even recommend a timeline that keeps you and your family members on track.

Working with the right person is a must. You’ll want to find an agent in your area who excels at customer service and is there to help you throughout the entire selling process, including before the house goes on the market.

Work with a financial planner.

Before putting a house on the market, schedule an appointment with a financial planner. If you don’t already have one, consider finding a qualified, certified advisor who can help you understand the short- and long-term financial picture.

3. Begin rightsizing.

Before a home can hit the market, it is wise to spend time "rightsizing" possessions. Although you might have heard the term “downsizing” before when it comes to moving or organizing, older adults often end up with a much more manageable life when they choose to reduce some of their clutter and possessions, making the term “rightsizing” more appropriate. 

Removing extra clutter creates a safer environment that can help preserve your long-term independence. It also simplifies the house staging process during the sale.

Look for expert organizing help.

If rightsizing seems too overwhelming to tackle, you can choose to invest in the assistance of a professional organizer. These experts help with the actual task of rightsizing or simply come in for an evaluation and provide you with a checklist-style plan and an extra set of hands that keep you on task.  Work closely with the senior living facility; they can point you in the direction of what to keep and bring to the new home.

Take it slow and steady.

If you are taking on the task of rightsizing on your own, it’s important to remember to tackle one room at a time, determining the following:

• What items you or your loved one will take when moving to a senior living facility

• What items can be donated or sold

• What items other family members should take 

If possible, be sure to allow extra time in the packing and decision-making process for breaks when you become overwhelmed. Things will look more manageable with a fresh set of eyes the next day or the next weekend.

4. Talk about emotions related to the move.

Selling a house and moving is more than just a physical move—it’s also an emotional journey. Even if you or your loved one is excited about new social opportunities and better access to care options at a senior living facility, it’ll naturally feel overwhelming during this transition. 

Acknowledging emotions is an essential part of the process. Instead of ignoring negative thoughts and feelings, work through them. Talking about it can alleviate stress or anxiety, so turn to trusted sources of advice and comfort during this time. If you need additional support, consider scheduling regular counseling appointments with a professional who is experienced with major life transitions. They can teach strategies for coping with change and help process feelings.

Preparing emotionally for the move also means knowing what to expect. Communicate regularly with the facility about what the first days and weeks will look like. Work with the facility to get answers to questions that pop up as moving day approaches. Ask about touring the facility, social opportunities, and visitation to help you or your loved one settle in. Knowing what to expect during move-in and beyond can help to envision a positive start to life in the new facility. 

5. Put the house on the market at the right time.

You might not have to put the home on the market right away. In this case, you can wait until the real estate market is working in your favor. Choosing the right time can help you earn up to 1.6 percent extra from the sale, and according to Zillow, May is the best month to sell.

Your real estate agent will advise you when your specific location’s market is seller-friendly and help you find someone who can fix any last-minute projects that could decrease your sale value. For example, hiring someone to clean up your outdoor landscaping can be well worth the investment because it boosts the home’s curb appeal and can lead to more offers.

6. Embrace the senior living life.

Another way to create a smooth journey during the upcoming move is to schedule times to visit the new facility prior to move-in day. You or your loved one can enjoy a meal in the dining room or attend events as many times as you would like leading up to the move. Use these opportunities to meet new friends, find your way around the major areas of the facility, and gain confidence before you’re officially a resident.

Selling a home and moving to a senior living facility can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, clear planning, and a focus on the benefits ahead, it can be an empowering transition. Start early, stay organized, and lean on the resources designed to make your move easier.

Source: Tips for Selling Your House Before Moving to a Senior Living Community