Planning a move to a smaller home

Downsizing is more than a move — it's a life transition. Whether you're moving to a smaller home, assisted living, or closer to family, these tips can help make the process smoother.

1. Start Early

Give yourself at least 2-3 months before your move date. Rushing leads to stress and regret.

2. Begin with the Easy Decisions

Start with items that are clearly keep, clearly donate, or clearly discard. Save the emotionally difficult decisions for later when you've built momentum.

3. Measure Your New Space

Before deciding what to keep, get the floor plan of your new home. This makes furniture decisions objective rather than emotional.

4. Use the One-Year Rule

If you haven't used or worn something in the past year, you probably won't miss it. This doesn't apply to seasonal items or sentimental pieces.

5. Digitize What You Can

Photo albums, documents, and paperwork can be scanned and stored digitally. Keep the originals of essential documents, but photos can live beautifully in digital frames.

6. Give Gifts Now

If you have items you'd like specific family members to have, give them now. It's more meaningful to give in person than to bequeath in a will.

7. Hire Help

A senior move manager specializes in helping older adults through the downsizing process. Ask which services they offer, such as sorting, packing or setting up your new home.

A professional organizer can help you create systems for deciding what to keep.

8. Handle the Home

Once you've downsized your belongings, consider:

• An estate sale for items of value
• Junk removal for the rest
• A real estate agent who specializes in estate/senior properties

9. Take Care of Yourself Emotionally

Downsizing can trigger grief — for a spouse who passed, for your health, for the chapter of life that's closing. Be kind to yourself. A grief counselor or therapist can help you process these feelings.

10. Focus on What You're Gaining

A smaller space means less maintenance, lower costs, and more freedom. Focus on the adventures ahead, not just what you're leaving behind.

Find Help Near You

Greatway connects you with compassionate professionals who specialize in senior transitions. Browse senior move managers, downsizing specialists, and professional organizers in your area.