The 100 Years Club Installment #137: HOT STUFF #10 New Address, Who ‘Dis?

“About 6 percent of households headed by someone age 65 and older relocate, compared to 14 percent of younger households.” – Harvard University

I’m part of the 6% club.

In fact, I’ve moved four times in about 10 years (including two moves to different states), which should put me into some sort of super-mover category. See below for the video summary.

Old home movies and photos from my mother’s house (which I digitzed and uploaded so the whole family can now enjoy them.

During that time, I also emptied out and sold my late mother’s house. That has made me even more of a minimalist and downsizer. Why make your kids throw all your crap away?

This latest move (a new apartment about the same size) seemed more daunting than past relocations.

People who know me are aware that I’m not afraid of change. But the sheer amount of niggly stuff that needs to go into a move can be exhausting and annoying. In fact, people say that moving is one of the most stressful activities in their lives, even beating divorce.

I can attest to that. My sleep and readiness scores plummeted on my Oura Ring.

You also can’t think of a move as something that will totally transform your life for the better. An environmental change can just lead to new (and hopefully better) habits and perspectives.

My first step, of course, was figuring out where to move.

Buy or rent? Leave the state? Put my stuff in storage and live on the road?

I ditched the digital nomad concept (for now). I’m not quite that fearless (yet).

I narrowed the choice down to Maryland/D.C. and within Phoenix. When the temps dropped to 26 degrees back east last November, I decided to remain in the desert for another year and found a spot that checked all my boxes, allowing me enough $$ left over for travel and fun.

I seem to have a thing for living in shopping centers. Super convenient and very social. The multi-use complex is here to stay!

Here are my 8 tips for navigating a move, whether it’s across town (like mine) or across the U.S. (which I’ve also done).

1. Planning, organizing, and downsizing are key. I started long before my move to avoid last-minute costs and stress. I toured many properties and found one where the amenities and management team (super-critical) were solid. I worked with Missy, a professional organizer, to get rid of about 25-30% of my “stuff.” An organization called NAPO can recommend people like this around the U.S. The money you spend on that will ultimately reduce the moving costs and the need for more storage space. I also reviewed every monthly expense to eliminate unnecessary subscriptions, freeing more funds for the move.
2. Local non-profits, consignment stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces can be a great way to get rid of things you no longer want. It’s a fascinating world. Each alternative has a unique purpose, which I’ll feature in this series. (Please subscribe…hint, hint!)
3. My closet was a necessary upgrade. “It’s the room where you start every day!” someone once said to me about a walk-in closet. That’s true. If you can’t find what to wear in the A.M., that’s just one more minor stressor. I had my new closet redone to fit my clothes and shoes. I’m becoming more of a tech bro when it comes to fashion, wearing variations on a few particular styles (my capsule wardrobe). It saves me hours each month! What else did I splurge on? I invested in a new bed (because mine was 10+ years old, cheap, and destroying my back). A new big-screen TV, cookware, a compact coffee maker, and a few other home accessories were added to my “shopping cart.” However, I was mindful of not simply adding more clutter to my life, focusing on those things that truly matter to me every day…like sleep and caffeine.
4. Gadgets and a gazillion details are involved. This is where you may feel overwhelmed. Minor things, such as address changes, waiting for deliveries, and setting up utilities, can be draining. But just make a list and check off a few items each day.
5. The move itself always has its glitches. I’m now negotiating with someone to cover the cost of the mirror dresser that was damaged during transportation. But while that’s going on, I’m focusing on the positives and taking a deep sigh. Which leads to #6….
6. Breathe. Yes, I know you do that every day. But I’m talking about deep calming breaths when your stress level climbs. Take time for exercise and get enough sleep. (That was hard on the icky mattress, but I simply counted the days until my awesome new bed arrived. So far, it’s AMAZING!)
7. Explore your new community and lean into the adventure. I’ve made a short list of businesses, restaurants, and bike trails I want to visit over the next few months. I went to a party at the building to meet some of my new neighbors. And, of course, I’m planning a post-move mini-excursion to relax and step away from move madness for a few days.
8. Remember that habit change thing. After I publish this, my laptop is going back into its case, and I will do most of my serious work from the business center in my building. (Not that ALL of my work isn’t serious to me, but NANCYAF.com is still scaling and I manage how much time and $$ I spend on it. I want my new abode to be a true “place of peace,” which is way harder with “urgent” messages popping up all day. A fresh environment poses a terrific backdrop for testing out new ways of life.

Feeling antsy at any age? Need a change of location? Just suck it up and make your move! You’ll be soooo relieved when it’s over!

And here’s a brief recap of my moving adventures!