Downsizing: California Dreamin’

It had always been Deb and Carl’s dream to move to Southern California after they had both retired. Over the years, raising children in a house they designed and built, the couple’s California retirement became less a dream and more of a plan. In addition to the amazing weather and laid-back lifestyle, two of their three now-grown children moved to California. Leaving the family home would be hard, but Deb and Carl took comfort in the fact that a new family would be able to enjoy their home.

Deb and Carl planned their California retirement as much as possible, even choosing a community near their children where they’d purchase their retirement home. Then, fit, community-involved Carl, who was a few years older than Deb, was diagnosed with a catastrophic illness just after his 70th birthday. The symptoms hit fast and hard. First, a cane was needed, then a walker, and finally a wheelchair. Carl’s health was declining rapidly, and the couple’s California retirement plans were slipping away.

As he declined, Carl and Deb had many difficult conversations about the future with each other and their children. As a family, it was decided that Deb should still move to California. Their son scouted out the perfect condo for Deb. It was a heart-wrenching decision, but Carl made it clear to Deb it was his wish for her to follow their California dream. For the next eight months, Carl was bedridden and then passed. Losing her life partner and best friend, Deb felt adrift despite the adjustments to their plans.

After two months of dealing with the grief and doing the necessary paperwork, Deb was ready to tackle her move to California. Deb’s daughter had heard about Senior Move Managers® and reached out to Chesapeake Transitions. Working with the family, Chesapeake Transitions developed a plan and timetable. The Senior Move Manager® referred the family to a local realtor and recommended a reliable moving company. The children identified items from the family home that they wanted, and Deb selected the pieces she would take to her new condo. With the move date set, the senior move management team began packing. Since many items were being sent to different locations, everything was color-tagged. This detailed preparation made the actual move day, overseen by the Senior Move Manager®, go smoothly. Noting how efficiently everything was being handled, Deb decided to fly to California before move day!

Next, the estate sale set-up began for the items that Deb and her children hadn’t taken. Cabinets, drawers, and closets were emptied, sorted, placed on sales tables and racks, and priced. The garage even had a team member sorting and setting up. The following weekend, the estate sale took place, and most items were sold. Per Deb’s wishes, the remaining unsold items were taken to a local charity. Carl and Deb’s now empty house was ready for the realtor to do her job.

Once her things from Maryland were arranged in her California condo, Deb felt a sense of peace. Her children were nearby, and she was living the California retirement she and Carl had always dreamed of. Deb missed Carl terribly, but she knew it was his wish for her to pursue their dream of retirement in California, even if he couldn’t be there with her.

AUTHOR: Marilyn Leek, a Certified Senior Move Manager® and owner of Chesapeake Transitions, has provided guidance and support for Maryland seniors and their families for over 15 years.