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Is the One-Bedroom Apartment Life for You?

happy senior woman sitting on sofa

If you’re thinking about downsizing to a senior living community from a 2,000 or 3,000 square-foot house, it can be hard to picture yourself moving into a one-bedroom independent living apartment. Even with all the benefits of less maintenance and upkeep and more time to do the things you enjoy, making the switch can be a little overwhelming. To help you discover the possibilities a move could have, here are some tips and suggestions.

Picture Yourself in a Senior Apartment

Make a plan: As soon as you’ve made the decision to move to a smaller home, start planning. Make a list of all the things you love and then the things you can live without. Let everyone know what your intentions are, so that they’re all on your page before you start clearing out.

Focus on your needs: Decide what’s important for this next chapter of your life. Do you need an office or simply a nook with a desk? Do you need space for important furniture pieces? What type of lifestyle do you want to embrace?

Change your mind: When downsizing, it can be easy to focus on all the things you’re giving up. Instead, try focusing on all the things you’ll be gaining. More freedom. More opportunities. More friends.

Sort, sort, sort: Give your family a chance to grab sentimental pieces before you start downsizing. Then, set up three plastic tubs or bins with the labels “keep,” “sell” and “charity” so you can sort your possessions. The average downsizer only keeps one-third of their belongings.

Focus on what’s important: Once you’ve sorted your “keep” items, start editing it even more to reduce clutter and ensure you’re only taking the most important items.

Cash in: Before you think about getting rid of antiques, furniture or homewares consider selling some items either on eBay, Facebook Marketplace or by holding an auction or estate sale. Who knows what you might get for that old set of dishes, silverware or other items you won’t need after your move.

Work with your floor plan: Measure up the pieces you would like to take with you and draw them onto the floor plan. This will save you from moving items that won’t fit or work in your new space.

Be inspired: Start an inspiration board on Pinterest or seek out interior designers on Instagram and Facebook. You could also do a Google image search for small-space design ideas. Then, if you go furniture shopping, you can work out what new pieces you need.

Use smart storage solutions to cut the clutter: The biggest issue with downsizing is how to keep the clutter out. Find smart storage solutions that fit into your smaller space like furniture with more than one purpose like a hollow ottoman that can be used for storage, a platform bed that has storage drawers underneath, or a headboard with shelves.

Enjoy a Larger Lifestyle Right Outside Your Door

At Freedom Village of Bradenton, you’ll find more services and amenities than you’ll ever be able to stuff into even the largest house. Regardless of which floor plan you choose, our community gives you everything you have in your current home plus so much more, including:

  • Vast space with courtyards, gardens, walking and bike paths
  • Multiple dining venues, including a formal dining room, café, and pub
  • Fully equipped fitness center
  • Heated indoor pool
  • Arts and crafts studio
  • Woodworking shop
  • Billiards and game room
  • Full-service salon and barbershop
  • Library
  • Fireside living room
  • Health clinic and wellness center
  • Business center with computers
  • Guest suites
  • Community rose garden
  • Chapel

Make Yourself at Home

As you start to plan, it’s important to consider your current and future budget. Because whatever size floor plan you choose now will be the rate you’re locking yourself into moving forward. So, choosing a one-bedroom floor plan may be the best long-term option for your finances.

To get a feel for everything our community has to offer, let us show you some one-bedroom apartment options and all the amazing services, amenities and friendly neighbors you’ll find on our beautiful campus. You can schedule a personal tour by using our Community Assistant chat feature or contacting us here.