Downsizing: A step-by-step guide for retirement

You’re finally retiring, and a rich new chapter of your life is about to begin. But if your plans include moving from a spacious home to an apartment, there’s no getting around it — you’ll have to downsize.

“It’s not only a big job, but also an emotional one, as you find yourself journeying through a lifetime of memories,” said Brandon Christiansen, Director of Marketing at Primrose Retirement Communities*.

*Primrose Retirement Communities is the parent company of Sweetwater Retirement Community.

To help you with the downsizing process, Sweetwater has compiled this easy-to-follow guide.

Get an early start

With a house full of furnishings and mementoes collected over the years, downsizing takes time, so you might want to begin even before you finalize your retirement plans. You don’t want to make important decisions at the last minute, creating unnecessary stress as you get close to moving day.

Create a timeline and checklist

The first step is to walk through your home and assess how much time you’ll need for each room — including your garage, attic and other storage spaces — then create a timeline for each task. Be realistic. It’s better to overestimate than underestimate the time it will take. Knowing what needs to be done each day will keep you from feeling overwhelmed. It will also help you avoid a last-minute rush as moving day approaches.

Assess the space in your new apartment

Use the floor plan, room measurements and closet space, as well as photos, to determine what will and won’t fit. If you need to replace some things, consider multifunctional pieces, such as a sofa bed, furniture with built-in storage, over-the-door organizers and wall-mounted shelves. You can also use one of the free room planner apps to help you visualize the arrangement of your new apartment.

What to keep and what to let go of

Sort your possessions into four categories: what you’ll take with you; what you’ll give to family, friends or charity; what you’ll sell; and what you’ll throw away.

When you’re not sure about keeping an item, ask yourself: When’s the last time I used it? Do I feel good when I wear it? Does it bring me joy? Don’t hesitate to toss out anything worn out, stained or broken, as well as those “just in case” items you haven’t needed in 20 years.

Mementoes and heirlooms

The toughest decisions are the emotional ones, as you sort through photographs, baby books, Valentine cards your kids made in school and souvenirs from memorable vacations. It’s important to take the most meaningful ones with you and create a special place in your new home to display them. You can have the rest digitized and stored electronically.

If there are heirlooms and other valuables you won’t have room for, you can gift them to family, friends or charities. You can also sell them — but before you do, have them appraised by a trustworthy source.

Going through these items with family members can be a great time to share stories of what those objects represent. One granddaughter shared how she learned so much new information about the young lives of her grandparents when she helped her downsize. Many valuables come with a story that deserves to be passed on, and most people are more willing to part with these after the story has been shared with loved ones.

Getting rid of the rejects

If the furniture, household goods and other items you’re disposing of are in good condition, many charitable organizations will pick them up at no charge — and you’ll also be helping others. In some cities you can schedule a free bulky item pickup with the local sanitation department. And there are also companies that, for a price, will haul it all away.