Moving in Retirement: Tips for a Smooth Transition

Homeowners can choose to relocate for a whole slew of reasons in retirement, from becoming closer neighbors with their family to opting for a more comfortable climate and simply living in the city of their dreams.

But there are obstacles to navigate en route to that dream, from relocating costs to managing the timing of all the moving parts and pieces.

If Richmond, VA happens to be your destination, things are about to get a little easier. That’s because we have some tips and advice for how to relocate to RVA  — that’s our city’s nickname — when you’re searching for one of the best places for retirees to live.

1. HOW TO DECIDE WHERE TO LIVE: RICHMOND, VA EDITION

Whether you’re seeking to relocate and retire in order to return to your hometown or want to claim a new one, Richmond is a welcoming city. We know that for a fact because this is where we build homes that Live Up throughout RVA and the surrounding counties of Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, Goochland, and others.

While we won’t repeat our list of the “Top 10 Reasons for Moving to Richmond, VA” right here, we will tell you why our city is one of the best places for retirees to live. That reason is StyleCraft’s Freestyle communities, the location of which can help guide your efforts to relocate. These award-winning 55-plus communities include:

• Chickahominy Falls: Located in Glen Allen, VA
• Townes at Iron Mill: Located in Chester
• Mosaic at West Creek: Located in Goochland
• Greenwich Walk: Located in Moseley
• Woolridge Landing: Located in Chesterfield, VA

These names and areas may not mean a lot to you yet, which is why deciding where to relocate is just as critical as determining how to relocate. Whether you want to live west of the city, south of the James River, or out in the country, rest assured that there’s a StyleCraft Freestyle community for you.

If you want to learn more about why Richmond is one of the best places for retirees to live, check out the reasons that Southern Living included RVA on its list of The South’s Best Cities.

2. MATH TIME: LEARNING THE RELOCATION COSTS

No matter your budget, a big part of how to decide where to live involves adding up all of the relocating costs. If you’re relocating from out of state, you’ll want to account for everything from the moving costs (see “Packing & Planning Timeline” below) to any differences in state and local taxes. Then there’s tax math of actually figuring out and filing your returns for your old and new state.

How to decide where to live can also yield some windfalls. For example, if you’re downsizing, you may throw a big yard sale or donate items that will entitle you to tax savings. Also, the cost of new furniture and décor may be offset by any profit derived from the sale of your home.

3. HOW TO RELOCATE ALL OF YOUR STUFF: THE PACKING PLANNING & TIMELINE

A big chunk of your relocating costs revolve around moving furniture, keepsakes, décor, and all your other possessions from Point A to Point B. On top of that, there’s syncing up this effort with selling your current home, determining when you can move into your new home, filling up and emptying storage units, and a host of other events. In other words, don’t treat how to decide where to live lightly, because once you set the process in motion, you may not want to repeat it again.

By creating a timeline, you can help make sure that you check boxes in the right order and don’t forget any critical steps as you plan to relocate. Don’t know where to start? Work backward, beginning with you happy in your new home and tracing all the steps that helped you get there. And if you’re tripped by perhaps the most daunting relocation task — downsizing — we’ve got some tips to help you handle it.

One more piece of advice to help reduce relocating costs: vet multiple moving companies, short-term rentals, and all the big-ticket items involved in your relocation. If you need help, our New Home Sales Consultants are happy to make recommendations for providers in the Greater Richmond Area. The last thing we want to see is you overpay for mediocre service.

4. RELOCATE TO A PLACE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME

We can’t tell you where to relocate, but we can get you halfway there by sharing how to decide where to live.

For example, by choosing a community with ample amenities — such as a pool, walking trails, community gathering spots, and more — you eliminate the need to find these (and pay for them) outside your community. Plus, this is right where your neighbors will be, giving you an opportunity to make fast friends. StyleCraft’s Freestyle communities fit the bill, providing homeowners with a generous mix of built-in amenities.

If you’re still unsure of the best move to make, here are some additional questions to ask yourself about relocating in retirement.

Richmond, VA is no doubt considered one of the best places for retirees to live, and StyleCraft Homes is a builder known for its exceptional 55-plus communities. Together, we can help you get in your new hometown and home — and Living Up before you know it. Check out our floor plans and contact us to get started today.