Less stressful ways of living
MAINTAINING a large home can be both time-consuming and costly, with expensive monthly bills to meet.
So downsizing can be a good option. But once you have decided on a location, you’ll need to determine whether you want to live in a smaller house with garden, or be part of a retirement community.
Most provide independent living, so you won’t have to worry about losing your freedom. What’s more, once you move you can still have your family and friends to stay in your apartment or the guest suite, bring small pets and do your own shopping and cooking.
One big advantage is the positive social life you can enjoy with other like-minded retirees, with organised activites that make it easy to meet people. There are also plenty of leisure facilities, such as an owners’ lounge, coffee bar, roof terrace and shared gardens, where you can still enjoy the hobbies you love.
Some developments even have facilities for beauty therapies, hairdressing and exercise.
There will also be a lift to all floors, so you don’t need to worry about climbing stairs.
And apartments have security features, such as a 24-hour emer- gency line, camera entry system, intruder alarm and fire and smoke detection systems. Everything else you need will be practically on the doorstep, including town centre shops and transport.
Some retirement living companies offer packages to help make the sale of your home and the move itself very straightforward.
There is even assistance available with decluttering. An experienced move manager can manage the entire move for you, including sorting out your loft, garage or spare room.
Simplifying your lifestyle will usually see you come up trumps financially, leaving you with more income and time to do the things you really enjoy, so that you can make the very most of retirement.