It’s official. New Zealanders are living longer. If you’ve lived in the same house for a long time, you may not even realise how much stuff you have until it’s time to down-size and move to a place that better suits your needs.
At Metlifecare, they understand this challenge and encourage new residents to get in touch for advice, even if it’s a long time before moving-in day.
“There’s a lot to think about for people who have made the decision to sell their home and move into a new village lifestyle, so we’re here right from the beginning to support them and help manage any fears or concerns they may have,” says Metlifecare’s resident transition manager, Gail Kingston.
Metlifecare’s experienced team knows that many people find it helpful to enlist the help of family or friends, especially when it comes to deciding whether or not to keep those very special treasures.
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These can be lovely, bonding times with lots of laughter but there may be sorrow too as family’s revisit significant moments in their lives together.
Feeling sadness at the thought of letting things go is a common response. However, remember to stop and consider that while you’re parting with possessions, you’re gaining a lot too.
You’re heading to a fresh environment where there is more space and less clutter. New friends are waiting to meet you and there’s a range of new things to see, do and enjoy. This is today’s version of retirement and it’s an exciting one.
“A highlight for us is seeing the relief on our new residents’ faces when they move in and realise they’ve found their perfect fit. That’s when they really start to enjoy all that retirement living and our vibrant communities have to offer them,” says Kingston.
Staff at your new Metlifecare village will happily provide floor plans and measurements so you can check what will fit, and where.
However, assisting new residents moving into a village continues well beyond the practicalities of sofa sizes or which bed to bring.
“Some new residents find it deeply emotional moving on from their home and letting go of possessions, while others find it liberating to down-size and de-clutter,” says operationsmanager Sarah Bate.
“Whatever their circumstances, it’s important to us that their arrival and integration into village life is a happy, positive experience.”
A dedicated staff member is assigned to each new resident, so they have a single point of contact for any questions they may have or problems that arise over the following months.
“This can range from learning how to use their new appliances, finding the best bus service into town or being accompanied to their first village social event,” Bate says.
Some people find that the best method for paring back their possessions is to tackle a single cupboard, drawer, shelf or cabinet each day over time, while others are positively gung-ho and relish the feeling of tossing as many possessions as possible.
Many find it useful to label some large boxes: ‘keep’, ‘sell’ and ‘donate’.
‘Keep’ goes without saying, really. We all have precious items that will belong with us always, and of course you want to take these much-loved mementos with you to your new home.
‘Sell’ can be a good idea if you have the time and energy. There’s a very healthy vintage and Trade Me market out there, so if you have valuable things that you believe might find an appreciative new owner, while yielding a few dollars, put them in that box.
Finally, there’s ‘donate’. Opportunity shops around the country have noticed an increased demand for basic items such as furniture, clothes and homeware, so giving away any unwanted items that are in good condition can help others too.
Donating goods gives you the opportunity to be part of a satisfying circular process where your unwanted items are sold benefitting the charity you’ve chosen, while deserving buyers can purchase goods and keep within their budgets. This means everyone is a winner.
How good must that feel?
For more information go to The lowdown on downsizing
