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TOP TIPS TO DOWNSIZING TO AN APARTMENT IN POYNTON
DOWNSIZING to an apartment near Manchester is being made easier thanks to expert advice and practical support from Elan Homes.
Empty nesters, retirees and those who long for low-maintenance living have shown strong interest in apartments at Hazel Court, part of the Hazelfields development in Poynton.
While they want or even need to move, the idea of moving from what perhaps was their family home can feel daunting, with lots of emotional, practical and financial considerations to take on board.
With that in mind, Elan has produced an easy-to-follow guide to downsizing.
Elan regional sales and marketing director Marie Morris said: “There are lots of reasons why people want to downsize – the cost of living, shifting lifestyle priorities, a desire to enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle, having more bedrooms than people and expensive energy bills are just some of them. Recognising the time is right is just the start. Taking action to declutter, list your home for sale and navigating the emotional side of leaving a long-term home, perhaps where you raised your family, requires a considered approach. We want to support downsizers every step of the way, enabling them to approach the process with confidence, clarity, and a sense of excitement about what comes next.”
Elan’s essential guide to downsizing
1. Start with why you want to downsize. Common reasons include:
“Downsizing isn’t about having less — it’s about living more,” Marie added. “Thinking about your personal why will help you stay motivated throughout the process.”
2. Audit your space and belongings
“Reframe your thinking as a values-based exercise by taking a good look at what you own, perhaps with the support of family, a friend or an expert,” Marie added. “Carry out a room-by-room review, focusing on identifying items you use regular, flagging things with a sentimental value and noting things that are duplicates, are no longer useful or won’t fit your future lifestyle.”
When assessing your space and belongings, ask yourself three key questions: Do I use it? Do I love it? Will it fit my future lifestyle?
3. Declutter in manageable stages
When you’ve lived somewhere for a long time, you’ll have lots of things you’ve acquired over the years and trying to sort everything at once can be overwhelming.
A less cluttered space is likely to look larger and more attractive to potential purchasers so it’s a good idea to declutter before listing your property for sale.
“Start with easy wins. Shred outdated paperwork or arrange for it to be collected by a specialist company. Clear out the wardrobe of clothes you no longer wear and look through the kitchen cupboards for gadgets you don’t use,” Marie suggested.
As you tackle each part of the home, separate out the items you’re keeping; what you’ll donate to charity, gift to friends or family or sell on; things you’ll discard or recycle.
4. Selling your home
It’s important to find an agent who’ll be able to secure a buyer for the home you want to move from quickly and at the right price. Recommendations, customer reviews and comparison sites are a great starting point. Or if you want to simplify the process, Elan offers EasyMove.
“If you want to buy an apartment or house from us but have a property to sell, we can manage that sale with EasyMove,” Marie explained. “We’ll instruct an agent to market your home and even pay their fees, helping you focus on the future rather than being held back by the past.”
5. Plan your move thoughtfully
“Downsizing works best when your new home is designed around how you want to live now and, in the future, in terms of the property and its location” Marie said.
Measure before you move to help when considering where to position furniture and if you perhaps need to replace some of your older items with new ones to fit the space and décor.
“Are kitchen appliances included or would you need to buy them and have them installed? If you’re buying an apartment, is there parking, are the upper floors served by a lift? Think about where the nearest supermarket is, how you’ll get there, and prioritise the local services you’ll want to use.”
6. Make the most of making a fresh start
“Downsizing can unlock value, both financially and emotionally,” Marie added.
“Selling surplus furniture online or through an auction house can free up cash to buy new furnishings. Or you may want to donate some of your things to a charity that matters to you or gift sentimental items to family or friends. Knowing you’re helping others can help with the feel-good factor.”
7. Prepare emotionally
A home is deeply personal, particularly somewhere you’ve lived for a long time, perhaps raised a family who’ve now moved into their own homes.
“It’s ok to feel a sense of nostalgia and acknowledge the memories you’ve made in the home you’re moving from,” Marie said. “Remember to take time to reflect while also celebrating starting your next chapter.”
8. Organise the move
Having a structured plan covering everything from decluttering and packing to notifying utilities can help make moving simple and straightforward. Elan has a moving home checklist on its website, covering all this and more, and when each task should be tackled.
9. Settle into your new home with intention
Have an essentials box with the kettle and a couple of mugs, along with an overnight bag, that you’ll unpack upon arrival will help you settle into your new home.
“Take the same approach to unpacking as you did packing – room by room. As each space is finished you’ll start feeling more at home,” Marie added.
For those looking to downsize, Hazel Court offers a choice of one and two-bedroom apartments, priced from £269,995.
Designed to maximise the potential of the space, they have open plan layouts with combined kitchen, lounge and dining room. French doors offer lots of natural light in this sociable space, with easy access to outside. Kitchens are well equipped, while bathrooms feature contemporary suites.
The apartments are available on a 999-year lease with ground rent of £1 payable.
They’re ideally placed in a thriving neighbourhood, home to a mix of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, plus a Waitrose. Poynton station is just a short walk away, putting Manchester city centre within around a 30-minute journey. Plus, Manchester Airport is only 10-minutes away by car, making the apartments a great lock u0 and leave solution for those who spend part of the year overseas.
A show apartment is available to view Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. For more information see https://www.elan-homes.co.uk/developments/hazelfields.
Apartment Showhome Now Open.