Space to breath in retirement

Why autumn is the perfect month to rightsize

As the air turns crisp and the trees don their autumnal colours, October quietly signals change. It’s a season of reflection, of letting go and settling in, and there’s no better time to consider a move to a more manageable home that offers freedom, community, and peace of mind. 

Autumn’s invitation to simplify 

Picture your current home, perhaps with multiple under-used rooms, lots of windows needing cleaning and a garden that demands weekly upkeep. In autumn, when daylight shortens and the weather turns, these chores can feel less manageable, more isolating and an unattractive burden.  

The beauty of a more appropriately sized, thoughtfully designed and purpose-built new home lies in releasing those worries, freeing up time for moments that matter most. Time for you again.

A fresh start 

Some of our homeowners have already made this meaningful shift. Since moving to The Sidings in Lytham, Dr Trevor enjoys his newfound freedom from home maintenance. 

“There’s so much stress, worry and anxiety that comes with maintaining such a huge place. All that worry has been taken away from me now.”

“When you’re paying for odd jobs week by week, you don’t realise how much it adds up and you do that for years.” 

It’s not just about shedding square footage though; it’s about lightening the load, gaining a better balance and being savvy about what the future might hold. 

Dr Trevor goes onto to explain: “I also think one of the big benefits of moving to a retirement community is the stimulus of other people at this time of life and moving to a place like this can be of great benefit.” 

Clearing space 

For many, downsizing is not just about decluttering for a smaller space, it’s a way to redefine what living well means and Margaret’s story is a testament to that. After a stroke, she realised that her large home no longer served her needs, so she chose a three-bedroom apartment not just for practicality, but to hold treasured keepsakes and a space to call her own. 

The move gave her comfort and a renewed sense of freedom where hobbies, friends, and time for reflection are front and centre.  

“There’s much more time available to do the things that we want to do because we no longer have to worry about the upkeep of a big house and garden.  

I enjoy walking and belong to the walking club. I’m also a founding member of the gardening club. I do yoga on Wednesday mornings and Pilates on Mondays. I have friends who come regularly to play bridge and it’s nice to be able to offer them a coffee in the lounge. 

I’ve also made some good friends here. There’s a lady that I play Othello, the board game, with and we play Whist here every week in the activities room. Plus, I’m a jigsaw addict and we help each other with our jigsaws in the homeowners’ lounge. There’s talk of ‘gin club’ and a lady who moved here from Spain thinks we ought to have a ‘laughter club’.”

Peace of mind across  the generations

Autumn brings its own sense of calm, and a right-sized move often doubles that repose for homeowners and their loved ones alike meaning the benefits of downsizing are not just emotional, they ripple through families. From his home in Canada, Duncan now relaxes knowing his mum Avril is settled somewhere safe, connected, cared for and most importantly, enjoying life to the full: 

“It’s given me peace of mind, and for Mum, a new lifestyle that suits her perfectly.”  

Community and connection 

Moving in autumn means stepping into a vibrant community before winter sets in to enjoy coffee catchups, cosy lounges, and warm socialising spaces offering sanctuary from the increasing chill, and an opportunity to reconnect or discover new friends. 

Take Bernadette, who recently moved into her new apartment:

 “Most of the time I feel as though I’m on holiday.”  

That sense of ease and ongoing joy set against the backdrop of autumn gatherings and wonderful restaurant meals adds warmth to the season, inside and out. 

Your turn to embrace the change 

As leaves fall and the world turns inward, you might find yourself asking: “Can I face another winter here?” If the answer is not really, autumn offers an ideal moment to explore the possibilities. 

Downsizing doesn’t mean giving up, it means choosing how to spend your time and finding somewhere new where your heart belongs. It’s about having independent choices within easy reach, caring people close at hand, and a new home that feels just right, no matter the season. 

Ready to explore downsizing this autumn. Discover our retirement communities and book a tour today.

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