Solving the downsizing dilemmas
As one grows older, choosing to downsize to a retirement community comes with a bevy of benefits: living with like-minded people, easier accessibility, improved security and a greater peace of mind that a support network is in place should your needs change.
However, despite the long-term practical advantages, there is no doubt that downsizing can be an emotional strain and a logistical challenge. We have spoken with residents and staff at Anchor's care homes and retirement villages to gather together some top tips for those moving into a smaller property. But moving does not mean people have to leave their most favourite possessions behind, it simply gives them the opportunity to select the best bits or most sentimental items to move with them.
• Moving out of a home in which one has brought up a family can feel like one is leaving fond memories behind. This does not need to be the case. Rather than taking boxes of drawings, school reports, childrens' clothes and treasured-photographs to one's new home, consider splitting these items by child or grandchild and making 'memory boxes' which can be given to each individual relative as a memento.
• Before auctioning off furniture, speak to family members to find out if there are any particular items which they would be keen to take. Take photographs of any furniture or ornaments which you feel you may miss but for which you may no longer have space. If the choice of what to keep and what to get rid of seems overwhelming, storage containers can be hired at a reasonable rate, allowing one to disperse items to family, friends and charities at a more leisurely pace. Some items can be donated to the retirement village to which one is moving – for example at Bishopstoke Park books can be donated to the library and gardening tools to the village shed.
• Make sure you are aware of how much storage space is included in your new home –it may be greater than you think. At Anchor we appreciate that our customers are often moving from large family homes and have become accustomed to spacious accommodation. We have designed the rooms at our new developments with this in mind. For example, the master bedrooms at our new Hampshire Lakes development in Yateley each measure a roomy 16ft by 13ft. We also include floor to ceiling wardrobes in which we maximise storage space with hanging shoe racks, pull-out drawers and extra shelving.
• Relish not having a large garden. Our residents allow the Anchor gardeners to upkeep the grounds, which can be used for walks, reading and family picnics, while still maintaining their own small oasis on their balcony or terrace. Hanging plants, potted shrubs and garden furniture can be added to balconies and terraces to create ideal locations for having a drink and watching the world go by, without necessitating laborious gardening. We also have a kitchen garden area in many of our properties where people can grow their own produce,
• Most importantly, consider the opportunities which are opening up with the relocation, rather than dwelling on what one might be losing. Anchor's retirement villages are active communities at which the residents enjoy exercising in the gym, singing in the village choir, discussing literature at the book club and walking in the grounds as well as occasionally taking time to relax in the spa! Making the downsize move is a great opportunity to take up a previously enjoyed pastime or a new hobby, learn new skills and make new friends.
Howard Nankivell is Director of Sales and Marketing at Anchor, a charity and England's largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care to older people.
Visit www.anchor.org.uk for more information.
However, despite the long-term practical advantages, there is no doubt that downsizing can be an emotional strain and a logistical challenge. We have spoken with residents and staff at Anchor's care homes and retirement villages to gather together some top tips for those moving into a smaller property. But moving does not mean people have to leave their most favourite possessions behind, it simply gives them the opportunity to select the best bits or most sentimental items to move with them.
• Moving out of a home in which one has brought up a family can feel like one is leaving fond memories behind. This does not need to be the case. Rather than taking boxes of drawings, school reports, childrens' clothes and treasured-photographs to one's new home, consider splitting these items by child or grandchild and making 'memory boxes' which can be given to each individual relative as a memento.
• Before auctioning off furniture, speak to family members to find out if there are any particular items which they would be keen to take. Take photographs of any furniture or ornaments which you feel you may miss but for which you may no longer have space. If the choice of what to keep and what to get rid of seems overwhelming, storage containers can be hired at a reasonable rate, allowing one to disperse items to family, friends and charities at a more leisurely pace. Some items can be donated to the retirement village to which one is moving – for example at Bishopstoke Park books can be donated to the library and gardening tools to the village shed.
• Make sure you are aware of how much storage space is included in your new home –it may be greater than you think. At Anchor we appreciate that our customers are often moving from large family homes and have become accustomed to spacious accommodation. We have designed the rooms at our new developments with this in mind. For example, the master bedrooms at our new Hampshire Lakes development in Yateley each measure a roomy 16ft by 13ft. We also include floor to ceiling wardrobes in which we maximise storage space with hanging shoe racks, pull-out drawers and extra shelving.
• Relish not having a large garden. Our residents allow the Anchor gardeners to upkeep the grounds, which can be used for walks, reading and family picnics, while still maintaining their own small oasis on their balcony or terrace. Hanging plants, potted shrubs and garden furniture can be added to balconies and terraces to create ideal locations for having a drink and watching the world go by, without necessitating laborious gardening. We also have a kitchen garden area in many of our properties where people can grow their own produce,
• Most importantly, consider the opportunities which are opening up with the relocation, rather than dwelling on what one might be losing. Anchor's retirement villages are active communities at which the residents enjoy exercising in the gym, singing in the village choir, discussing literature at the book club and walking in the grounds as well as occasionally taking time to relax in the spa! Making the downsize move is a great opportunity to take up a previously enjoyed pastime or a new hobby, learn new skills and make new friends.
Howard Nankivell is Director of Sales and Marketing at Anchor, a charity and England's largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care to older people.
Visit www.anchor.org.uk for more information.