Let's be direct: downsizing after decades in the same home is a massive undertaking. I've seen families take three months to clear out a 25-year family home, sorting through generations of memories, documents, and accumulated belongings. It can be overwhelming, and feeling daunted is completely normal.
But here's the thing, with the right system, this becomes manageable. As someone who thrives on strategic planning, I'm giving you a concrete roadmap to get this done efficiently. No fluff, just actionable steps that work.
Step 1: Set Your Timeline and Goals
First, establish your deadline and work backward. Are you moving in three months? Six months? Lock in that date. Then determine your target: what size is your new space, and realistically, how much can it hold? This creates the framework for every decision that follows.
Action item: Measure your new space (or research typical condo/apartment dimensions) and calculate roughly 40-60% of your current belongings will need to go.
Step 2: The Four-Category System
Stop agonizing over every item individually. You need a system,. and this one workds. Create four clear categoris:
Keep - Essential items you use regularly or truly cherished pieces.
Donate - Usable items in good condition
Sell - Valuables worth the effort to list
Discard - Broken, unusable, or outdated items.
Work room by room, allocating items ruthlessly. If you haven't used something in two years and it doesn't hold significant sentimental value, it doesn't make the cut. Period.
Step 3: Leverage Local Resources for Donations
Don’t waste time making multiple trips to donation centres. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore offer free furniture pick up throughout the Fraser Valley, they will come to you. Other options include:
Salvation Army - Will pick up larger donations
SPCA Thrift Stores - Accept houshold goods and furniture.
Local Buy Nothing Groups - Free Facebook neighbourhood groups where you can post items that can go to your neighbours who might need or want them. Search “Buy Nothing “in your area”) These groups are gold. It can be gone same-day, no haggling, no hassle.
Step 4: Sell Strategically (Don't Waste Time)
Here's where people get stuck: trying to sell everything. Be strategic. Only sell items worth $50+ or collections that hold realvalue. Use:
Facebook Marketplace – Best for furniture and local pickup
Consignment stores – For quality furniture, antiques, or collectibles
Estate sale companies – If you have a house full of valuables, let professionals handle it (they take a cut, but saveyou months).
Everything else? Donate it. Your time has value, and spending weeks trying to get $10-20 per item isn't efficient.
Step 5: Handle the Documents and Paperwork
This is where those three-month projects bog down. Decades of files, tax returns, warranties for appliances you no longer own. Here's your protocol:
Keep: Last 7 years of tax documents, current insurance, property deeds, wills
Shred: Old financial documents, expired paperwork with personal information
Discard: Manuals, receipts over 2 years old for non-major purchases, old bills
Get a good shredder or use a mobile shredding service (many operate in the Fraser Valley). Don't get nostalgic about old bank statements from 1987.
Step 6: Final Sweep – Junk Removal and Deep Clean
Once you've donated, sold, and purged, you'll likely still have items that don't fit the other categories. Schedule a junk removal service for a final haul. Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK or local Fraser Valley services will take nearly everything in one trip.
Then arrange for a deep clean. Your real estate agent will thank you, and it creates a clean break between your old life and new chapter.
The Bottom Line
Downsizing isn’t just about getting rid of stuff it’s about taking control of your next phase of life. The process will take some time, but with this system you’ll move through it with purpose instead of paralysis.
Start with Step 1 today. Pick your timeline, mark your calendar, and commit to the process. YOu’ve made bigger decisions in your life than what to do with your extra dining chairs. Apply that same decisiveness here.
Need help? Reach out to me! I have a little tool box with Junk collection companies and companies who specalize in helping downsizers sort through their things.
What's been your biggest challenge in downsizing? Share in the comments below.
The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.