✨5 Things You Can Do Now to Make Downsizing Easier Later✨

Thinking about downsizing but not quite ready yet?
Here are 5 small steps you can take right now to make your future move seamless and stress-free!

1. Start With One Drawer
There is no better place to start than the beginning. Pick your first drawer (I suggest your Tupperware).
I promise, you’ll gain momentum to tackle another one.

2. Donate One Box A Month
Keep a box in a spare closet. Every time you find something that you no longer need, add it to the donation box. Every month, take that box and donate it. Then start the next box!

3. Digitize Keepsakes
Photobooks and keepsakes are a large part of our possessions that take up space. Take photos of some of your memorable items and digitalize your albums so that you can pass on the memories without the ‘stuff’.

4. Create A “Future Home” Vision Board
Start envisioning how downsizing will look and feel. What will your ideal new space include- Amenities, a more walkable lifestyle? Will it include more travel, and if so - where to? Get excited about your next step!

5. Rethink Your Space
You may not live in every room of your home. Part of downsizing is knowing the ‘right size’ space for your next step.
Start closing off unused rooms so you can get a better idea of how much space you are actually living in. This will help you understand the square footage you need moving forward.

Small steps today lead to a smoother transition tomorrow.

1. Do: Start Early

When it comes to decluttering, preparing your home, and planning your next steps, give yourself plenty of time

Start exploring your next dream home early — having a clear vision of where you’re headed can be a powerful motivator and make the downsizing journey feel exciting instead of overwhelming.

Your next chapter is waiting!

Don’t: Underestimate the Emotion

Leaving a beloved family home is an emotional journey

Take the time and space you need to thoughtfully sort through years of memories. After decades in one place, decluttering can feel both challenging and deeply sentimental. Don’t hesitate to lean on loved ones or professionals for support — you don’t have to do it alone.

Do: Make A Plan

Make a Thoughtful Downsizing Plan

Start with a room-by-room checklist and set realistic goals for what to keep, donate, or sell. Connect with your estate planner and accountant to ensure your financial and legal plans align with your move. Most importantly, involve your family in conversations about next steps and generational legacy — downsizing is about more than space, it’s about preserving what matters most.

Don’t: Wait Until the Last Minute

Don’t wait until life forces your hand

Rushed decisions can lead to stress and regret, especially when health concerns become the driving factor. Instead, focus on the freedom and excitement that come with your next chapter. Embrace the opportunity to create a future that fits your lifestyle. Start today, one step at a time, and make your move on your own terms.

Do: Work with a Real Estate Pro

Partner with a downsizing specialist who understands both the emotional and practical sides of the move.

More than just a real estate agent, an experienced downsizing expert offers step-by-step guidance — from preparing your home for sale to navigating today’s market, especially if it’s been years since you last moved. Making your transition to the next chapter as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Once seen as a transition of necessity, downsizing now represents freedom, simplicity, and a fresh start. It’s about letting go of what no longer serves you and making space for new adventures.

As a certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist, my passion for helping downsizers began with a desire to support homeowners through every step of this transition — from decluttering and home preparation, navigating deferred maintenance, reevaluating the right sized space and planning what comes next with patience, education and guidance.

What I love most? Watching clients discover a renewed sense of freedom and joy once they’re settled into a home that truly fits their lifestyle.

✨ If you're considering a move and want support you can trust, contact me to help guide your downsizing journey.

Please reach out for a FREE Downsizing Consultation!
Shelley Hird
North Shore Realtor® and Downsizing Specialist  |  604.209.4855
info@shelleyhird.com