Five Steps to Downsizing or Rightsizing Your Home

Downsizing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By following a clear process, you can make the journey smoother and less stressful.

These five steps are adapted from Jeannine Bryant’s book Ready to Rightsize? A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Rightsizing Journey. Jeannine is a Senior Move Manager with over a decade of experience helping older adults and their families move with confidence.

Step 1: Decide what to keep

Start with the items you know you love and use. Ignore everything else for now.

• Focus on favourites and essentials.

• Use a furniture plan early to see what fits in your new space.

Step 2: Share with family and friends

Identify items with sentimental value or practical use. Offer them to family or friends at the start of the process.

• Let loved ones choose what they’d like.

• Giving early simplifies later decisions.

Step 3: Sell what you can

Look at what’s left and decide what might sell.

• Use local auction houses, vintage shops, or online platforms (safely).

• Remember: demand sets the price, not sentiment.

Step 4: Donate the rest

Pass on usable items that don’t sell.

• Choose reputable charities or donation centres.

• Ensure items are clean, safe, and in good condition.

Step 5: Recycle responsibly

Finally, recycle or dispose of what’s left.

• Use licensed clearance or recycling services.

• Get help with bulky items if needed.

Conclusion

By working through these steps in order, downsizing becomes simpler and less stressful. Start with what matters most, then move on step by step. Rightsizing isn’t just about letting go — it’s about creating space for the next chapter of your life.