Downsizing dilemmas answered: advice from those who’ve been there
Downsizing a home can be a challenging yet rewarding process, offering a path to a more streamlined and purposeful lifestyle. This article presents practical advice and strategies from individuals who have successfully navigated the downsizing journey. Drawing on their experiences, readers will discover effective methods for decluttering, maximizing space, and creating a home that aligns with their current needs and future aspirations.
DEEPER DIVE: 20 emerging business categories gaining traction in Arizona
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter here
- Streamline Your Life for Greater Control
- Reframe Attachments to Create Breathing Room
- Start Early with Ruthless Decluttering
- Edit Your Life Beautifully
- Align Possessions with Your Future Vision
- Maximize Space with Multifunctional Furniture
- Embrace Freedom Through Intentional Downsizing
- Categorize Belongings for Simplified Decision-Making
- Use High-LRV Paint to Visually Expand
- Curate a Purposeful Space for Serenity
- Downsize Before Moving to Save Money
- Create a Lifestyle Matching Present Needs
- Prioritize Functionality Over Sentimentality
- Tackle Paperwork First for Immediate Relief
- Focus on Essentials for a Peaceful Environment
- Keep Only What You Love and Use
- Live Practically in Your New Space
Streamline Your Life for Greater Control
Downsizing isn’t about losing space; it’s about gaining control. After working with hundreds of families who made this move, I’ve seen what works. The most important advice: get clear on what matters. Not everything goes with you, and that’s the point. You’re not shrinking your life; you’re streamlining it. Keep what supports your routine. Let go of what fills space but adds no value. This shift isn’t about square footage. It’s about utility, comfort, and purpose.
I learned this firsthand when I helped someone downsize after many years in the same home. Every closet told a story. Every room had a memory. But not every item deserved a place in their next chapter. We sorted in stages. Essentials first. Then what they used monthly. Everything else? Donated, sold, or passed down. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. The result was a space that fits their lifestyle, not their past. And the freedom they felt showed in how they lived afterward. They had fewer things, more time, and no stress about upkeep.
The same principle holds for anyone thinking about this move. Start early. Make decisions without letting emotion lead. Focus on function. You’ll save time, money, and energy, and avoid turning your new home into a smaller version of the old one.
Jeff Burke, CEO, Jeff Burke & Associates
Reframe Attachments to Create Breathing Room
Downsizing isn’t just about fitting into a smaller space; it’s about letting go of what no longer supports your life today. One thing I always tell clients is: don’t try to make your old life fit into your new one. When I downsized from a larger apartment to a one-bedroom, I realized how much stuff I was holding onto simply because it had been with me for years.
I’ve learned, both personally and through working in over 50 homes, that clutter isn’t always about laziness or mess. It’s often about emotional ties. We see it a lot with parents holding onto every childhood drawing or people who keep clothes that don’t fit because they represent who they used to be.
Our goal is to create breathing room physically and emotionally by helping people reframe those attachments and focus on what supports them now. One client, a single dad with two kids and a dog, was moving into a smaller townhouse and overwhelmed by the idea of where anything would go. We walked room by room, cutting back what didn’t serve his everyday routine. We brought in multifunctional storage and used vertical space to its full advantage.
If you’re downsizing, my advice is this: start with what you want your life to feel like, not what you think you need to keep. That shift makes space feel bigger, lighter, and way more intentional.
Lauren Hammer, Founder & Lead Organizer, Revive My Spaces
Start Early with Ruthless Decluttering
The most crucial advice I give clients looking to downsize is to start with a ruthless decluttering process at least three months before the move. I’ve seen too many people try to cram their entire life into a smaller space, only to feel overwhelmed and frustrated.
I learned this lesson firsthand when helping my parents downsize from their 2,800-square-foot home to an 800-square-foot container home. The initial weeks were challenging as they struggled to part with items they’d collected over 30 years. But we developed a simple system: if an item hadn’t been used in the past year and didn’t hold significant sentimental value, it had to go.
What surprised us most was how liberating the process became. My mother, who was initially resistant, now says she feels mentally lighter without the burden of maintaining and organizing so many possessions. She’s developed a “one in, one out” rule that helps maintain the clutter-free environment.
In my experience building container homes, the clients who are happiest in their downsized spaces are those who viewed decluttering as an opportunity rather than a sacrifice. For example, one client turned her downsizing project into a family bonding experience, having her children and grandchildren choose meaningful items to keep while donating the rest.
The key is to focus on what you’re gaining—financial freedom, less maintenance, environmental benefits—rather than what you’re giving up. Start the process early, be methodical, and remember that emotional attachment to objects doesn’t have to define your living space.
Robert Wagoner, President & Founder, Custom Container Living
Edit Your Life Beautifully
Here’s what I tell anyone downsizing: don’t focus on what you’re losing—focus on what you’re making room for. Smaller spaces ask you to be honest with your stuff…and yourself. Do you really need seven vases or just one that makes your heart do a little happy dance?
When I downsized, I learned that every piece had to earn its spot. It made my home feel lighter, clearer, and—surprisingly—more like me. You’re not shrinking your life. You’re just editing it beautifully.
Magda Callery, Interior Designer, Style By Magda
Align Possessions with Your Future Vision
First and foremost, focus on your vision for where you are going and what your lifestyle is going to be like (social life, work life, family, hobbies). Second, pick all those things, starting with furniture, that you will use and can actually fit in your future space. I recommend measuring everything—current furniture pieces and the rooms they will move into. Keep everything you use. Set aside everything that falls into the “just-in-case” category.
Does anything in the “just-in-case” category align with the lifestyle you have envisioned? If not, give yourself permission to let go. Every single thing in that category served its purpose in your life. Let them serve their purpose in someone else’s life. Consider asking family and friends if they want anything. Donate to charities that work for causes you support. Sell the really expensive items.
It is important to set a timeline for the move and work on downsizing or rightsizing accordingly. To make it less overwhelming, work in short bursts of time (set timers). Investing in working with a professional reduces the overwhelm.
Downsizing can be scary. Letting go of your things can cause grief, and it’s important to acknowledge that grief. It’s important to look forward to the new experiences you will have.
Sahiba Bassi, Professional Organizer, Declutter Bee
Maximize Space with Multifunctional Furniture
I always tell people moving to buy furniture that can be used for more than one purpose. Every inch counts when you have a small space to work with, and pieces used for multiple functions can make a big difference. A lift-top coffee table is a versatile piece of furniture that can be used as a desk for working from home, a place to eat, or to hide items like remotes and magazines. A Murphy bed or a folding table can transform a room’s functionality.
Helping people move into smaller homes has taught me that carefully chosen furniture doesn’t just save space; it also makes you live more comfortably and purposefully. It’s not about having less. It’s about getting more out of what you already have.
Seth Williams, Owner, Reference Real Estate
Embrace Freedom Through Intentional Downsizing
For 20 years, I’ve lived in a spacious, well-designed home (around 3,300 square feet) with plenty of room for relaxation and gatherings. Its layout radiates comfort and a subtle sense of authority, making it easy to feel at ease and in control of the space. It was the kind of place that is made to accommodate large families, always cozy and inviting. After moving into a 300-square-foot apartment, I felt mentally cramped, like I needed to step outside just to breathe before coming back in, trying to adjust to such a drastic downsizing.
The most difficult aspect of my downsizing before moving to a new place was separating useful items from my possessions, not getting rid of old books or giving away clothing. I kept asking myself, “Does giving up mean I’m failing? Getting smaller?” It brought to mind Diogenes, the Greek philosopher who ridiculed Alexander the Great for his extravagance and lived in a barrel. What was his lesson? Where attachment ends, freedom begins.
Here are the things we should keep in mind as we go through this transition process:
The “Just in Case” Trap: We cling to things for hypothetical futures (“I might need this someday!”). Diogenes would’ve laughed. He owned a cup until he saw a child drink from their hands, then tossed it. Ask: “Does this actively serve me now?” If not, release it.
Status Lives in Your Head: A smaller space can feel like a step backward if you tie dignity to square footage. Diogenes famously told Alexander to move aside because he was blocking the sun. His wealth was in his autonomy, not possessions. Downsizing isn’t shrinking; it’s curating your life to fit what matters.
Mental Clutter is Heavier Than Stuff: Letting go of guilt or nostalgia is harder than hauling boxes. See the light at the end of the tunnel. You should foresee the freedom that comes after.
I could see the benefits of having my home downsized. I had less time to do my periodic cleaning and more quality time with things that really matter. Fewer dishes = less to wash. Fewer clothes = no decision fatigue. Like Diogenes sunbathing in his barrel, I found a weird gladness in needing less.
It’s a tough process, but the end is absolutely worth it.
MATHEUS RABELO, Founder, 3D House Planner
Categorize Belongings for Simplified Decision-Making
I’d recommend clearly separating your belongings into three main categories: items you “need,” items you “love,” and items you can “comfortably live without.”
First, define your “need” items: these are essential things you regularly depend on (clothes, kitchen utensils, important documents…).
Next, consider items you truly “love,” which should include things that genuinely improve your well-being, hold sentimental value, or positively impact your quality of life. They give you a sense of joy or comfort, but aren’t simply kept out of habit or obligation.
Finally, clearly identify the items you “can comfortably live without.” This might initially be challenging, but it gets easier if you honestly ask yourself whether keeping these items truly adds meaningful value to your life after downsizing, or if they’re mainly cluttering space.
This categorization will help simplify this emotionally complex task. It reduces decision fatigue, provides clarity, and decreases emotional resistance because you’ve thoughtfully organized your possessions around what genuinely supports your life and happiness.
Bayu Prihandito, Psychology Consultant, Life Coach, Founder, Life Architekture
Use High-LRV Paint to Visually Expand
As home remodelers, we’ve worked with countless small living spaces—and one of our favorite pro tips is using high Light Reflectance Value (LRV) paint colors. It’s the fastest visual expansion trick in our toolbox. High-LRV neutrals bounce natural and artificial light around the room, instantly making tight spaces feel larger, airier, and more welcoming.
We’ve seen this small change completely shift how people feel in a space. No need to move walls or widen windows—just paint smart. It’s one of the easiest, most budget-friendly ways to make downsizing feel like an upgrade.
Ron Ramos, Dallas Director, Home Remodelers In Dallas
Curate a Purposeful Space for Serenity
When I downsized my home, I realized how excessive clutter had accumulated over the years. So many items stored “just in case” they might prove useful someday sat seldom touched. As I reviewed each object, I focused on evaluating its true functionality rather than sentimental attachments. Only pieces serving multiple purposes earned a spot, such as the bench doubling as hidden storage or the foldable garden tools saving space. Letting go of excess freed not only space but also eased my mind.
Once reorganized into a smaller, well-designed space holding solely frequently used and beloved items, a sense of peace replaced the former stressful disorder. My advice if considering downsizing—be ruthlessly honest about what provides real value through genuine use and brings you joy, not what dust-collecting guilt or nostalgia insists you hang onto. A purposefully curated small space can feel more serene than a crammed larger one poorly utilizing its potential.
Samuel Davis, Owner, London Gardners
Downsize Before Moving to Save Money
Most people think they’ll sort through their stuff after they move, but that’s a recipe for extra costs and stress. The average moving company charges by weight or volume, so every forgotten box of old clothes, unused kitchen gadgets, and outdated electronics adds to your bill. Downsizing before the move means you won’t waste money on things you won’t keep, and unpacking will be faster. You’ll get a fresh start in your new space.
I have learned that the smart way to downsize is to categorize early and be brutal about getting rid of things that no longer serve a purpose. Selling furniture that won’t fit, donating clothes you haven’t worn in a year, and discarding expired pantry items will lighten the load and reduce clutter before you even start packing. By the time moving day arrives, only the essentials will be left, and everything will have a place in your new home. A well-planned downsizing strategy makes your move from overwhelming to efficient, saving you time, money, and energy.
Hassan Morcel, CEO, Keys please Holiday homes Dubai
Create a Lifestyle Matching Present Needs
Anyone who wants to downsize their living area should follow my essential piece of advice, which emphasizes intentional selection for everything they keep. My experience of moving showed me it’s simple to hold onto items that might someday prove useful but remain unused. These same objects use up physical and mental space, although they initially served a purpose. The act of downsizing makes you choose your essentials, and through purposeful selection of new items for your space, you build an environment that enhances both functionality and peace of mind. The process requires no self-denial since it permits you to create a lifestyle that matches your present needs and values.
The design process showed me that properly designed compact spaces can generate both amazing ambiance and comfortable living. A space that receives appropriate lighting transforms into a wider, more open area, becoming more welcoming and spacious. This discovery led Seus Lighting to create minimalist solutions with multiple functions. Downsizing revealed to me that minimalism works as long as design choices focus on purposeful decisions.
Seymen Ustaa, Co-Founder, Seus Lighting
Prioritize Functionality Over Sentimentality
My advice for anyone looking to downsize their belongings is to pay attention to how you actually live rather than how you think you may one day live. When I did that, I noticed that many of the things I had didn’t align with my current lifestyle. I still had items I kept just out of obligation, old hobbies I’d outgrown, or “just in case” items that hadn’t been touched for years. It was only when I stopped thinking like that that I was able to make real progress.
What helped me most was to get brutally practical. I pondered what I would do over the course of my typical day, and I made choices based on what I use routinely, not on what seems nice or evokes nostalgia. It wasn’t always easy, but it was essential. I discovered that sentiment and usefulness don’t often overlap, and if I wanted a functioning space, I had to prioritize the latter.
What I learned from the process is this: downsizing isn’t less; it’s better. My current space is lean, clear, and structured for how I actually move through life. It’s easier to clean, easier to appreciate, and most importantly, it reflects who I am today.
Jason Sildir, Sales Manager, Carbarn
Tackle Paperwork First for Immediate Relief
One piece of advice I’d give to anyone downsizing their living space is this: prioritize functionality over sentimentality. When you’re moving into a smaller footprint, every square foot has to work for you. That means letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose and investing in solutions that maximize space and utility.
From the perspective of someone who’s managed countless renovations and roofing projects, I’ve seen how downsizing—whether it’s clients moving into a bungalow, a retirement home, or just simplifying life—can be incredibly freeing if it’s approached with the right mindset. It’s not about what you’re giving up—it’s about what you’re gaining in simplicity, lower maintenance, and efficiency.
What I learned personally from the process (having helped my own parents downsize) is that it’s important to plan ahead, especially when it comes to home systems. For example, a smaller home still needs proper roof ventilation, a solid eavestrough system, and high-efficiency insulation. Those details matter even more when space is limited and every detail affects comfort and energy use.
So, my advice? Start by mapping out how you live today—and build a smaller space that supports that lifestyle, not just stores your old one. And if you’re renovating while downsizing, invest in high-quality, low-maintenance materials that reduce your long-term upkeep. Think: lifetime roofing, energy-efficient windows, and easy-access storage. You’ll thank yourself later.
Ryan Tierney, Co-Owner, CD Roofing & Construction Ltd.
Focus on Essentials for a Peaceful Environment
Start with the one thing that is a shared challenge for all people—going through all the paperwork around your house and tossing what doesn’t need to be there. You will feel immediately lighter by throwing out the junk mail, sales flyers, and coupons you have received that you once intended to revisit or use, but never have. Not to mention the satisfaction you may feel from the action of tossing.
From there, evaluate what papers you MUST keep in physical form and seek an easy-to-store option that is portable, fireproof, and waterproof all in one. Many tools available for purchase come with guidance and direction on how to get this task done in the least amount of time, developed by professionals in the area.
This has now streamlined the most cumbersome thing in your home and prepared you for any natural disaster that may hit, or saved you time when you need to be able to grab something you need, like your passport, quickly. Look at that; there are multiple benefits, all by focusing on one thing.
Take the rest digital and stop getting physical papers sent to you snail mail style.
Next, start with one room and do not stop evaluating what you want to keep versus donating or discarding until you finish that area or room. You will not be served well, nor get this downsizing process done effectively, by focusing on more than one area/room at once. Do a little bit at a time to ensure it is palatable to you and what works best for you.
Jaclyn Strauss, CPA, President, 2ndVault, 2ndVault
Keep Only What You Love and Use
One piece of advice I’d give to a person reducing their living space is to concentrate on the most important aspects—whether practical or emotional. Forget “just in case” items, and retain what is regularly used or loved.
What I learned is that downsizing doesn’t require discomfort. It’s about making your environment feel less cluttered and more peaceful. With only needed items, a home becomes intentional instead of overwhelming, which is an indescribable freedom.
Vibhas Sen, Marketer and Co-founder, Fabrica Kraft LLC
Live Practically in Your New Space
I would separate all your items into “Keep” (because you love it!), “Give Away or Sell” (because you love it for someone else), or “Toss It” (because no one loves it!).
In this practice, your new place becomes a space that only has the things you love, so it reflects more of who you are, saves space, and as you look around your new place, your eyes will only see those things that please you, which enhances your joy.
Karen Lorre, True Mastery Coach, Karen Lorre Coaching
