Downsizing 101: 7 Tips for Scaling Back

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If you’re a baby boomer, chances are you’re starting to think about downsizing or moving to a smaller living space. And that’s doubly true if you’re considering a move or have recently made the move to senior living, where the private and common spaces are a change from a typical home.

For many, such a move will be something to look forward to — and not just for older adults. In fact, the average size of all new houses continues to fall, as the average single-family home built in 2024 was smaller than in 2023 and 2022.

Whether moving to a smaller home or just looking to freshen up a current space, many will soon take up the challenge of scaling back on a lifetime of belongings. That idea can be daunting for those who enjoy and treasure their possessions, but many also find it liberating to divest themselves of burdensome “stuff.”

“Intuitively, we know the best stuff in life isn’t stuff at all, and relationships, experiences and meaningful work are the staples of a happy life,” writes Graham Hill in the New York Times. “After a certain point, material objects have a tendency to crowd out the emotional needs they are meant to support... I sleep better knowing I’m not using more resources than I need.”

Ready to get started on a simpler life? Consider these suggestions:

When possible, sort one room at a time. Freshening up your space a little bit at a time can be less draining than attempting everything all at once.
If you're moving to a smaller space, measure the storage space and rooms in your new place to determine how much you can keep. Taped-off floor space might provide a helpful visual while sorting.
Talk to family members and friends about items they might value and then consider gifting them with those keepsakes. Knowing a beloved item is going to “a good home” may help you part with it.
Start with giant boxes labeled “keep,” “donate,” “gift” or “throw away.” As you sort, make regular trips to donation centers and dumpsters. Toss anything that’s chipped, broken or stained (an exception may be stained but sound clothing, which Goodwill re-processes).
Consider hiring a company to digitize photos and/or important documents you might unexpectedly need later.
Consider an estate or garage sale, consignment stores, or online listings for unwanted but valuable items such as antiques, collections or quality furniture pieces.
Before planning to donate, contact the organization to confirm what it does and doesn’t accept. Many offer free pick-up. Remember receipts for tax purposes.

Finally, when all is said and done, be at peace about your decisions. Give yourself credit for completing a massive task on your own terms.

Author Marie Kondo describes the rewards of such downsizing in her best-selling book, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up."

"I have time to experience bliss in my quiet space, where even the air feels fresh and clean,” she writes. “Although not large, the space I live in is graced with only those things that speak to my heart. My lifestyle brings me joy.”

For more downsizing tips, check out our downsizing eBook.