How to downsize to move into a Retirement Village

How to downsize to move into a Retirement Village

Moving is already stressful enough. 

But moving into a smaller home can especially make for a pretty significant change in your lifestyle. To better prepare you for downsizing (without pulling your hair out), we’ve written a short guide on downsizing generally and some practical tips on downsizing into a retirement village.

But before we talk about moving into a retirement village, let’s first look at downsizing in general and what that means.

What does it mean to 'downsize'?

Downsizing means different thing to different people. It doesn’t just relate to retirement living. It could mean an apartment, or a smaller home, depending on what it is you're looking to get out of a move.

But the choice to downsize can be summed up simply: choice and freedom. 

For most, it means you’ve come to a stage in your life where you get to choose the next step.

The main reasons people downsize include: 

• Better position - closer to families and friends
• Better location - near the beach, near shops/restaurants or to live more rurally
• A more manageable home - one that’s easier to maintain
• Financial freedom - Getting the most value out of your bricks and mortar, leaving more money in your back pocket
• Security – locking up a home and travelling without any concern

A downsizing truth

Yes. Downsizing does involve decluttering (throwing things out).

We see time and time again people who come to visit one of St Vincent’s retirement villages and when they get home, they sit down and realise that have to move on from decades of accumulated 'stuff'.

While this can seem overwhelming, there is always downsizing help available. There’s friends, family and even organisations that can help whose sole purpose is to help you prioritise what you really need.

The trick is to take it all one step at a time.

Work out where you’re at

Downsizing is a significant emotional and financial decision.

It’s important that you:

1. Talk with your family

While it’s ultimately your decision, it’s important that you and your family are completely across what’s happening. It also can’t hurt to have others keeping an eye out for great deals or ideas for your move!

2. Organise your finances

Work out how much money you have and possibly talk to Centrelink (cheaper) or a financial advisor. There are incentives and government schemes you might be eligible for with the sale of your home.

Once you have talked with your family and organised your finances, you are well equipped to start looking at whatever ‘downsizing’ looks like for you. For a step-by-step guide of moving into a retirement village specifically, see below.

Redirect your mail, disconnect utilities and arrange for change of address notifications.

Try not to rush yourself when preparing to downsize to move into a retirement village. It's not easy moving from your home of 10 or 20 years. Give yourself time to adjust and mentally prepare for that transition into your

Steps for moving into a retirement village

If you do decide to eventually move to a retirement village community, the reality of ‘the move’ can be overwhelming. It can be exciting and daunting – there's so much to do! Where do you start? By taking it one step at a time and asking for help if you need it.

Step 1 – Determine what style of accommodation will suit your needs

Where you can find help

Downsizing to move into a retirement village is a big job that often requires help. Don’t be afraid to ask for it early on.

If family or friends are unable to help out or if you prefer a professional to do the job for you, there are specialists that can help in many areas of a move such as:

• Assisting with sorting through household contents and possessions and decluttering
• Disposing of excess items through sales or charities
• Organising, coordinating or assisting with the physical move such as packing, arranging transportation and unpacking in your new home
• Cleaning, repairing and presenting your home and garden for sale/lease
• Assisting with paperwork such as organising mail redirection and disconnecting utilities

Still have questions?

There’s nothing better than talking to someone. For other tips and tricks for navigating aged care, our team is always ready to chat. Call us on 1800 778 767 and get started now.