ADVICE FROM DOWNSIZERS

Wendy Fifield: As co-ordinator of the peerhelper program at Rockway Centre, Wendy Fifield learned from retirement-planning workshops that it’s easier and better to spread out major life events such as retiring and moving. Having worked in long-term care, she has also seen people forced to make a sudden move because of a health crisis. To her, a staged transition while people can easily make their own decisions is the wisest approach to downsizing.

Sandy Swann: “Do it now. People might tell you it’s too early, you’re too young, but it’s a huge job emotionally and physically. Don’t be waiting; at 75 or 80 it’s too late. The younger you are, the better chance you have to make it your home again.”

Jean and Gord Riedlinger: Make your list of what goes, what stays, EARLY.

Phyllis Salm: There’s always some sadness to moving. “You miss your flowers, and your neighbours, and you leave memories behind. Change is always a little bit frightening, but once you’ve done that you feel freer.”

Pat and Steve Cameron: Rent a storage unit temporarily if you can’t decide whether you’ll need or want certain pieces of furniture in your new home. You don’t want to regret getting rid of it later. Give yourself space to change your mind. If you didn’t move to the right place, move again.