Downsizing is made stress-free at Birchgrove

25 percent of retirees want to downsize, but the vast majority are still put off by moving costs and the complicated logistics of moving. To make the process easier, retirement property specialist Birchgrove in Sidcup has teamed up with The Senior Move Partnership (TSMP) to offer their future residents a “Moveasy Service”.

The team can assist downsizers on all aspects of their move, from putting the current home on the market, decluttering and selling unwanted items, helping shop for new furniture to managing the removal company, packing and unpacking.

Elizabeth Hill’s mother Rosemary, 90, is using the service ahead of her move in May 2019. Elizabeth comments: “It gave us somebody else’s perspective. Mum was thinking of all the things to do at once, but our meetings with the team allowed us to break everything down into smaller steps: drawing the floor plan first, and then using that to work out how many books we could take to fit in the book cases. It gave us many tips on sorting out belongings and knowing what to take and what not to.”

To help settle in on their first day, Birchgrove offers new residents a free meal at the onsite restaurant and stocks the fridge with some essentials such as milk and bread. Friends and family members who helped with the move can also spend one complimentary night at the Stayover Suite.

Involving friends and family in the moving process can make a big difference, says Elizabeth. “Mum can sometimes wake up in the middle of the night, worrying about the unanswered questions. But because I was there during the meetings I can explain to her exactly what we agreed we would do and what would happen. And she just says, ‘oh okay, that’s fine then.’ The reassurance that the Moveasy service and my input has given her is really helping the process of moving go smoothly.”

Opening in May 2019, Birchgrove Sidcup, Queensgate Apartments will feature 74 modern apartments with one, two and three-bedrooms available to rent. Residents will benefit from regular events and hobby groups that contribute to a happier lifestyle and community spirit, with regular trips out also organised.

All apartments will feature wide doors and corridors, making them wheelchair accessible, and appliances in the kitchens are waist height for easy access. The modern bathrooms come with en-suite walk-in showers equipped with simple to use switches, taps and plugs. All residents will receive one hour’s domestic support per week, meaning a member of staff can help with chores such as cleaning, cooking, shopping or doing the ironing.

For more information on the Moveasy service or living at Birchgrove, please visit www.birchgrove.life or contact the team on 020 3929 5599. Those interested in moving to Birchgrove are also invited to visit the brand-new show suites in Sidcup to get a first-hand feel of the quality of the homes.