Rightsizing Tips for Seniors

1. Tackle the easy stuff first.
Start by getting rid of anything broken, damaged, or simply unwanted. Then, move on to those tucked-away spaces like the attic or garage. Knocking out these easier areas will help you build momentum for the tougher decisions ahead.

2. Ask yourself: "Would I miss this if it wasn't here?"
If it disappeared tomorrow and you wouldn’t feel the urge to replace it, it’s probably not worth holding onto.

3. Don’t be a storage space for others.
If friends or family left belongings in your care, it’s time to give them a gentle nudge to reclaim their items. Set a deadline, and if they don’t act, donate what’s left.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Rightsizing can be overwhelming, so don’t do it alone. Enlist a family member, friend, or even a professional organizer to make the process smoother and more manageable.

5. Prioritize what matters most.
Imagine you’re moving abroad and can only take a small number of items with you. What would make the cut? Those are your most valued possessions—keep those and let the rest go.

6. Let go of things tied to a past lifestyle.
If your cooking habits have changed but you’re still holding onto stacks of kitchenware for big family meals, it’s time to downsize. Keep what suits your current lifestyle and say goodbye to the rest.

7. Make rightsizing a regular habit.
This isn’t a one-day project. Schedule time each week to sort through your belongings. Remember, it took years to accumulate everything, so give yourself time to let things go.

8. Treasure what you keep.
The fewer items you hold onto, the more you’ll appreciate and enjoy them. Instead of stuffing things in closets or drawers, surround yourself with pieces that bring joy and meaning.

9. Stop new collections from forming.
Ask for experiences instead of things. Suggest your loved ones treat you to spa days, dinners out, or tickets to a show. These experiences will bring lasting joy without adding clutter.

10. Pass treasures on now.
Use this time to give meaningful items to loved ones while you can see their joy in receiving them. Capture those moments with photos and create a keepsake album of “next generation” memories to cherish.