Downsizing your home: Practical tips for a smooth transition

There are many reasons to downsize: you may be relocating to a new area with a smaller home, reserving a room in an assisted living facility, or moving in with family. Whatever the reason, downsizing can be the start of a relaxed new chapter with an improved quality of life.

Like any major transition, downsizing presents a few challenges; but with sufficient help and planning, you can elevate your new dwelling to a place you’ll love to call home.

Take inventory and pare down
The downsizing process should always begin with a plan that works best for you and your helpers. Some prefer to address one room at a time, while others may follow tidying expert Marie Kondo’s method of organizing by category.

Whatever you choose, it’s best to use a labelling system for your belongings. You can apply sticky notes to items or compile a list. Here are a few examples of how that can work:

Armchair
Location: Living room
Necessity: Low (We just need the sofa in the new condo.)
Plan: Give to Susie.

Smaller TV
Location: Guest room
Necessity: Medium
Plan: Donate living room TV, replace with this one in new home.

Coin Collection
Location: Safe
Necessity: High
Plan: Move to a smaller safe in the apartment.

Outdoor Set
Location: Backyard
Necessity: Low
Plan: Keep the hammock, give grill to Marcus. Donate furniture and everything else.

Sticky notes code:
Green – Move
Yellow – Donate
Blue – Sell
Pink – Throw away

As you label your belongings, it may help to keep the layout of your new home readily available. Referencing the floorplan can help you create a mental picture of how your items will be arranged.

Once you complete your inventory, it’s time to donate or dispose and start packing. Depending on your timeline, you have several options for removing unnecessary items. You can plan a garage or estate sale, offer goods to friends/family, sell items online, and donate to charities or thrift stores (some organizations may pick your items up for you).

Note: If you’re moving to an assisted living facility or helping a loved one, be sure to check the facility’s list of permitted and prohibited items. It would also be helpful to confirm in-room amenities and ask if the room can be altered in any way.

Preparation and moving day

Moving can be challenging, but with fewer items to manage, the process may be easier than you would expect. Prepare for the big day by setting yourself up for success.

Start small – Spreading tasks out over time can ease the process. You can pack a few boxes per day, transport smaller items to your new residence before moving day, and clean as you go.

Manage valuables – Before moving day, take responsibility for your valuables (heirlooms, personal documents, memorabilia, etc.); if you can’t transport them yourself, be sure to track their location throughout the moving process. This will lessen the risk of losing or damaging any important, irreplaceable items.

Go with a pro – If possible, hire a cleaning crew, estate sale company, or moving/packing company to do the heavy lifting. You can check with your friends and neighbors for references, then call companies to gather quotes.

Moving supplies – If you or your helpers are conducting the move without professional assistance, utilizing moving supplies will greatly ease the process. Grab sturdy storage bins, a wagon or hand truck, garment bags, moving blankets, furniture sliders, and ratchet straps.

Have backup plans – Whether the moving crew is running late or a vehicle reservation falls through, sometimes plans can go awry. In these cases, it helps to have a backup plan and notify your helpers.

When moving day comes, your thorough preparation will ensure you’ll have a smooth experience. Set a good bedtime the night before, and on the morning of the move, have a healthy breakfast, do basic stretches, and contact any moving companies to confirm their arrival time.

Farewell
It’s normal to feel conflicted when it’s time for a major change. Whether you’re excited or reluctant to move on, entering a new stage of life can be an emotional experience.

If you’d like, you can do a few things to say goodbye to your old home:

• If you’re planning to sell the property, write a letter to the new owners. You can tell them about your happy memories in the home and offer well wishes for the future.
• Journal about memorable moments that occurred in different rooms.
• If you have time, host a small get-together with family and friends before packing everything up.
• List the positives of your new home. Is it in a fun, new area? Are you moving in with your kids or grandkids? Will the smaller space be easier to manage? Does it come with a lower cost of living? Does the facility host social events?

After the moveWhen you finally complete the move, embracing your new home and area will help you adjust to the new environment.

If the area has interesting restaurants, landmarks, or organizations you’re interested in, set a day to explore.

Branching out into your neighborhood or suburb can help you meet new people, attend interesting events, and share your findings with others.

You may also consider hosting a housewarming once you’re settled in. Inviting neighbors will help you make friends and feel more welcome.

Downsizing is more than just reducing clutter—it’s about creating a home that better fits your current lifestyle. With thoughtful planning, clear communication, and a bit of flexibility, the process can be manageable and even rewarding. Whether you’re moving across town or into a new stage of life, approaching the transition with care and intention will help you feel confident and comfortable in your new space.

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Photo: Downsizing Stock photos by Vecteezy

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