Finding the right furniture for your retirement home

Retirement usually means big changes, which can include downsizing and moving to a smaller home. Here are some tips for choosing and furnishing your retirement home for both convenience and safety.

Think small and easy to maintain.

• It is probably a good idea to choose a home with a level entry.
• Choose a house that is conveniently located and within reasonable distance of support and medical services.
• Finally, think small. A two-bedroom house will be adequate for a retired couple, and less expensive to maintain than a larger one.

When downsizing, it can sometimes be hard to determine what should be donated or sold, and what should stay with you. Here are a few things to consider when going through your belongings.

• Remember to measure your new home's rooms before deciding what to move and what to sell or give away.

That sectional sofa that graced your large family room may not fit into your new living space.

• Measure and then buy smaller furniture if needed.
• If you are buying new furniture, go for washable slipcovers or easy-to-clean leather.
• Curtains and valances are dust traps, so opt for fabric window blinds that aren't a hassle to wipe down.

It's important to consider features that can keep you away from harm.

• As far as bathrooms are concerned, think about installing safety railings and bathtub grips, as well as non-slip bath surfaces.
• To minimize tripping hazards, put that Persian rug your grand kids love so much in the guest room. They can play on it when they visit, and you can avoid an unnecessary fall.
• If your external doors do not have bolt locks, install them. This is a simple way to greatly increase the security of your home.

Thanks to today's technology, there are myriad electronic options to help us with everyday living.

• If you have trouble remembering things like whether you turned off the lights or locked the door, consider installing basic remote "smart" systems.
• There are remote-controlled hubs that control lighting or appliances, and  remote-access doors that lock via a smartphone app.
• If you're not into smartphones, consider power line-controlled technology for commanding things like lights.

Follow these tips to begin your transition into your new home, safely and conveniently.