According to a recent Merrill Lynch survey , 51% of respondents planning to retire soon anticipate downsizing. Their primary reason was either to move closer to kids and grandkids or relocate to a place with better weather and more senior living amenities. Changes in health status or financial circumstances were also reasons cited for downsizing.

“Downsizing isn’t just about square footage, it’s also about starting over,” Pam Dunford from Dothan, Alabama explains. “New house, new friends, new situation.”

With her husband, Dunford started over in a big way. Following heavy rains in Midland, Michigan in May, 2020, the Edenville and Sanford dams broke, flooding more than 2,500 houses in the county including the Dunfords’ home. They were devastated. Food storage, keepsakes and antique furn

See Full Page