Downsizing is one of the most difficult parts of moving to senior living. It can be overwhelming to go through a lifetime of belongings, especially when every room seems full of decisions. For older adults and their adult children, the goal is not to get rid of everything quickly. It is to make thoughtful choices that support comfort, safety, and daily life in the next home. A simple framework can help. As you sort, place items into one of five categories: keep, give away, sell, donate, or throw away. Here are useful tips and actionable advice to help you figure out how to downsize before moving to senior living.
How to start downsizing for senior living: Consider the space you’re moving into
When downsizing for a move to senior living, think about your new space and what it needs to become a comfortable, functional, and inviting place to live. Go room by room and make a list of items you will and won’t need in each space. Refer to this list as you begin going through your belongings to help you make difficult decisions.
Think about:
- Square footage and storage space.
- What furniture is already provided.
- Bathroom layout and storage.
- Kitchen setup (full kitchen, kitchenette, or no kitchen).
- Laundry access (in-unit, shared, or handled by staff).
- What services are included (meals, housekeeping, linen service).
In your new space, you may not need or may not have room for many of your current items. For example, a full set of pots, pans, baking dishes, and countertop appliances may make sense in independent living with a full kitchen. In assisted living, where meals are often provided and the apartment may have only a kitchenette, much of that kitchen equipment may not be needed.
The same goes for furniture. A large sectional that worked in a house may not fit in a one-bedroom apartment. A heavy coffee table with sharp corners may also be less practical if mobility or walker use is a concern.
If you don’t have a space selected yet, divide your list into items you must have, would like to have if you find out you’ll have the space, or don’t need.
Items to keep when downsizing
Letting go of things can be difficult, but keeping more than you need is a common downsizing mistake. It can lead to a new space that’s cluttered, uncomfortable, and even dangerous, as extra stuff can create tripping hazards.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself when determining if you should keep an item:
- Do you use it frequently? Items that you use daily, weekly, or monthly should go in the keep pile.
- Is it an item that brings a sense of comfort or routine? Items tied to daily habits or meaningful memories can be worth keeping, especially if they help your new space feel familiar.
- Is it an item that would be helpful in your new home? For example, a bookshelf could be handy, but it would be unnecessary if your new space has built-in shelving.
Belongings to give away to family and friends
Giving items to family and friends can be a fulfilling part of downsizing. It lets treasured belongings stay connected to people and stories instead of becoming just another item to move or sort.
This category often includes:
- Family heirlooms.
- Jewelry with sentimental value.
- Photo albums or framed family photos.
- Holiday decorations with family traditions attached.
- Handmade items (quilts, woodworking, needlework).
- Items linked to a shared memory.
It can also include practical items that a friend or relative genuinely needs, such as a guest bed, dresser, or kitchen table.
Not everything needs to be gifted. The goal is to prioritize the most meaningful items first, not to pressure family members to take everything. If no one wants an item, that does not mean the item was unimportant. It simply means another category may be a better fit.
What to sell
Selling items can be a great way to pass items on to people who will actually appreciate them. It can give you a little extra spending cash, too. However, selling your belongings is only worth the time and effort if you have items with decent resale value. For example, a particleboard bookshelf might not be worth selling, but a solid wooden bookshelf might.
Here are some options for selling:
- Estate sales (especially for full-house downsizing).
- Estate sale professionals, who can price, stage, and manage the sale.
- Garage sales.
- Consignment shops for gently used clothing, furniture, décor, and collectibles.
- Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for local pickup.
- Specialty buyers for jewelry, coins, or antiques.
Items to donate
Donating can be a great way to get rid of items you won’t need in your new home. You can donate to local nonprofits, charities, faith-based groups, homeless shelters, thrift shops, and other donation centers in your community.
There are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure any items you donate are in good condition. Clothing should be free of holes and stains, dishware shouldn’t be chipped or cracked, and shoes shouldn’t have overly worn soles.
- Avoid donating personalized items like monogrammed cups and other items with your name on them.
- Avoid donating items that are unsanitary. Don’t pass along used socks, for example, but unopened or unused personal items can be donated.
- Contact the organization ahead of time to ask whether they will accept your items, as some places will take certain kinds of donations but not others. You can also ask about their drop-off requirements, as well as if they are willing to pick up items.
Putting items out on the curb for free can also be an easy way to get rid of furniture, outdoor toys, and other items that are still usable.
What to throw away
Some items do not realistically fit the keep, give away, sell, or donate categories. Throwing them away is sometimes the right choice, especially when an item is unsafe, unsanitary, broken, or unusable.
Before setting items out for trash pickup, check local garbage collection rules. Cities and towns often have limits on what can be placed outside for weekly pickup, how much can be put out, and how bulky items like mattresses must be prepared.
It can help to check for:
- Local bulk trash pickup days.
- Municipal transfer stations.
- Electronics recycling centers.
- Hazardous household waste drop-off events or facilities (for paint, batteries, chemicals, and similar items).
These local rules vary, and following them can prevent fines, missed pickups, or unsafe disposal.
Take downsizing at a pace that’s comfortable for you
Don’t leave downsizing to the last minute, as downsizing before an urgent move to senior care can be stressful. It’s a good idea to create a downsizing plan and start going through your belongings as soon as you know a move is in your future. That way, you can go through your belongings at a pace that’s comfortable for you.
