When the time comes and you know that you need to downsize into a smaller home, it can feel a little overwhelming. How can I leave my family home that holds so many memories? What a huge job it will be to sort through all of our belongings – and how to choose what to take and what to leave?
Once the new home has been found and the purchase is underway, then important questions need to be asked. You are downsizing , so inevitably you will have to think practically about scale. You will need to measure up and then look carefully at your furniture – that beautiful farmhouse dresser that fits a spacious home could well dominate a small apartment. Think about what sizes you will need – possibly a two seater sofa instead of a three seater and so on.
It is hard letting go of much-loved furniture but I am told that it is less hard if you give it to a family member – then you can still see it when you visit! If you cannot bear to part with an item, don’t rush into it. You can always take it with you and then decide later if it is or isn’t going to work. Choose a few pieces that are special to you to keep and favourite paintings of course, and then decide if you are to purchase new curtains and sofas. I have seen people have curtains altered to fit smaller windows which of course helps on a budget, but if they have been up for thirty or forty years they can look tired.
The best advice I have heard is “embrace the new.” This is a whole new chapter in your life, a new start. Why not take the opportunity to try out some new styles and colours and maybe something fresh and modern? Modern furniture isn’t the preserve of the young. Just because you are moving into a retirement apartment doesn’t mean that you have to be dull or boring – it can be the chance to see what’s out there and try something new.
You may also want to consider future needs. The wing chair for example, has made a come-back in recent years, is excellent for getting in and out of and, so I am told, ideal for an afternoon snooze! Bright fabrics, cushions and throws can make these a stylish choice.
You will be spending more time in your retirement home than ever before so make sure that it is an uplifting and cheerful environment. Check the light – you may want to try out different fresh colours to maximise it, maybe ones that you have not used before. Large mirrors are fashionable now. Round shapes are more harmonious to live with than angular ones, so maybe position a large round mirror opposite a window in your new sitting room to reflect the light.
It is quite a big deal to manage and not everyone has the energy to be chasing all the deliveries down. Consider someone to help with the project management whether a friend or family member. Without wishing to blow the trumpet for interior designers, they are trained for this, and can take on a lot of the burden of communication with suppliers and coordination of deliveries. They can also be able to help you work out how to make the most of the new space and suggest ideas for you to try.
Whichever way you choose to go about it, think of it as a new beginning and let your surroundings reflect that.