What was the most important thing to you, moving house?

Well, we wanted somewhere that felt like it was made for us—for our specific needs. Before we moved, we’d look around our old house and we started to notice how it just wasn’t designed for people our age. Things that in the past we’d never think about had become daily inconveniences. The spiral staircase that led up to the bedrooms was becoming a hazard. The fireplace, which we’d always loved, had become a struggle to maintain. We told Shustin we needed somewhere that felt more accessible and safe, and less overwhelming. Shustin really got that.

How has the transition been to your Shustin home?

We remember our old place very fondly—but we’re happier here now. It just makes sense. The security we have, the community we’re a part of, the surrounding suburbs, everything’s just perfect. Most older houses were built without much consideration for accessibility; they didn’t take into account that people’s needs change across their lives. But our new place is thoughtfully designed, it really feels like it’s been built around our lifestyles—and it feels safe. Feeling confident in the new home made a huge difference in our transition.

What’s been the biggest surprise for you moving into your new home?

The most pleasant surprise has been discovering all of the advantages of being in a home that’s the right size for us. When you’re young you think you need a large house. But, as you get older, your life changes. Your needs change. Being in this house, our day-to-day lives have never felt more effortless. Everything’s designed around how we like to live. Everything we need is at hand. Everything’s exactly how we like it.

What’s been the biggest surprise for you moving into your new home?

Well, simply put, getting a place that’s the right size. Over the years, we’ve accumulated a lot of stuff—but as you get older you realise experiences are more important than things. You realise being surrounded by a lifetime’s worth of stuff can be a bit of a burden. It starts to close in on you. Moving into a place that’s the right size for the two of us allowed us to focus on the things that really matter. Now, everything in our home is there for a reason, it has significance in our lives. What more could you ask for?

What’s been the biggest surprise for you moving into your new home?

When we approached Shustin they made us feel like we’d be taken seriously, like they’d actually listen to what we wanted. And the more time we spent talking with the team, the more we realised they meant it. At every step of the way, Ranko and the others checked in to see how we felt. To ask if there was anything we needed. They listened to our ideas, they understood our concerns and they were always patient with us when we needed time to think. Everything Shustin did made us feel sure that we’d made the right decision—and in the end it’s all paid off.