As we age, the idea of “less is more” often becomes more appealing—and more necessary. For many seniors, downsizing isn’t just about moving to a smaller home. It’s about simplifying life, reducing physical burdens, and aligning living spaces with evolving health and lifestyle needs.
The process comes with unique emotional, logistical, and financial challenges. From parting with decades of belongings to navigating complex real estate decisions, downsizing can be overwhelming without the right support and strategy.
Relocation Consultant Alesha Filiatrault with WellRive, offers helpful information on how seniors and their families can thoughtfully approach the downsizing journey while minimizing stress and maximizing peace of mind.
Understanding the Challenges of Downsizing
Downsizing can be especially challenging for seniors due to physical limitations, deep emotional attachments to belongings accumulated over decades, and the sheer volume of possessions requiring decisions. Many have lived in the same home for 40 to 60 years, making the process both physically and emotionally taxing—often leading to decision fatigue.
Additionally, limited support from family members, due to distance or busy lives, can make the transition even more difficult. Plus, Filiatrault notes that many adult family members simply don’t want to take more “stuff” in.
“When I got my first apartment, the only thing I bought was a rug for my bathroom and some candles. Everything else came from my parents’ home and my grandma’s home, and I think I was in my forties before I bought my first piece of living room furniture,” she shares. “That was life many decades ago when I was getting started. But today’s adult children don’t necessarily want or have the home space to take the things their parents are downsizing.”
Filiatrault advises families to have open and honest conversations about which items adult children are able or willing to take—and for seniors to be prepared to accept those boundaries. While these discussions can be emotionally difficult, it’s important to understand that decisions are often based on practicality, not lack of sentiment. Interestingly, adult children may value unexpected, sentimental items—like an old cookie tin—over larger or more traditional heirlooms like dining sets.
Practical, Manageable Downsizing Tips
With her experience in assisting families, Filiatrault emphasizes that downsizing doesn’t require complex strategies. It’s mostly common sense and consistency. The most important advice? Start early and start today. Breaking the process into manageable chunks over time helps avoid decision fatigue, especially since seniors may only be able to tackle 15 minutes at a time.
Begin with non-sentimental, easy-to-let-go items to build decision-making momentum. This includes things like old towels, expired toiletries, duplicate appliances, expired food or spices, and outdated medications. Dust is often a useful clue. If something hasn’t been touched in years, it’s probably safe to let go.
Also, avoid beginning with emotionally charged items or heirlooms. Instead, consider a first pass through each area to remove obviously unnecessary or expired items. From there, you can find a rhythm that works—whether that’s doing one drawer a day, moving clockwise through a room, or following a themed monthly calendar (e.g., January for linens, February for electronics). The key is to work at your own pace, stay consistent, and give yourself grace throughout the process.
“You are not alone. Most people are feeling that sense of anxiety. I do seminars on downsizing, and the moment I say the word “anxiety,” people look at me and they are so relieved to hear they’re not alone. Sometimes, it’s just that easy,” she assures. “Give yourself grace. We’re going for progress, not perfection.”
