Making a Downsizing Strategy

Downsizing is a journey not always a clear destination. Sometimes the pieces fall into place for a move like this when you least expect them to and there’s no way you could have been fully prepared without knowing the timeline. Because it’s not always obvious what the end point of the process will be, how do you plan for success? 

There are 3 simple principles to keep in mind when planning your downsizing strategy:

1. Start the process as early as you can

2. Make consistent progress

3. Be flexible 

1) Start Early

There is no wrong time to start thinking about and strategizing around downsizing and decluttering. Even if you’re not “ready” yet, I would still encourage you to start the process. The reason you want to start early is that things often take much longer than we plan for. The process can also be mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting so the more time you have to complete it, the better an experience you’ll have.

2) Make Consistent Progress

The most important factor in enabling your success will be to make steady and gradual progress for as long as you can. Consistency is key. Here are some things you might want to do gradually:

• Declutter 
• Document your wishes for items in your house you won’t declutter
• Evaluate housing options
• Make a pros and cons list for staying in your home vs moving 
• Tour housing options, even if you’re not ready to move yet or don’t think you’ll want to move
• Put your name on the wait list for one or multiple senior communities, even if you’re not sure you want to live there yet 
• Talk to your family about your hopes and plans for the process

3) Be Flexible

Since downsizing takes a while, the strategy sometimes needs to shift on a dime. Don’t get stuck planning for just one outcome or end point. Be thinking about your best case scenario outcome but also planning for the worst case scenario. Don’t approach downsizing and decluttering like an ostrich with your head buried in the sand. Be realistic.

Consider Documenting Your Strategy/Plan

You might want to write portions of your plan down so you have something to reference and track your progress. And add broad timeframes to the first set of steps. Then after you complete the first set of steps, add timeframes to the next set of steps. For example, your downsizing plan for the first quarter of 2026 could look a little something like this:

• January 2026 - Declutter linen closet and send an inquiry about a tour to 1 senior community
• February 2026 - Declutter kitchen junk drawer and take a tour of 1 senior community
• March 2026 - Declutter baking dishes and write down the pros and cons of the senior community toured

As you can see, because you have planned to work on things early and make gradual progress, the process doesn't need to take over your life. 2 small steps forward per month are so much better than 0 steps per month.

If you need help creating a customized plan for your downsizing process, reach out to Jess Lex Homes about a Home Simplify Consultation.