Empty Nester Guide: Tips for your move & new lifestyle

For those of us with a few more years under our belt, there comes a time when we start thinking about the next stage in life. Whether the kids are off to college or retirement is just around the corner, many of us shift focus to how we want to live – and where – during this exciting new chapter. Moving into a new home is often the first step, giving you the chance to start fresh in more ways than one.

While the ‘right’ time to move can be hard to define, we've compiled some tips to help in this Empty Nester's Guide to New Home Buying. The guide will walk you through questions to ask yourself about how and where you want to live, compare different types of homes, provide tips for making your move simpler and much more. 

Here's a quick overview of what's included in the guide.

Ready to Move? Questions to Ask Yourself

Some key questions you may want to ask yourself to determine if now is the right time for you to consider moving include: 

• Does my neighborhood still suit my lifestyle?

• Are there rooms and features in my home that I no longer use?

• What are the costs (repairs, yard maintenance) of not moving?

• Am I tired of yard work and maintenance?

• Am I craving a simpler lifestyle?

• Would I like to travel more or be closer to family?

• Will moving be harder in a few more years?

Choose the Lifestyle Right for You

As stages of life change, many empty nesters consider how they want to spend their time.

• Would you like a lock-and-go lifestyle with less maintenance and more time to do the things you love?

• Would a different type of home better suit your lifestyle—one that still has plenty of space but less upkeep?

How to Choose Your Neighborhood

There are so many wonderful neighborhoods in the greater DC area, how to decide on what is right for you? By asking yourself these questions, it may bring you closer to a decision. 

• Do you want to be able to walk out your door to shops, restaurants and entertainment?
• Do you want easy access to public transportation?
• Do you prefer bustling activity or a more tranquil, yet still connected, setting?
• How important is nearby outdoor recreation such as hiking and biking trails?
• What onsite amenities are important to you?
• Do you want a community that fosters new friendships?

Tips for Your Move

Preparing your home for sale can seem overwhelming, both physically and emotionally, especially if it has been your family home for many years. But it doesn't have to be! The guide includes:

• Tips to help the move go smoothly
• How professionals can help
• The importance of timing

While there are many important things to consider, moving can provide a fresh start to an exciting new chapter in life and offer a simpler, more carefree lifestyle to enjoy for many years to come.

View the Empty Nester's Guide to New Home Buying

Here at EYA, we have been welcoming new homeowners for over 30 years. And we have had many of them tell us, "We wish we had done this sooner," not only because the move would have been easier, but that they wished they had started living a simpler lifestyle sooner with more freedom to do the things they love. 

If you think that now may be the right time for you, click here to browse the guide online or download the comprehensive guide here.