Lists of reports on this page:
Find care details, insights, and insider perspectives gained from 20+ years of helping seniors and families.
What to know about this topic:
- 2. Downsize in good health and a good frame of mind
- 3. Planning your new space?
- 4. Understand the market value of your possessions
- 5. Get appraisals and set fair pricing for items you want to sell
- 6. Collections
- 7. Great places to donate
- 8. Labels and note taking
- 9. Make sure items are in good working order
- 10. Know your schedule
- 11. Stick to deadlines and decisions
- 12. Moving? Hire the right senior moving company
- 13. Get a second opinion and ask for help
- 14. Declutter regularly
- 15. Understand the value of storage lockers
- 16. Read more advice on ComfortLife.ca
Decluttering as part of downsizing is a big job. Here, we’ve compiled some of our favourite tips from the experts: Susan Borax of Good Riddance, Pat Irwin of ElderCareCanada, Margo Salnek of Move Seniors Lovingly, Vicky Keyes of Red Coats Moving Solutions, and the experts at Gordon’s Moving Services. These tips will apply to the process of reducing your belongings in a careful, well-considered process.
Find seniors' moving services advice and how to's, with a list of mving companies
2. Downsize in good health and a good frame of mind
Start downsizing while you are still in good health, one room or area at a time. Work through the process when you have a clear mind. Quit for the day or take breaks when you get tired. Remain aware of your mental state. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by tiredness or by emotion.
For some people, it may make sense to break decluttering into a long process. If you have lots of time before now and a possible move (months or years), create a schedule.
3. Planning your new space?
If your decluttering process is part of a move and you know what size place you are moving to, then planning for that new space an important part of your process:
- Get the dimensions of the space you’re moving into and develop a floor plan. A floor plan on a magnetic board with small furniture pieces cut to-scale is a great way to move items around and see how they will fit. That way you can create a vision for your space and decide what furniture to bring and what pieces to eliminate.
- If you can, go to your new residence and plot out where things will go so that you can visualize how it’s all going to come together.
- If you want to visualize how much closet space you’ll have in your new place, take the measurements of the closet at your new place and then using tape, section off that same area in an existing closet in your house so that you can get used to the space and see what items will fit inside.
4. Understand the market value of your possessions
- Recognize that you’re not going to get very much for many of your possessions. Many items are not rare, not valuable in a market sense. They are valuable to family and friends so give things to them and take some favourite things with you like your china cabinet. One thing you can’t do is separate a man from his desk so take it too!
- People often overvalue what they have. You may have paid $600 for an item but if you can get $150. or even $75. then you are fortunate. Set realistic expectations.
- For the most part things like furniture, household articles and clothing depreciate over time because styles change and tastes change. People often think that their dining room suite is going to be a big seller but most of the time younger people don’t want that style of furniture. Sofas are hard to sell because people often have health concerns about them and chips or cracks in china will devalue those items.
- Sometimes it is the unusual and unique items that will sell, not the bigger ticket items.
5. Get appraisals and set fair pricing for items you want to sell
- Before you get rid of your items get advice and take your time. Get an appraiser.
- Understand how to price: Look online to find something similar, see what others are selling these things for and price accordingly.
- Create a resource list of consignment stores, auctioneers, buyers, relatives and friends who are taking items.
- Take photos of things you want to sell and email them to prospective buyers.
6. Collections
If you have a collection, don’t take every piece with you; take a subset—a few pieces that are representative of the set.
7. Great places to donate
- You will not get a tax receipt for donating items in Canada but there are lots of great places for your things. You can Google “furniture donation” and the name of your province for a list of options. For example, The Furniture Bank in Toronto gives to immigrants. We were all immigrants once so this is a great solution! In British Columbia try Homestart which gives furniture to homeless families. You can also donate household articles to local women’s shelters.
- When people call from a charity saying they’ll be in your neighborhood next week always say, “Yes!” It will give you the inspiration to go through your closets and find something you can donate.
8. Labels and note taking
Try to label things for their destination (new house, family/friends, sale, donation or recycle/dispose). Ask family and friends if they can take notes on where things have been sent (auction, Goodwill, a friend etc.). That way, if you are wondering where an item went later on, you will be able to check.
9. Make sure items are in good working order
Make sure your things are clean and in good working order. Before you sell or give them away plug them in and make sure they’re completely operational.
10. Know your schedule
Decluttering or downsizing is different for everybody. In many cases, the move happens on a tight, restricted schedule. For some people, though, the decluttering is planned ahead and there is a slow, languorous process that allows for planning, care and deliberation. Of course, the latter is ideal, but the former is more likely the case.
If you have to move quickly, you still want to break it down into steps:
- How long have you been living in the house?
- How many items do you have that are already in storage?
- How sparsely or densely are rooms furnished, and how many rooms do you have?
Start by estimating how long it will take you to work through all your items. To do this, you need to assess how many different things you have to move. You also need to have a good idea how much time you want to spend downsizing and decluttering. You may want to simply dispose of things as quickly as possible, or you may want to ruminate over specific items, rooms, collections, etc.
Make an estimate of how long you think it will take, then double that time, to be realistic.
11. Stick to deadlines and decisions
- It’s very tiring emotionally and physically to go through your things so limit each session to no more than three hours.
- Once you make a decision about something stick to it. Don’t let items pile up in the garage, the back of the car or the front hallway.
- If a friend or family member wants an item and is coming to pick it up, give them a deadline. Say that it will go onto the charity truck if they don’t come at the specified time. Make decisions and move the process along; you don’t want items piling up.
12. Moving? Hire the right senior moving company
If you are moving, note that Senior Move Management is a relatively new industry. Be sure you are hiring a qualified company to move your things. Services they may be able to provide may include everything from preparing the home for the real estate market, to finding the right real estate professional, to unpacking and setting up the new home (to everything in between).
- Make sure they are a member in good standing of the Better Business Bureau
- Ask for a free consultation, then review their estimate carefully.
- Don't sign anything until you have done a thorough check on the company and on their itemized estimate.
Read our full look at finding the right seniors' moving service.
13. Get a second opinion and ask for help
Get someone else to help you make decisions so that you have another pair of eyes. Downsizing can be an emotional minefield because you have too many memories attached to your things; you need someone who has no association with them.
14. Declutter regularly
Set aside 15 minutes once a week (schedule it on your calendar) to do some de-cluttering—a drawer, a shoe closet—and make it a general part of your routine. Then if you do decide to move in two years, you’ll be much better prepared physically and mentally.
15. Understand the value of storage lockers
If your house is being staged, make use of storage lockers for your things but don’t make it a permanent solution. Storage lockers can become expensive and having things there only delays the work you’ll have to do later on.
16. Read more advice on ComfortLife.ca
16. Read all our advice on how to downsize, from conception to completion. You can also download our full e-book.
Resources:
ElderCareCanada
goodriddance.ca
redcoatsmoving.com
IN-DEPTH REPORTSSenior apartment buildings
FEATURED
The Village of Taunton Mills
3790 Brock Street North, Whitby,
Ontario, L1R 0H2
The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby presents several levels of service from seniors' apartments with full kitchens, retirement apartments with meals and services to memory care, assisted living and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Sunstone Apartments
10775 Delsom Crescent, Delta,
British Columbia, V4C 0A8
Sunstone Rentals is the newest retirement community located in North Delta. A 70 unit independent living facility for those 55+, offers retirement community living for those downsizing.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living
FEATURED
Edgewood Suites
270 Hagan Street East, Dundalk,
Ontario, N0C 1B0
Welcome to Edgewood Suites in Dundalk Ontario. This brand new community featuring quality rental units, superior amenities and small town charm is open now and available for immediate occupancy.
Lifestyle Options: Active Living
FEATURED
Chartwell McConnell Retirement Residence
801 4th Street East, Cornwall,
Ontario, K6H 7M8
Bilingual retirement community in Cornwall offering the social and supportive lifestyle you deserve.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living
FEATURED
The Village of Glendale Crossing
3030 Singleton Avenue, London,
Ontario, N6L 0B6
A true retirement hub featuring independent Living Apartments with full kitchens, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement suites with walk out patios, Assisted Care, Memory Care and LTC.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
FEATURED
Chartwell New Edinburgh Square Retirement Residence
420 MacKay Street, Ottawa,
Ontario, K1M 2C4
Experience vibrant, contemporary retirement living in iconic New Edinburgh.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living
FEATURED
Hygate Active Senior Living
215 Lexington Road, Waterloo,
Ontario, N2K 0H6
Resort-style retirement living in Waterloo. Hygate promotes active senior living with modern décor and amenities. Enjoy daily fitness, activity programs and fine dining. It's next level senior living.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
FEATURED
The Village of Erin Meadows
2930 Erin Centre Boulevard, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5M 7M4
Mississauga's unique continuum of care featuring a vibrant Main Street with Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Promenade Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
110 & 150 Rossignol Drive, Orleans,
Ontario, K4A 0N2
Located in Orleans, Promenade is surrounded by walking paths. From Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care, we offer a vibrant community focused on exceeding your expectations. Contact us today 613-229-7973.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Orchard Gardens Seniors Community
295 Gerstmar Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1X 7W9
Formerly Fernbrae Manor, Orchard Gardens Seniors Community offers quality services and a variety of amenities for Kelowna’s seniors. Choose from a studio or one-bedroom suite with independent living monthly packages.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living
Astoria Luxury Apartments & Seniors’ Suites
130 & 136 Central Park Drive, Ottawa,
Ontario, K2C 4G3
New! Astoria redefines Senior Living with all-inclusive Luxury Apartments and Seniors' Suites in Central Park, Ottawa. Our vibrant community will focus on exceeding your expectations. Call us today 613-688-5045.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments
Chartwell Ridgepointe Retirement Residence
1789 Primrose Court, Kamloops,
British Columbia, V1S 0B7
Enjoy a flexible, independent retirement lifestyle surrounded by nature with the convenience of Downtown Kamloops."
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living
The Village of Tansley Woods
4100 Upper Middle Road, Burlington,
Ontario, L7W 4W8
At The Village of Tansley Woods, we offer the full continuum of care - Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care all in one village.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Chartwell Stonehaven Retirement Residence
70 Stonehaven Drive, Kanata,
Ontario, K2M 3B4
Combining personalized service, beautiful natural surroundings and an engaging lifestyle in South Kanata.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living
Garneau Hall Seniors Community
10923 82 Ave NW, Edmonton,
Alberta, T6G 2N9
Located in the heart of the Garneau district of Edmonton, Garneau Hall offers seniors a caring environment with the added comforts of home and the opportunity for an enriched new life.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Chartwell Montgomery Village Retirement Residence
155 Riddell Road, Orangeville,
Ontario, L9W 6R4
Welcome to Orangeville’s premier choice for independent and worry-free retirement living.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living
The Village of Wentworth Heights
1620 Upper Wentworth St., Hamilton,
Ontario, L9B 2W3
The Village of Wentworth Heights is a full-service retirement living community offering retirement apartments, full-service suites, assisted living and memory care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Harmony Hill Retirement Community
1335 Benson Street, Oshawa,
Ontario, L1K 0W6
Harmony Hill offers comfort, security, and friendship, as well as a full range of amenities and services that you expect from a premier, active-living seniors community.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
Parkland Ajax
3 Rossland Road West, Ajax,
Ontario, L1Z 0V1
Parkland Ajax offers independent and supportive options! Beautifully designed spacious suites, exceptional on site amenities and professional staff on site 24/7, Parkland is where you can live your best life!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Parkland on Eglinton West
4650 Eglinton Ave. W., Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9A 0E3
Parkland on Eglinton West offers Lifestyle Apartments, All-Inclusive Lifestyle and Supportive Lifestyle options for seniors. Parkland makes it easy for you to do more of what you love!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
WaterView Estates by Estates of Niagara
518 Queenston St, St. Catharines,
Ontario, L2R 7K6
WaterView Estates & Wellness Suites, offers a luxurious, vibrant Active Living community along the Welland Canal, steps from walk/bike trails, world class amenities and living options designed to create your best life!
Lifestyle Options: Active Living
Delmanor Aurora
25 Butternut Ridge Trail, Aurora,
Ontario, L4G 0P5
Delmanor Aurora provides a new twist on retirement living, in a five-star resort-style setting. Extensive amenities including saltwater pool, fitness centre, theatre, spa, market, ground floor patio and rooftop terrace.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
Royal Heights Inc.
30 Adelaide Avenue East, Oshawa,
Ontario, L1G 0B8
Royal Heights is designed with your active & independent lifestyle in mind. Luxury apartments feature en-suite laundry, stainless steel appliances & balconies. On site Fitness room, salt water pool, movie theatre & more!
Lifestyle Options: Active Living
Parkland Ancaster
558 Golf Links Rd., Hamilton,
Ontario, L9G 4W9
At Parkland Ancaster, we will offer a luxurious, vibrant, social lifestyle in a beautiful safe, premium home. Enjoy upscale amenities, creating a supportive space for you to thrive socially and lead fulfilling lives.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Scarborough Retirement Residence
148 Markham Road, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1M 2Z8
A family owned and managed residence that offers seniors the opportunity to maintain their independence. Enjoy healthy Chef-prepared meals, daily life enrichment programs. We also offer short-term trial or respite stays.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
Heritage Place Retirement Residence
4151 Kilmer Drive, Burlington,
Ontario, L7M 5A9
Heritage Place is an independently owned retirement residence in Burlington, specializing in quality accommodation & services for the active senior, with 2 styles of living: apartment style suites & 2 bedroom bungalows
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living
Wintergreene Estates - Verve Senior Living
4950 Pasqua Street, Regina,
Saskatchewan, S4S 7L2
At Wintergreene, you'll discover a combination of independence, privacy, activities, health and wellness programs & friendly companionship to savour throughout your retirement.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Park Place Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
110 & 120 Central Park Dr, Ottawa,
Ontario, K2C 4G3
Located in Central Park, Independent Seniors will find a home in our Seniors' Suites. Those needing more care find comfort in our Retirement Residence. We're focused on exceeding expectations. Call today 613-266-1354.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Shores of Port Credit - Verve Senior Living
280 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga,
Ontario, L5H 0A5
The Shores is designed for vibrant living with the highest quality of personal care. Amenities include pool, fitness & exercise club, restaurant, bistro & cafe, a golf simulator lounge & wine cellar.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Amica West Vancouver
659 Clyde Avenue, West Vancouver,
British Columbia, V7T 1C8
Tucked away between the North Shore Mountains and Pacific Ocean, our residence offers the best of West Vancouver. Enjoy access to trails and shopping—a comfortable yet sophisticated lifestyle at Amica West Vancouver.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Long-term care
Parkland on the Glen
1665 The Collegeway, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5L 0A9
Parkland is located at Mississauga and The Collegeway next to the Glenerin Inn. We are surrounded by beautiful green space. For the past 6 years we've been awarded one of the top 3 Retirement Communities in Mississauga.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
Livita Queens Avenue Retirement Residence
1056 Queens Avenue, Oakville,
Ontario, L6H 6R3
Nestled in a residential neighbourhood close to shopping, dining & community services, our residence is ideal for seniors who want to relax while pursuing their hobbies & staying active. All suites include full kitchens
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living
Ravines Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
626 & 636 Prado Private, Ottawa,
Ontario, K2E 0B3
Located in Citiplace, Ravines is surrounded by walking paths. From Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care, we offer a vibrant community focused on exceeding your expectations. Contact us today 613-223-8506.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
