At United Active Living, we understand the thought of downsizing can feel overwhelming. However, it can also mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter filled with opportunities for a fulfilling and maintenance-free lifestyle.

Our goal is to support you every step of the way, making this life transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive downsizing checklist to help you answer key questions we often receive: am I ready to downsize? When’s the right time? How do I get started?

With our friendly and approachable guide, you'll find the clarity and confidence you need to embrace this change and transform the process of downsizing into a positive and empowering experience.

THE BIG QUESTIONS
Considering a change in your living situation? Here are some key questions to ponder when thinking about downsizing.

Lifestyle changes:
Are you looking for a simpler lifestyle? Do you want to travel more or live closer to family and friends?

Financial considerations:
Would selling your home provide financial freedom or alleviate financial stress?

Evaluate your space needs:
Are there rooms you no longer use? Do you find maintaining a larger home increasingly difficult?

Health and mobility:
Is your current home suited to your current health needs? Would a smaller home be easier to navigate?

Emotional readiness:
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the idea of downsizing, or does it excite you? It’s okay to have mixed feelings.

Is now the right time?
How do you know if the time is right to downsize? Here are some critical factors to consider before making your decision.

Market conditions:
Is the real estate market favorable for selling your current home?

Life events:
Are you approaching, or have you recently experienced a significant life change (e.g., retirement, health event)?

Personal timing:
Do you have the time and energy to dedicate to the downsizing process?

Support system:
Do you have family or friends who can assist you, or do you have the ability to hire professional help?

I THINK I'M READY TO DOWNSIZE. HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Set clear goals:
Define why you want to downsize and what you hope to achieve. Consider establishing a goal for when you’d like to complete the downsizing process.

Plan your new space:
Think about the type of home and community you want to move to. Consider accessibility, location, proximity to loved ones, your current and future health needs, and desired amenities. Consider touring to get a feel for whether the community’s offerings align with your wish list.

Declutter:
Start by sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.

Emotional preparation:
Acknowledge this is a significant change and allow yourself to feel a range of emotions.

Seek support:
Parting with personal belongings can be an emotional and challenging process. Enlist the help and support of family and friends to make it easier. Their presence can provide comfort and perspective, turning a daunting task into a shared experience. They can also assist with sorting, offer encouragement, and help you decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard.

Remember, it's okay to feel sentimental about your possessions; take your time and lean on your loved ones for support. Together, you can honor the memories while creating space for your next chapter.

Seek professional advice:
Consult with real estate agents, financial advisors, and downsizing experts.

There are many downsizing experts who can help you with a variety of tasks related to your downsizing project. Some offer a broad range of services—from packing and unpacking to organizing an estate sale, cleaning—even decorating your new home.

Calgary has many downsizing and relocation services.

Here are a few that we’ve worked with over the years as we’ve welcomed new residents into our communities:

• Destinations Seniors Downsizing
• Functional Spaces
• Get a Move On
• Genie Senior Services
• Seniors Relocation Solutions
• Soft Landings
• Transitions

There are certainly a lot of moving parts to consider while you're downsizing—having a checklist close at hand is an essential tool to help you keep track of your progress.

Download United's checklist to begin your downsizing journey

DOWNSIZING ADVICE FROM SOMEONE WHO'S BEEN THERE
Fish Creek resident Dorothy Miller had a light approach to downsizing when she and her husband Ron joined United. “We knew it was the right time for us to make the move into the community, and we had the support of our family. They were a great help when it came to downsizing,” Dorothy says, “We gave our grandkids a lot of furniture, mattresses, and large household items—which saved them a lot of money as new homeowners.” Beyond the heavy lifting there were some light moments too: “Ron flung open the doors to his woodshop and turned our kids and grandkids loose in there to take whatever they wanted,” Dorothy laughs, “It was like a shopping spree—it was great fun to watch them all go wild!”

Some items, like spare beds, large furniture, appliances, and tools were easy to let go of. But it wasn’t as clear when it came to smaller items: small appliances, furniture, and other personal effects lingered in the ‘undecided’ column throughout the process. Dorothy explains that instead of downsizing all at once, they rented a storage unit so they could settle in to their suite gradually.

“Even when you think you know exactly how you’ll use your new space, things come up. In the past, I’ve gone overboard when I’ve done a clear out only to find I’ve gotten rid of something useful, and I’ve had to repurchase it,” she says, “So we rented a storage unit for a few months, and brought items over gradually as we found we still had a use for them. It made the transition much less stressful, knowing we didn’t have to get everything done in a tight timeline.”

FINAL TIPS

Take your time:
Downsizing is a process, not a race. Move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Stay positive:
Focus on the benefits of downsizing and the exciting new opportunities it brings.

By following this friendly and supportive guide, you'll be well on your way to a successful downsizing journey.

Seek help:
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, or professionals.

We’re here if you need us:
Our Active Living Advisors are a trusted and experienced resource for all your questions about making the transition to an older adult community. Reach out to us if you have questions!