When Downsizing Is Rightsizing
Make Space for All That Trillium Woods Offers
While the idea of enjoying an active, no-maintenance lifestyle at a premier senior living community like Trillium Woods is attractive, many homeowners resist leaving their family home because downsizing seems daunting.
But what if you were to look at downsizing as a great opportunity and positive experience? By letting go of excess possessions, you can focus on what truly matters: experiences, relationships, and personal well-being.
“At least once a week, a resident tells me how much fun they are having here, or how glad they are to have made new friends, or how fulfilling their life now is — and they always say the same thing: I wish I moved here sooner,” says Joe Amend-Marshall, the Executive Director of Trillium Woods in Plymouth, MN. “Many people let the idea of downsizing get in the way of what can be an incredibly positive change. We like to call the experience ‘rightsizing.’ It’s about finding the right fit for how you want to live now and what will serve you best in the future.”
Many people who stay in their family homes too long discover that they become increasingly isolated as their neighbors and friends move away and pass away — especially as they start driving less. In addition to the loneliness, this isolation can lead to a steep decline in health. Moving to a wellness-focused community like Trillium Woods gives seniors the opportunity to make new friends, stay connected with the larger community, live meaningfully, and thrive.
The Joy of Letting Go
The process of decluttering and downsizing itself can be very liberating. Over time, some objects can feel more like obligations. Think about everything in your home that you never really use nor enjoy. Hiding all the well-meaning gifts you received that you secretly don’t like is a waste of closet space. Keeping clothes that no longer fit can make you feel bad about natural changes in your body. Having a garage or craft room full of tools and supplies from projects you didn’t finish is a recipe for guilt. Holding onto those four sets of unused china that you inherited is not the best way to honor your ancestors.
Once you sort through your possessions and pick out the ones that truly “spark joy,” as tidying expert Marie Kondo says, you’ll discover that less can really be more. Donate those unwanted gifts to people who appreciate them and bask in feelings of generosity. Streamline your closet to just your favorites and you’ll spend less time internally debating outfit choices and more time living your life. Sell or give away those dusty tools and supplies, finally forgive yourself for not finishing up those projects, and move on to creating, making, and experiencing the things that interest you now. Pick out a beautiful dish from your grandmother’s china and actually use it. You’ll remember her every time you lay it on the table.
Do you really truly still enjoy your collections of knickknacks or was the happiness in the act of discovery and collecting, and in receiving thoughtful gifts from your loved ones? Take pictures, pick a few favorites, and donate or sell the rest.
Lifting a Burden
Rightsizing doesn’t just benefit you — it is a gift to the next generation.
When Rusty Huff moved into her one-bedroom apartment at Trillium Woods, she realized she was making life a little easier down the road for her three sons and three stepdaughters. “It gave me a chance to do another round of decluttering,” she says. “I experienced cleaning out my parent’s home after they passed away, and I’d like to save my kids from that burden.”
And when you move into a lifeplan community that provides more support and care if it’s ever needed, you’ll also be giving your children and grandchildren peace of mind about the future.
One-Bedroom Apartments on 46 Acres
“Another concern we hear from seniors is that they worry about living in a smaller space than they are used to,” says Amend-Marshall. “But once they get here, they discover that they actually have more. We have 46 acres of amenities, including restaurants, an art studio, library, pool, fitness center, pickleball court, basketball court, lounges, card room, spa and salon, gardens, outdoor spaces, and walking trails. And, of course, there are so many events, classes, trips, performances, parties, clubs, games, and other activities that many residents choose to spend much of their time outside of their apartments — they include plenty of room for relaxing and entertaining, too.”
Rusty Huff finds that her one-bedroom apartment at Trillium Woods suits her current needs and lifestyle perfectly. “I don’t feel cramped — the whole campus, including the gardens I tend, the pool I like to walk in, and all the other public spaces are also part of my home. And my patio is like an extra room in the summer.”
Trillium Woods also offers plenty of spaces for entertaining friends and visitors and even has suites for guests visiting from out of town.
Embracing the One-Bedroom Lifestyle
Does the idea of a no-maintenance lifestyle in a welcoming community bustling with activity sound like a good fit for you?
Trillium currently offers several newly renovated open-design one-bedroom homes perfect for active seniors, complete with full kitchens, walk-in closets, large balconies, and more.
Plus, you’ll save up to $20,000 off your entrance fee if you deposit before September 30, 2024!
If you aren’t ready to make the move just yet, we still have a few one-bedroom apartments available in our exciting expansion, which is currently under construction.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to join our vibrant community. Visit https://www.trilliumwoodslcs.com/contact/ to schedule a tour.