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Downsizing Tips

Making the move to a smaller space easier for you or your loved ones.

Downsizing from a longtime family home to a smaller place or assisted living facility isn't easy. There's a lifetime of memories and belongings to sort through. These tips can help make the process less overwhelming.

Why People Downsize

Moving to Assisted Living

Transitioning to a care facility means a much smaller living space—typically one room or a small apartment.

Empty Nest or Retirement

Kids are grown and gone. A big house feels too much to manage. Downsizing makes daily life simpler.

Health or Mobility Issues

Stairs, large yards, and multi-level homes become difficult to navigate. A smaller, single-level space is safer.

Simplifying Life

Less maintenance, lower costs, and fewer belongings to manage means more time and energy for what matters.

Getting Started

Start Early and Take Your Time

Don't wait until a week before the move. Give yourself at least 2-3 months if possible. Rushing leads to stress and regret over items you got rid of too quickly.

Work in small chunks—an hour or two at a time. It's not a race.

Measure the New Space

Before you decide what to keep, know what will fit. Measure rooms, doorways, closets, and storage areas in the new place.

Will your dining table fit? What about the sofa? Knowing this upfront helps you make realistic decisions.

Decide What's Most Important

You can't take everything. Focus on:

  • • Daily essentials (bed, clothes, toiletries, kitchen basics)
  • • Sentimental items that bring joy (photos, heirlooms, favorite pieces)
  • • Comfortable furniture that fits the new space

Everything else is negotiable.

Involve Family Early

If you have kids or grandkids, let them know you're downsizing. Give them a chance to claim items they want.

Set a deadline. If they don't pick it up by then, you're free to donate or sell it. Be firm but fair.

Sorting Through Belongings

Go room by room. Use these categories to stay organized:

Keep

Items you use regularly, need in the new place, or can't imagine parting with.

Give to Family

Heirlooms, family photos, items with sentimental value that relatives might want.

Donate

Usable items in good condition. Furniture, clothes, kitchen goods, books, decor.

Sell

Higher-value items like antiques, jewelry, collectibles, quality furniture.

Toss

Broken, worn out, or unusable items. Be honest—if it's garbage, let it go.

Room-by-Room Tips

Kitchen

  • • Keep one set of dishes, not three
  • • Donate duplicate gadgets and appliances
  • • Toss expired food, spices, and pantry items
  • • Keep only the cookware you actually use

Bedroom

  • • Donate clothes you haven't worn in a year
  • • Keep seasonal items that fit your new climate and lifestyle
  • • Consolidate jewelry—keep favorites, give away or sell the rest
  • • Old bedding and linens take up space—keep one or two spare sets max

Living Room

  • • Downsize furniture to fit the new space
  • • Keep meaningful photos and decor, donate the rest
  • • Books you've already read can go unless they're favorites
  • • Electronics you don't use—donate or recycle them

Garage, Attic, Basement

  • • Be ruthless—this is where clutter lives
  • • Tools and yard equipment: keep what fits your new situation
  • • Holiday decorations: keep a small box of favorites
  • • Storage bins full of "maybe someday" items—let them go

Dealing with Sentimental Items

This is the hardest part. Here's how to handle it:

Take photos: If you can't keep it but want to remember it, take a picture before letting it go
Keep the best, not all: You don't need every baby toy or school project—just a few favorites
Pass items on with stories: Give things to family and tell them why it matters
It's okay to feel sad: Letting go is hard. Take breaks when you need to.

What to Do with Everything

Donate Locally

Goodwill, Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, and local thrift stores in Boise will take furniture, clothes, and household goods. Some offer pickup for large items.

Sell High-Value Items

Estate sale companies can help sell furniture and collectibles. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist work for quick sales.

Hire Help

If it's too much to handle alone, call us. We'll sort, haul, donate, and dispose of everything you don't want to keep.

Moving Day Essentials for Seniors

Pack a separate bag with:

  • • Medications and medical equipment
  • • Important documents (ID, insurance, medical records)
  • • Change of clothes and toiletries
  • • Phone charger
  • • Comfort items (favorite blanket, photos, small keepsakes)

We Can Help You Downsize

Downsizing is emotional and exhausting. Let us handle the heavy lifting and hauling so you can focus on the transition.

(208) 943-5231