Moving to a smaller space? Whether you're an empty nester, retiree, or just simplifying life, here's practical advice for deciding what stays and what goes.
Start with Your New Space
Before deciding what to keep, know your destination. Get the floor plan and measurements of your new home. This makes decisions concrete—that oversized sectional simply won't fit.
The Keep/Let Go Framework
For each item, ask these questions:
- Have I used this in the past year?
- Will it fit in my new space?
- Does it bring me joy or serve a purpose?
- Would I buy this again today?
- Can I easily replace it if needed?
If you answer "no" to most of these, it's time to let go.
Categories to Tackle
Furniture
Measure everything. Keep pieces that fit your new space and match your lifestyle. That formal dining set might not make sense if you rarely host dinner parties.
Kitchen Items
Keep daily-use items. Let go of duplicates, specialty gadgets you rarely use, and that fondue set from 1985.
Books & Media
Keep favorites you'll reread. Donate the rest—libraries and used bookstores appreciate donations.
Sentimental Items
This is the hardest category. Keep truly meaningful items. For the rest, take photos before letting go—the memory lives on without the clutter.
Tips for Emotional Decisions
- Give yourself permission to let go
- Offer items to family first
- Donate to causes that matter to you
- Take photos of items before parting
- Focus on the freedom of less stuff
The 20/20 Rule
If you can replace an item for under $20 and in under 20 minutes, let it go. You probably won't miss it, and if you do, it's easy to replace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start?
At least 2-3 months before your move. Downsizing takes longer than you think, and rushing leads to keeping too much.
What if family members want different items?
Set a deadline for claims. After that date, you decide. Don't let family indecision hold up your timeline.