Packing a lifetime of memories with no regrets

After 41 years living on a 57-acre property in the Lockyer Valley and amassing a huge treasure trove of possessions along the way, the thought of downsizing was somewhat daunting for Living Gems Toowoomba homeowners Colleen and Jeffrey Otto.

“It was such a big move and took us a while to get our heads around it, but there was a lot of work involved in staying on the land. We eventually decided it was in our best interests, and I can tell you we have not regretted our decision for a moment to downsize and move to this beautiful over-50s lifestyle resort,” said Colleen.

The couple, who have two sons and four grandchildren, said they had the full support of their family who helped them sort through everything and decide what would go to charity, what could be kept or stored, and what to throw out.

“We had to get rid of a lot of stuff and we had some really good crockery and furniture we put into storage on our son’s property, but were so blessed to have the help of our boys throughout it all. Surprisingly, the house sold within two weeks and we saw that as a sign that we were making the right decision.”

Jeffrey and Colleen said they took very little with them when they moved into their new home at Living Gems Toowoomba, but were pleasantly surprised at just how much space their new home offered.

“I am actually going to get some of our things out of storage now. It fits everything including our six-seater dining room suite, two queen beds, and a big three-seater lounge, plus two single armchairs. We moved in just before Christmas and had plenty of room to host the entire family,” said Colleen.

Having spent 23 years grading potatoes and onions at a Gatton grading shed, and for many years having their own substantial vegetable garden on their property, it would not be unusual if the couple, who both come from farming backgrounds, missed having their own garden.

“Surprisingly, we don’t miss our huge garden at all. We did for a brief time, but then we thought about all the work involved in pulling out the weeds and tending the garden. To be honest, we don’t miss it at all now.”

Loving a chat, the couple are keen to get more involved in the activities and facilities now available on their doorstep.

“This is our forever home! We and all our family just love it.”

Like the Ottos, Living Gems Toowoomba has also become home to Mike and Joy Jordan, who have been enjoying living in over-50s lifestyle resorts since retiring in 2008.

“Downsizing was never an issue for us because we found the resort homes, including this one, so spacious that we made very few compromises. We also have a beautiful rural outlook over trees and a big paddock,” said Joy.