Thinking About Downsizing But Not Ready to Start? Here's Where to Begin

Nicole Schell, Broker and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) with the Schell Real Estate Team in Waterloo Region, hears a common theme from people who've already downsized: nearly all of them wish they'd started sooner.

Adapted from a social post Nicole originally shared in March 2025.

Give Yourself More Time Than You Think You Need

Downsizing almost always takes longer than people expect. Sorting through years of belongings isn't just about the stuff itself, it's about the memories attached to it. Rushing that process tends to make it harder, not easier. Giving yourself more time than feels necessary is usually what makes it feel manageable instead of overwhelming.

You Don't Have to Do It Alone

Whether it's family, friends, or a real estate professional, getting help sooner rather than later makes a real difference. Trying to handle every part of a move by yourself, the sorting, the paperwork, the decisions, can turn something manageable into something exhausting. Asking for help earlier isn't a sign you've waited too long. It's usually the thing that makes starting easier.

Think About Where You're Going, Not Just What You're Leaving

It's easy to get stuck thinking about everything a move means giving up. It helps just as much to think about what you're moving toward. Less maintenance? A walkable neighbourhood? A community with people at a similar stage of life? Downsizing isn't only about a smaller home, it's about the lifestyle that comes with it.

Be Realistic About What Will Actually Fit

The big dining table or the extra dressers might not fit the way you picture them. Measuring carefully and planning ahead avoids the frustration of trying to squeeze oversized furniture into a smaller space, and it's a lot easier to plan for early than to solve on moving day.

Questions Worth Asking Yourself

A few questions tend to help even before you're ready to act:

• What would "ready" actually look like for you?
• Which of your belongings would you genuinely miss, and which wouldn't you?
• What kind of daily life are you hoping for next?
• Who could make this easier, family, a professional, or both?

If any of this sounds familiar, even if a move is still a long way off, I'm happy to talk through what starting early could look like for you, no pressure, no obligation. You can read more about my approach on the Downsizing in Waterloo Region hub page, or reach out directly whenever you're ready to start.