Frequently Asked Questions About Downsizing

Downsizing is about simplifying your lifestyle—often by moving to a smaller or more manageable home that aligns better with your current stage of life. Whether it means reducing square footage, cutting maintenance needs, or freeing up equity, it's about making choices that support your future.

Many homeowners start to wonder about downsizing when upkeep becomes overwhelming, certain rooms go unused, or lifestyle priorities shift—like travel, health, or simplifying life. If your current space no longer fits your needs or feels like more of a burden than a comfort, it may be time to explore a change.

Downsizing doesn't have to mean "small". Maybe you need the same size space but a different configuration, fewer bedrooms, a larger kitchen, less yard work, or more accessibility. We help you define your priorities and find the perfect match.

Downsizing can feel heavy—especially when a home holds decades of memories. Letting go of the space and belongings tied to life chapters is never easy. But there’s also peace in making intentional choices for your next phase. Resources and guidance can make a difficult process easier. Check out our available resources (click here).

You’ll know you’re done when your belongings support your current lifestyle rather than weigh it down. If the space feels easier to manage and no longer holds “extra,” you’ve reached your downsizing goal.

Don’t be afraid to start very small. Pick a manageable area, such as a shelf in a closet, and set your timer for 15 minutes to help you stay focused. We recommend using methods like the “Keep / Donate / Discard” system. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in a short, focused timeframe. As you build momentum, you'll get more comfortable letting go. For more tips, consider attending one of our Downsize with Ease Seminars.

You'll want to start the decluttering process as soon as possible so that you aren't rushed to complete it. The more time you have, the less stress and anxiety will be involved.

It can feel disappointing, but it’s common. Your possessions may carry emotional meaning for you, but not for others. Consider donating, selling, or repurposing.

There are many options for selling things. You can partner with consignment stores, auction and estate sale companies, and use online resources such as Facebook Marketplace or eBay. If you decide to sell things yourself, please practice good safety tips when meeting with strangers.

Absolutely. We can recommend local organizers and services who specialize in compassionate, efficient downsizing support.

Yes! We maintain a curated list of trusted local charities, consignment shops, and services tailored to your location and item type. Request our Downsizing Directory and Vendor List.

It’s not uncommon for partners to be on different pages in this process. To help, consider sharing your reasons for wanting to downsize/declutter. Maybe your significant other is stuck because they need an easier entry point into the process (i.e. the office is too hard to declutter but the garden shed might feel easier). If you need assistance, we can help you start conversations and provide resources to ease into the process. If all else fails, remember, there is a lot you can probably do to make progress independent of your significant other’s efforts or lack thereof.

It depends. Every house is different, and not every project adds value. If you want to update something in order to enjoy your house for a few more years, the project recommendations might be different than if you want to make changes to put the house on the market within 2 months. We can walk through your home and suggest what’s worth it based on your goals, budget, and the local market.

Most of these types of offers are from legitimate investors. The best client for these buyers is someone who needs to get out of their home and receive cash fast and might not care if they only get between 50-70% of the market value for their home. For most of the clients we work with, these offers are not the right fit. Proceed with caution and consider comparing any offer you receive with a market analysis from a professional real estate company like Jess Lex Homes.

We offer complimentary home valuations. If you’re interested in finding out the value of your home, you will get the most accurate value by allowing us to walk through your home. A walkthrough allows us to take into account your home’s unique features and compare your home to recently sold homes in your area. Click here to schedule your home valuation walkthrough!

That depends on your finances, timing, and comfort. We'll map out options that make the transition smooth and stress-free.

A good agent will do more than just sell your home — they’ll guide, coordinate, and support your journey from start to finish with resources every step of the way.