Downsizing tips: how to prepare for your move

Planning & decision-making

Moving home, especially later in life, can feel overwhelming, but the right preparation can make the transition easier, safer and much more enjoyable. Starting early means you can focus on what matters most when you arrive at your new home: enjoying time with family, exploring your community and living stress-free.

Amberfield Move in day at LDK

Whether you’re preparing to downsize to a retirement village like LDK Seniors’ Living or simply want some downsizing tips, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

 

The main thing you need to know… start now!

Some helpful advice from our fellow residents and local downsizing specialists is to start the decluttering process before you sell your current home! While removing clutter is a good first step, you also need to consider what you won’t take with you into your new home.

Check out our handy article: Moving tips | A simple step-by-step guide.

Why downsizing your home matters

Downsizing isn’t just about having a smaller space; it’s about improving your quality of life. Even just the act of decluttering your home can have a powerful effect on how you feel day to day. When your space is calm and organised, it often feels easier to think clearly, move safely and enjoy your home.

For older Australians, moving to a smaller, more manageable home can help:

  • Reduce ongoing costs like utilities, repairs, insurance and property rates
  • Improve home safety by eliminating stairs and large outdoor areas
  • Free up income for travel, hobbies and leisure
  • Bring you closer to family, friends or essential services

Smaller homes also tend to be easier to live in, maintain and enjoy as you age.

Step-by-step downsizing checklist

1. Start with your furniture

If you’re considering downsizing your home, we’ve created a printable ‘Yes, No, Maybe’ sheet to help you decide on the items you’ll bring to your new home.

Walk through your home and measure each piece, while considering these questions:

  • Can this piece fit in my new space?
  • Will it provide storage?
  • Do I need it?
  • Can I replace it with something as useful but smaller?

Answering these questions will help you confidently decide what to keep and what to let go of.

Download our moving checklist (PDF)
Amberfield two bedroom apartment living and dining

2. Create a floorplan

Now you have a good idea of what furniture you want to take with you, it’s time to make sure it’ll fit in your new home. Drawing a floor plan and marking where the major pieces will go, ensures nothing is moved prematurely, only to discover it doesn’t fit.

Pro tip: mark the power outlets on your plan so electrical items such as TVs, lamps and appliances have nearby access.

3. Sort ‘want’ vs ‘need’

Sorting sentimental and everyday items can be one of the hardest parts.

Methods you can try:

  • A useful method recommended by Rachel Lane & Noel Whittaker in their book ‘Downsizing Made Simple’ is to start in a room with fewer sentimental objects, for example, your kitchen or bathroom.
  • Ask: what would I take if I only had one box?
  • Use the internationally recognised Marie Kondo approach — keep what sparks joy and let go of the rest. Learn more about the KonMari method at konmari.com
  • What are the items you use every day? Eg, clothing, kitchenware, technology, etc.
  • Have you used this item in the past 12 months? Immediately discard clothing that doesn’t fit, anything that you have more than one of (how many pairs of scissors does one really need?), and any item that is broken or damaged and can’t be repaired.
  • What items make you really happy (books, artwork, collectibles…)?
  • What items will you need at some time in the next 6-12 months? Include seasonal clothing and sporting or entertainment pieces.
Apartment at The Landings, North Turramurra

4. Make sure it fits

Before the move:

  • check built-in and portable storage in your new home
  • measure cupboards and plan where everything will go
  • if an item doesn’t fit or isn’t useful, sell, donate or gift it to someone else

Here is a link to the best op shops in Canberra: region.com.au/best-op-shops-canberra

Local Canberra-area charity shops that happily accept donations include:

(Note: these are examples. Please check opening hours and drop-off details locally.)

For those living elsewhere in Australia, many Red Cross, Salvation Army and Vinnies locations offer donation drop-offs countrywide.

Map of charity shops in the Canberra region

5. Ask for help

Feeling overwhelmed, not sure where to start or simply want to learn more about how to downsize your home for seniors? That’s completely normal.

We’ve connected with a few local specialists to help take the guesswork out of downsizing your home. If you would like us to help you get in touch with a specialist, please reach out to us on 1300 535 000 or contact the below specialists directly. We recommend:

 

Where to next?

Downsizing can feel like a big task. You are not just moving furniture, you are moving memories, routines and a lifetime of things that somehow multiplied in cupboards.

The good news is that it does not have to be overwhelming. With a clear plan, a few steady steps and the right support, most people find it far more manageable than they expected.

If you would like some extra guidance along the way, the team at LDK Seniors’ Living is here to help. You can explore our villages, browse our FAQs, or get in touch for a conversation about your options.

No pressure. Just practical support when you need it.

Still weighing up your options?

At LDK Seniors’ Living, our focus is on helping older adults live well, stay connected and feel at home as their needs change. Our communities are designed to support independence, comfort and continuity of care, without rushing big decisions.

If you are curious to learn more, you can read about our approach to care and support, explore life in our LDK communities, or reach out for a chat when the time feels right on 1300 535 000

LDK Seniors' Living

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