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A DOWNSIZER’S GUIDE TO MOVING TO AN APARTMENT IN LICHFIELD
DOWNSIZING to an apartment close to Lichfield city centre 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 Lorne House.
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 director Tracey Ball 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,” Tracey 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,” Tracey 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,” Tracey 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,” Tracey 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” Tracey 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,” Tracey 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,” Tracey 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,” Tracey added.
For those looking to downsize, there are three apartments available at Lorne House, each with two bedrooms. They’re ready to move into from £375,000.
Located on the first and second floors of a period property, the bespoke designed apartments are ready to move into from £375,000
They can be accessed via a central lobby and staircase or lift, with an audio-visual intercom entry system for security and peace of mind.
Elan has worked with the shape of the building, while maximising the potential of the space, with each apartment featuring a combined kitchen, dining and living room.
The main bedroom in every apartment has an en-suite to complement the main bathroom.
The apartments are perfectly placed, within a short walk of the shops, bars, restaurants and theatres in Lichfield city centre, with a train station nearby.
For more information see https://www.elan-homes.co.uk/developments/lorne-house-the-sidings.
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