Downsizing should probably be called ‘upsizing’ when you consider how comprehensively it can enhance lives. There are many dimensions to this new way of living and so many rewards for all the decades when you worked so hard.
Less work
Selling the family home and moving into an apartment is wonderfully liberating. You never have to clean or paint a gutter again. Someone else cleans the windows, weeds the garden and takes care of all the external maintenance.
Add up the time that you spend looking after the house and garden and you’ll be surprised at the total. You can probably halve the time you spend on housework as well — a new apartment is a lot easier to clean than an older house.
Great amenities
Your choice of apartment is going to be a big factor in this new life. Lifestyle amenities are a big feature now and developers seem to be competing to see who can offer the most.
Swimming pools, spas, yoga rooms and gyms are a bonus for those who like to keep fit – and you no longer have to pay gym fees.
If you like giving parties, or having lots of friends to dinner, go for an apartment block with a shared catering kitchen and dining room. Outdoor cinemas, barbecue lawns, rooftop gardens and pools with glamorous decks all feel luxurious and are also there to enjoy. The grandchildren will love to visit – especially in summer.
Perfect location
The location of your new apartment can complement this free and easy lifestyle. Many new developments are close to the city with its theatres, galleries and entertainment, and in vibrant precincts with easy access to transport, cafes, restaurants and stores.
There is time to slot into the neighbourhood and get to know the people. Before long, staff at the local cafe will know your coffee preference and fuss over the grandchildren. There is time to connect, to explore the local amenities and discover like-minded people in your building and beyond.
Peace of mind
Another aspect of apartment living is security – the everyday security of a video intercom, perhaps a concierge on the front desk, and also secure car parking. Then there is the blissful security and convenience of being able to pick up your suitcase, walk out the door and go on holiday at a moment’s notice.
A fresh focus
Downsizing offers the opportunity to hit the “reset” button – to change the habits of your old life and program a new set that put you front and centre. It’s the time to do all those things you’ve ‘been meaning to get around to’. Learn Italian, read everything Graham Greene wrote in chronological order, study for the pure pleasure of learning about a subject you are interested in, or volunteer in a field that sparks your interest.
Downsizing is a state of mind as much as a piece of property and it has a lot to offer.
