Top tips for your downsizing journey (part 2)
Date Posted: June 17, 2021
So, you’re confident that making the move to a downsizing community is the right choice for you. Now it’s time to find the perfect location, community and home for your needs. Here are some important considerations to help you finalise your decision:
- Consider the location you want to move to
Picking the location for your new home and land lease community is an important consideration. There are so many options and opportunities – all with their own benefits! Would you prefer a seaside oasis? Or a tree-side escape?
Just as there are a vast array of unforgettable camping spots around the nation, so too there are a wide range of perfectly placed downsizing communities, that make for beautiful living experiences.
Many land lease communities are located in convenient and picturesque locations, with effortless access to local shops, facilities, attractions and transport.
You can explore our affiliated downsizing community locations here.
- Create a list of your new home’s must-haves
What features does your new home and neighbourhood need to have for you to be happy and comfortable? Creating a list of must-haves will help you determine what features you’re not willing to compromise on, and narrow down what options align with your needs.
Will your home require space for two cars? A study for work and hobbies? A spare bedroom or two for the grandchildren and visitors? Land lease communities feature brand new homes (and some pre-loved ones too), that feature a variety of floorplans and require very little maintenance and upkeep. Most homes come with ready-to-move in inclusions like luxury kitchen appliances, heating and cooling, floor coverings, window furnishings, landscaping and more.
Many land lease communities also feature a generous selection of luxury amenities that can be enjoyed 365 days of the year – not just when you’re on holiday! In fact, many of our affiliate communities have the following amenities on your doorstep:
- Homeowners clubhouse
- Indoor pool and spa
- Gymnasium
- Wellness centre
- Sauna
- Cinema
- Tennis court
- Bocce or croque lawn
- Workshop
- Bowling green
- Craft and art studio
- Function space
- Some communities even have fishing boats!
Explore our members’ communities and their range of luxury amenities here.
- Take a tour
Before you commit to a specific downsizing community, take the time to explore it. Attend an information night, book in a guided tour or simply turn up to the sales office to learn more.
Some communities even offer an overnight stay option, which gives you the opportunity to try before you buy! Getting a real feel for your new lifestyle will help you decide if making the move a downsizing community is the right next step for you.
Click here to find a downsizing community near you.
- Downscale and declutter
Moving to a smaller home might mean that you need to trim down your belongings. It’s easy to store and hoard things we don’t need, especially when they’re out of sight and out of mind! And when it comes to sorting through and decluttering your possessions, it can be an emotional experience.
The best way to tackle this task is to start early and create a systematic process, whereby you filter through your belongings room-by-room. This will help you to keep track of your progress and save you from feeling overwhelmed. It’s also a good idea to have a clearly labelled method of organisation, where you group items based on their final destination – being kept, donated, sold, thrown away or given to a family member or friend.
Doing this ahead of time will make your move to a downsizing community easier and less stressful.
With these key factors now taken into consideration, you’re one step closer to achieving your downsizing goals.