Downsizing your home, while exciting, can be a bit overwhelming. Follow these 4 tips to help make the process more bearable:
Take Inventory
Purge - Must Haves, Sell, Donate or Trash
Keep Measurements In Mind If Moving To A New Home
Storage Is Key
Plan For Emotional Attachments
First, you should go through your entire home, room to room, and take an inventory of all your belongings. If you live alone, you’ll probably have to complete this task yourself, but if you live with family or roommates, get them to help by assigning everyone rooms to go through. Right now, you are just compiling a list of everything you have, so don’t start getting rid of stuff yet.
Start with the rooms or areas with less use, such as closets, storage areas, attics, etc. The amount of stuff you can accumulate over time can be pretty surprising. You may even come across boxes that have not been unpacked since your last move.
After you are done taking inventory of your home, choose an area out of the way to set up boxes for donation, sale, or garbage. Think of this as a staging area.
Now that you have a detailed list of everything in your home, sit down with the other household members and discuss the items. Some items may have a debate, but keep an open mind as you can’t fit all of your items into a new downsized home.
When going through your home, it is good to have three lists ready: one for must-haves, one for sell/donation/trash, and one for items to be replaced. You still need these items, but your current ones, such as a couch or entertainment furniture, may be too large for your new, smaller space.
Try to be realistic about what you are keeping. Do you use it or replace it if it were gone? If the answers to these questions are no, you may want to consider eliminating it.
When moving to a new home, getting measurements is key. This will help you determine whether certain pieces will actually fit in your new home. Draw up a floor plan and make sure to mark where the windows and doors are located. If you figure out where everything is going beforehand, it will make moving day much easier.
When going through your home and deciding on furniture that may need to be replaced because of its size, consider purchasing new items like coffee tables and ottomans with hidden storage. Also, consider picking up some under-the-bed storage totes and space-saving bags.
Always take advantage of the vertical space in your new home. Installing shelving or hooks can free up a lot of space, and it can also keep more items off the floor.
A storage unit is the perfect solution for any items you plan on keeping but may not have space for in your new home. They are great for storing seasonal items, heirlooms, seasonal clothing, etc. Renting a storage unit will give you access to your items whenever needed while keeping your new home clutter-free. It is a cost-effective way to gain extra space and a great alternative to giving up items that mean a lot to you.
One of the biggest challenges of downsizing is dealing with the emotional attachment to your belongings. It’s normal to feel a sense of loss when parting with items that hold sentimental value, even if they no longer serve a practical purpose. To manage this, allow yourself time to reminisce and reflect as you go through personal belongings — especially keepsakes, gifts, or items passed down from loved ones.
If you’re struggling to let go of something meaningful but don’t have room for it, consider taking photos to preserve the memory. Create a digital scrapbook or memory box you can revisit without the physical clutter. For cherished family items, see if another relative is willing to hold onto them, ensuring they stay within the family.
Set realistic boundaries — maybe limit yourself to one small bin or box of sentimental items. This can help you prioritize what truly matters. Remember, memories aren’t tied to the items themselves but to the moments they represent.
Finally, take comfort in knowing that using a storage unit gives you a middle ground. It lets you keep treasured items safe and accessible, without overwhelming your new, smaller space. Downsizing doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to everything you love.
Elite Self Storage has three convenient locations: St. Albert, Edmonton South, and Edmonton North. Whether you need short-term or long-term storage, we offer climate-controlled units and unheated drive-up storage in a variety of sizes — all with no long-term commitments.
✅ Elite Self Storage St. Albert formerly Riel Park RV & Self Storage
Clean, secure, and conveniently located in St. Albert.
📞 Call 780-459-6435 to speak with a storage rental expert.
✅ Elite Self Storage Edmonton South
Modern and secure facility with easy access in South Edmonton.
📞 Call 780-452-8242 to learn more about your storage options.
✅ Elite Self Storage Edmonton North
Reliable and secure storage solutions in North Edmonton.
📞 Call 780-347-0476 to discuss your storage needs.
All of our facilities are clean, secure, and locally trusted. Store with confidence at Elite Self Storage.
