What are the Pros and Cons of Relocating?

Most of us look forward to retirement. It's your time to relax, enjoy the fruits of many years of your hard work and do things you love the most. 

As you'll no longer have to focus your energy on your job, you'll finally get independence and absolute freedom to focus on your needs, such as staying healthy and active. 

However, most people reach a dilemma when they approach retirement age - is moving after retirement a good choice, and should they go for it. 

If you are one of them and still waging your decision, you've clicked on the right article. We've prepared a list of pros and cons to help you steer your decision in the direction that's right for you.

Moving After Retirement

Many people consider packing their bags and moving after they retire. However, when it comes to deciding whether to move or not, finding the best place to move to is not the only thing to consider.

There are many benefits as well as disadvantages that you should have in mind before you start packing. Further in this article, we'll explain each in detail.

Pros of Relocating After You Retire

There are many benefits of post-retirement relocation, and we've selected three that are most relevant.

Improving your financial situation

When you stop working, keep in mind that your income will decrease, and you'll rely on a fixed amount each month. Therefore, to lower your expenses and save some money, the best thing to do is downsize. Especially if you have unused space as your kids have moved out.

If you decide to downsize, you can earn a significant profit and spend it on something you've always wanted but never had a chance to.

By downsizing, you'll be able to find a place that's better suited for your needs. If you want to save even more, you can also look into relocating to a more affordable neighborhood or even a state with lower taxes.

However, always make sure you are ready for the financial risks of retirement. You should have some funds set aside in case some unforeseen circumstances occur.

Moving Allows a Fresh Start and Even Better Weather

Relocating to a place you've always dreamed of gives you a chance to get a fresh start once you retire. For example, perhaps you always imagined yourself growing old next to a beach; retirement could be a perfect time to do this for yourself. Maybe your family lives in a different state; this could be a chance for you to move somewhere closer to them.

Everyone talks about the weather, but you can move to the climate you prefer once you retire. Retirement is a perfect time to spend enjoying the weather you love. Also, as the climate significantly influences your health, you should choose the most beneficial one for you.

Another good side of post-retirement relocation is that you get the chance to start fresh and leave your old life behind. There will be no reminders of your past traumas around you, and you'll be able to meet new friends and build a happier rest of your life.

Choosing your lifestyle

After you retire, you'll have much more free time on your hands which you can spend doing whatever you enjoy the most. Depending on what you love doing, the most suitable solution might be to move.

When you retire, you'll have plenty of time to do what you love. Travel, hike or sit back, read a book,

and relax - do whatever makes you happy.

For example, if you are a passionate fisherman but don't have many opportunities to go, consider moving somewhere close to a lake or a river. Therefore, think about your hobbies and things that fulfill you and focus on finding a perfect environment for you to do those things. 

Cons of Moving After Retirement

Now that you know the good sides, it's time to familiarize yourself with the downsides of relocating after retirement. Below are three we consider to be the most important.

The stress of the moving process

Let's be honest - even when you were younger, you probably didn't get overwhelmed with joy at the thought of decluttering, having to pack all your belongings, and going through the rest of the moving process. When you are older, relocation gets more tiring and can take a lot of your energy.

However, everything can get more manageable if you hire professionals to help. Experienced movers can make the process stress-free regardless of whether you are moving into a different home in the same neighborhood or across the country.

Moreover, injuries during moving are more common than you might think due to different hazards being all around you. So, if you do decide to move, the most important thing you should do is look after yourself. 

Therefore, relying on professionals to do the heavy lifting is a wise decision. Also, be extra careful and make sure to stay safe during the relocation process.

Leaving your old home and your social circle behind

One of the biggest disadvantages of post-retirement relocation is leaving your home, friends, and a part of your family behind. All of this can be very emotional, and many people decide not to move because they don't want to leave the people they love and are familiar with. The emotional attachments can make it very hard for you to decide to move. 

One of the most significant disadvantages of moving after retirement is that you'll be leaving your friends behind.

Moving to a new area, town, or state can be quite a challenge if you live close to your kids and grandkids. This alone can be a deal-breaker. Even though you'll have plenty of time to visit them, nothing beats being able to spend time with them every day. 

You will also be leaving your social circle and community behind, which is another tricky part of the relocation process. However, keep in mind that modern technology enabled us to stay in touch more easily than ever. 

Adapting to a new environment 

Moving to a new place is exciting, but it can also be very challenging. What is even more difficult is adapting to the new environment:

• It might disappoint you - Even if you've chosen one of the best states for retirees, it could be much different than you have hoped, and you can end up wanting to go back.
• Find a new doctor - When you move to a new place, you'll need to be prepared that they might have worse healthcare, and you'll need to find a new and reliable doctor.
• Potential lack of amenities - Especially if you are moving to a rural area, keep in mind that you might not have access to amenities you're used to. 

Will You Move?

There are many more factors to consider when thinking about relocating after you retire. There are key areas to consider, including financial questions, availability of health care and long-term care services, availability of transportation, weather, and so much more must be examined before you make a final decision.

However, many people do relocate because it will make them happy. Everything else can be addressed, but happiness is, for many, the number one factor.

Now that you know the benefits and downsides of moving after retirement, we hope that it will be that much easier for you to make your decision. It's your call to make, and we wish you the best of luck whatever you decide.