In order to make the most out of your retirement you want to spend both your money and your time wisely. The number one way according to www.simplesavings.com.au's Fiona Lippey is downsizing.

• Downsizing: Look around your home how much of the items do you really need. How many rooms do you actually use? Could you comfortably live in a smaller home? Could you downsize?
  
  Downsizing can increase your income. You could convert the spare sections of your home into rental accommodation. “If you can turn your spare rooms into a one bedroom flat you will be increasing your income by $200 per week in some areas , ” Fiona says.

  Or, you could sell your large family home and move to smaller home or unit. This will release equity from your home that you can use as your nest egg. “For example, if the unit costs $200,000 less than the price you sell your home for and you put the money in a very basic and safe account bearing 6% interest. You will have secured yourself an extra $12,000 per year income for the rest of your life.” Fiona explained.
  
  If you choose to downsize , don't make the mistake of thinking your household items are worthless. “Take some nice digital photos of your throwaways and those bits and pieces you've had stored in boxes under the stairs for years , and list them on eBay. You'll be surprised what you can get for them.” Fiona says.
  
  eBay's research in 2007 found that 72% of empty nesters are left with a lot of their kids gear to deal with then they move out , and over half of those (54%) admit to resenting it. “A good way to deal with this is to suggest selling the goods on eBay for them and splitting the proceeds. This way you can help your kids get ahead and reclaim the space around your home.” Fiona says.

A thrifty empty nester for many years, Anthea uses eBay to regularly downsize as she prepares for her retirement on the Victorian Coast . “My partner Ron and I run a caravan park in Beechwood but we have our sights sets on a sea-change. We can't afford to bring everything with us so I've begun selling off unwanted items that my kids left behind on eBay including clothing, crockery and books.”

With every dollar made on eBay going into the retirement piggy bank, Anthea and Ron's dream of living by the water draws ever closer. “I'm planning to sell so much more on eBay, from my dinner sets to antiques. In fact, Ron and I have listed a

caravan on the site which will help to fund the big move. Downsizing is not an easy task but eBay makes it so much easier.” says Anthea.

Anthea also uses eBay to satisfy her passion for craft and creativity. “I purchase tops at a cheap price and accessorise them for re-sale on eBay. They are so popular that I've made up to 400% profit on individual pieces. Aside from having access to millions of potential customers from my remote Beechwood home , I love the fact that eBay has given me an outlet to express my creativity and talent.”