Downsizing in Australia - Mark O'Shea | Page 17

Dean Lupson So to free up some time maybe we can move to a smaller home and rid ourselves of maintenance and workload. We might dine out more often rather than figuring out what to eat and spending time cooking it. Our newfound free time could be spent playing sports—bowls, golf, tennis, cards—or going to shows, the theatre, movies or other entertainments with friends and becoming more engaged with people of the same age, rather than sitting in the same room watching TV all day. Yes, downsizing means less space, hence the need to reduce one’s belongings, but this does not have to be a bad or frightening thing. Indeed, you will feel like a great weight has been lifted off you, freeing your mind and body to start afresh. So perhaps a better question is: Why not downsize? Is your house too big? Are the bills, maintenance and workload taking up too much time and too big a portion of your budget? 017