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Downsizing can be a chance to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve always wanted, free up mental space, and improve social connections. Yet, the idea of moving to a smaller property later in life remains controversial, with many people dismissing the idea without consideration.
But, what if downsizing is actually “right-sizing” and can unlock an exciting new life chapter? The best things in life often happen when we step outside of our comfort zone. Plus, letting go of things we no longer need can give us more time to focus on what’s important.
With that said, we’ve partnered with Richmond Villages – part of Bupa – to explore five downsizing myths. For over 25 years, they’ve been at the forefront of creating exquisite retirement communities for over-55s in sought-after locations across the UK. Each retirement village – from charming and traditional Cotswold-stone buildings to spectacular modern architecture – has a unique personality that complements its surroundings.
Research suggests retirement villages can be the perfect downsizing opportunity for those looking to join a safe, welcoming community of like-minded people of a similar age. In a 2024 study, commissioned by Homes England, people living in different types of housing for older adults had higher life satisfaction scores than residents in the general housing market.
While downsizing is a big step, Richmond Villages’ ‘try before you buy’ offer means you can spend two nights trying out one of their apartments for free to decide if it’s the right fit for you. T&Cs apply – you can view full terms and conditions here.
Rethink retirement with Richmond Villages
We offer thoughtfully designed living options tailored to suit individual’s needs. From complete independence right through to on-demand care, our one- and two-bedroom properties are finished to the highest quality.
Want to experience the lifestyle? Take a few days to try before you buy in our Assisted Living Apartments.
1. Myth – “Downsizing means losing memories”
Your home may hold a lifetime of memories. It might be where you raised children, weathered life’s storms, and store various sentimental items, from holiday memorabilia to occasionwear and various medals and trophies.
These attachments can make downsizing feel impossible. Some people fear that parting with sentimental items means losing memories or never finding a home that feels the same. But this rarely happens.
Our memories don’t live in brick walls or attic boxes – they live within us and in a few truly special items. How often have you rediscovered something you’d kept for sentimental reasons, only to wonder why it was important? Keeping too many sentimental items can also water down their significance. The fewer we keep, the more precious they become and the stronger our connection to them.
Because physical possessions can create mental weight, those who downsize often describe feeling unexpectedly liberated, as if years of accumulated belongings had silently been burdening them.
Freedom from excessive possessions doesn’t mean losing your past – it means giving yourself the gift of focus. The lighter your physical load, the more energy you have to engage with life and create new memories worth cherishing.
Plus, today’s technology offers powerful alternatives for storing important items. Digital photos (including taking photos of physical objects) and scanned letters can preserve memories without the need for clutter. The digitisation process itself can be meaningful, too – a journey of revisiting and strengthening memories, as you decide what truly matters.
2. Myth – “It’s best to wait to downsize until I have to”
One big benefit of downsizing is that it allows you to future-proof your home. Our needs can change as we age, sometimes forcing us to move home to accommodate them. For example, we may need to move closer to family so they can help with care needs, or downsize due to a sudden financial change. This rush can add stress and pressure, and make the downsizing process feel more difficult.
Therefore, downsizing by choice, when you can take your time, consider where you’d like to live, and hopefully look forward to starting a new chapter, can be more helpful. Downsizing can be an exciting opportunity, especially if you choose to move somewhere where you can connect with like-minded people and embrace your ideal lifestyle.
For example, Richmond Villages creates thriving retirement communities where residents can access tranquil Wellness Spas, enjoy beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces, and explore different restaurants. Residents can also come together by getting involved in a busy schedule of activities and events – from themed gala dinners, festivals, and seasonal fayres to fitness classes, book clubs, and choir practice.
Rethink retirement with Richmond Villages
We offer thoughtfully designed living options tailored to suit individual’s needs. From complete independence right through to on-demand care, our one- and two-bedroom properties are finished to the highest quality.
Want to experience the lifestyle? Take a few days to try before you buy in our Assisted Living Apartments.
3. Myth – “Downsizing means moving to a cramped, less desirable property”
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to your living space. A larger home often means more rooms to clean, more space to heat and cool, more surfaces to dust, and more areas that sit unused while still requiring maintenance. A thoughtfully designed smaller home can eliminate wasted space and enhance your daily life by creating purposeful, beautiful areas you properly use and enjoy.
With a smaller home, you’re investing in quality over quantity – your resources go toward finishes, features, and locations that improve your lifestyle rather than just adding square footage. Many smaller homes also have creative, built-in storage solutions that allow plenty of room for storage, without making the space feel cluttered or cramped.
Richmond Villages’ one and two-bedroom apartments, for example, are bright and spacious, with modern kitchen, living room, and bathroom areas. While features vary, apartments come with plenty of storage – for example, floor-to-ceiling fitted wardrobes, hallway cupboards, and fully fitted vanity units. French doors also lead onto pretty patio areas, under-cupboard lighting illuminates slick granite work surfaces, and walk-in shower rooms are stylish and convenient.
For some, downsizing can also reduce loneliness, with a study of people living in integrated retirement communities showing that only 1% felt isolated (Homes England). If your kids have left home, for example, moving to somewhere smaller can signal the beginning of a new phase where you can put your own needs and wants first. The area you move to may also be closer to friends and family, have better transport links, or have more community events to get involved with.
4. Myth – “Downsizing is stressful”
While any move can be stressful, downsizing can reduce stress long-term. In fact, one 2024 study commissioned by Homes England showed that 23% of people who moved to a retirement living community had reduced anxiety.
Living in a space that contains only what you value eliminates the constant low-grade anxiety that comes from being surrounded by clutter and unfinished projects. Your environment becomes calming rather than demanding. Plus, due to space restraints, we’re less likely to make unnecessary purchases, saving money and mental energy.
The freedom and liberation of downsizing can also make us happier – helping us foster greater connections with friends and family while reducing family tensions about housework and maintenance.
And that’s without mentioning the environment you move to, which can also boost wellbeing and reduce stress. For example, Richmond Villages offers plenty of wellness perks, such as cosy lounges for reading and crafting, peaceful libraries brimming with books, and Wellness Spas in five of their locations, for total rejuvenation. Family and friends can also visit and join various activities, such as family swims, themed events, and high-end dining.
Richmond Villages will also offer you plenty of support with your move, from the initial point of enquiry through to moving day and beyond. And if you’re worried about selling your current home, their Home Buying Service can offer a dependable solution.
Rethink retirement with Richmond Villages
We offer thoughtfully designed living options tailored to suit individual’s needs. From complete independence right through to on-demand care, our one- and two-bedroom properties are finished to the highest quality.
Want to experience the lifestyle? Take a few days to try before you buy in our Assisted Living Apartments.
5. Myth – “Downsizing means losing my identity”
After years in a larger home, the thought of downsizing might feel like surrendering part of your identity. But the truth is that your values, experiences, relationships, and contributions to family and community define who you are – not the number of bedrooms or square footage you live in.
Your identity also lives in the cherished photographs that tell your story, the meaningful artwork you’ve collected, and the special pieces of furniture that witnessed family milestones. These treasures – not the walls that housed them – are what truly reflect your personality and journey. And by thoughtfully selecting which items accompany you, you’re not losing your identity, you’re celebrating and refining it.
Many people discover that a smaller space allows their most beloved possessions to shine, rather than being lost among the clutter. Their identity remains intact, it’s just housed more efficiently – and their new home becomes a more intentional reflection of who they are today.
The more we connect with the present version of ourselves, the more likely we are to live authentically, embrace the present, and grab new opportunities.
Final thoughts…
By reframing downsizing as “right-sizing”, the experience can go from being daunting to something incredibly exciting. Moving to a smaller home can be a wonderful way to reconnect with your needs and values, create more mental freedom, focus on what’s important, and embrace the lifestyle you want to lead.
When thinking about downsizing, it’s worth considering whether a retirement community could be a good fit – especially if you’re looking to meet like-minded people and have easy access to all sorts of amenities.
To get a taste of what it could be like, why not find out more about apartments with Richmond Villages? If you’re serious about buying one, you can even try one out for two nights first, free of charge. T&Cs apply – you can view full terms and conditions here.