Betteke recently made the decision to start a new chapter in retirement living. She relocated from her long-time family home to a retirement village, with assistance from Classic Moves. The whole team supported her throughout the process, proving that even when challenges arise, a caring and professional team can make all the difference.
About a year after the passing of her husband, Betteke decided it was time to take stock of her situation and plan for the future. She had lived in her four-bedroom home for 36 years – a 1970s house with a large garden and a pool, both of which required significant maintenance.
At 81 years young, Betteke began exploring her options. Though friends suggested she purchase a small unit, she knew that it would still involve maintenance and lacked the sense of community she desired. After visiting a few retirement villages in her area, she identified one that felt right and placed her name on the waitlist, staying in regular contact to ensure she wouldn’t miss any opportunities.
A Perfect Opportunity and a Tight Timeline
Fortunately, the ideal apartment with an outdoor area for her four-legged companion, Zoe, became available just as the sale of her house occurred. With only 30 days to organise her move, Betteke knew she needed professional help and reached out to Classic Moves to guide her through the process and help her to pack, move and unpack over a 3-day period.
Friends Make Decluttering Easier
Fully aware of how emotionally challenging it could be to declutter, Betteke enlisted the help of a close friend.
“I have a very good friend and her sister who came armed with what I call ‘an invisible sword.’ They weren’t emotionally attached to my belongings, which gave me a fresh perspective,” Betteke recalled. “Margaret would say to me, ‘You don’t need 14 casserole dishes, you only need two!’ It was a journey, and even though it was a great experience, I think I still brought too much!”
Doing this step before selling enabled Betteke to enlist a stylist to help dress her home to maximise the sale of the property. The Classic Moves decluttering experts agree that this is a wise decision; decluttering is an essential part of downsizing and whilst professional help can be provided at any stage, this task is often left to the last minute, resulting in unnecessary anxiety and quick decision making in the lead up to moving day.
Staying Calm When Plans Change
Thanks to the decluttering she had already done, Betteke felt more prepared when the time came to decide what to bring and what to leave behind. However, no amount of preparation can guarantee everything will run smoothly.
On move day, the unexpected happened – a delay in settlement left the Classic Moves team waiting outside with trucks full of Betteke’s belongings for two and a half hours. “I felt so bad for the team. It was such a hot day, and they had to wait in the sun: luckily my friend had some cold drinks in her fridge to offer them as my fridge was still sitting in the truck!”
Despite the delay, the team remained patient and positive. As soon as settlement was finalised, they began carefully moving Betteke’s possessions into her new home, handling everything with care and professionalism.
Caring Beyond the Job
It’s the little moments of care and attention that leave a lasting impression. Betteke’s clock radio wasn’t working, so a team member took the instructions home, figured out the issue, and returned the next day to fix it. “Everyone was incredible. I can’t speak highly enough of them,” Betteke said.
“There hasn’t been a point in the journey with Classic Moves that I haven’t been helped and listened to: I am so impressed with all the people that were part of my move.”
A Special Moment
Even though the Classic Moves team did the bulk of the moving and unpacking, Betteke found herself exhausted after a long day. One detail stood out to her: “One of the team members made my bed, and it felt so special. I had a shower, slipped into bed, and I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.”
Moving can be stressful and emotional, but those small, thoughtful gestures can make all the difference. “There hasn’t been a point in the journey with Classic Moves that I haven’t been helped and listened to: I am so impressed with all the people that were part of my move.
What’s Next for Betteke?
Although she’s settled into her new home, Betteke’s journey isn’t over yet. “I still have a bit to do – deciding where everything goes and which paintings to hang on the walls,” she shared. “I’m also selling some of my paintings via Abbeys Auctions, which has been a fantastic option for me. I had too many and didn’t know how to sell them privately. It was a simple step, supported and professionally managed by my Relocation Consultant.”
Betteke’s experience highlights how Classic Moves goes above and beyond, providing exceptional support and care throughout the entire process.
For Betteke, it wasn’t just about moving; it was about starting the next chapter of her life with confidence and ease – thanks to a team that truly cares.
