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• Discard - Broken, unusable, or outdated items.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.

Bond yields play a crucial role in determining fixed mortgage rates. Recently concerns over a potential US - Canada trade war have pushed bond yields lower, prompting lendings to cut mortgage rates. However, experts warn that this trend may not last.

Based on a recent news article by The Canadian Press on January 29 2025. Mortgage rate analyst Dave larock points out that while tariffs and trade tensions are driving bond yields down in the short term, they could fuel inflation in the long run. “Tariffs are fundamentally inflationary,” he explains, meaning that if higher prices persist, we could see bond yields and fixed mortgage rise again. 

What Does This Mean for Borrowers?

For those in the market for a mortgage, this rate drop presents a potential window of opportunity. However the landscape remains competitive. The expectation is that the banks will be aggressive in the spring real estate market, with lenders fiercely competing on renewals and high-ratio mortgages. 

Meanwhile, variable mortgage rates - thanks to six consecutive Bank of Canada rate cuts - are nearly on par with fixed rates.

Key Takeaways:

• Fixed mortgage rates are dropping, but experts warn they may not stay low for long.

• Trade war concerns are pushing bond yields lower, but inflation risks could reverse the trend.

• The spring market is expected to be highly competitive, with banks vying for borrowers.

• Fixed and vairable rates are now nearly equal, making mortgage decisions more difficult.

If you are considering a new mortgage or renewing your existing mortgage, talk to a mortgage specialist. Now might be the time to lock into a rate before any potential increases. If you are thinking of making a move or you have a real estate question reach out to me anytime. We can chat about your goals and see if it is the right time for you!

For the full article click on the link HERE

If you own residential property in British Columbia, you may be required to declare for the Speculation and Vacancy Tax (SVT). This tax aims to reduce real estate speculation and increase housing availability by discouraging property owners from leaving homes vacant.

What Is the Speculation and Vacancy Tax?

The SVT applies to homes that are vacant or underutilized in designated regions of BC. Introduced in 2018, the tax targets property owners who are not full-time BC residents or those who leave their properties empty for most of the year. The goal is to encourage property owners to either rent out their homes or contribute additional tax revenue toward affordable housing initiatives.

The tax applies in specific regions, including:

• Metro Vancouver

• Greater Victoria

• Kelowna and West Kelowna

• Nanaimo

• Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Mission, and Langford

Who Needs to Declare?

Every residential property owner in affected areas must complete a declaration each year, even if they are exempt. Most BC residents will qualify for an exemption, such as:

• Using the property as their primary residence

• Renting it out for at least six months of the year (in increments of at least 30 days)

• Certain special circumstances (e.g., medical reasons, death of an owner, recent property purchase)

If you do not qualify for an exemption, you may need to pay:

• 0.5% of the property’s assessed value (for Canadian citizens and permanent residents)

• 2.0% of the property’s assessed value (for foreign owners and satellite families)

When Is the Deadline?

• The annual declaration deadline is March 31.

• If the tax applies to you, payment is due by July 2.

How to Declare

Property owners will receive a declaration letter in the mail with instructions and a unique code. You can declare:

• Online: gov.bc.ca/spectax

• By Phone: Call the SVT hotline (contact details will be in your letter)

Make sure to declare by March 31 to avoid penalties.

Final Thoughts

Even if you do not owe any tax, you must still declare. Failing to do so may result in penalties or being charged the tax. If you have multiple properties, a declaration is required for each one.

If you have questions or need assistance with your declaration, visit the BC government website or speak with a tax professional.

Happy National Popcorn Day to all the popcorn enthusiasts out there! It’s the perfect excuse to fire up the popcorn maker, grab a cozy blanket, and enjoy a movie night at home. For football fans, it’s also a great opportunity to set up a popcorn bar with different toppings and shakers for game day snacks.

Cineplex Theatres 
That’s right, National Popcorn Day is back and bigger than ever! This year, enjoy free popcorn all weekend long! From January 17-19, all Scene+ members will receive a FREE small popcorn with a movie ticket purchase (for films showing on January 17-19) at any Cineplex location* because popcorn is the real star!Cineplex is also offering family deals. Movies starting at $3.99 per person. Details available on their website at Cineplex.com

Landmark Cinemas
To celebrate National Popcorn Day on January 19th, Landmark Cinemas will also be offering a free popcorn on the 19th. They are also holding a contest giving you a chance to win a YEAR of popcorn. One popcorn. Every day. For 365 days.

TO ENTER:
Tune into our Instagram stories (Landmark IG) the next 6 days and answer a trivia question correctly. Each correct answer is an entry. Good luck!

Below is my favorite popcorn recipe. It’s a classic, but if you don’t often make popcorn on the stove, it’s a great reminder of how simple and delicious it can be!