Leaving a larger home: Downsizing successfully in 2026
At some point, most homeowners find themselves at a crossroads. Grown up children have moved out, and the once perfect family home is left filled with memories – and unused rooms. The upkeep can feel overwhelming and it may feel time for a new chapter in a smaller property.
The Christmas holidays are a key time of year when many families re-evaluate their living arrangements. Beyond the financial advantages of lower monthly bills and overall expenses, downsizing can also free up capital to boost the retirement or traveling fund.
Family homes are filled with a lifetime’s worth of possessions and downsizing can be emotionally and physically hard. The following ideas can help make the process as easy as possible:
Declutter
If you’re moving to a smaller home this is key. It’s a waste of money to pay a removal firm to move things that are destined for the charity shop or recycling centre – or another loft. Sort by category and start small with clothes, books and crockery, and finish with sentimental items, which are the hardest to deal with. Donate unwanted items to charity or sell online.
Contact charities to collect unwanted furniture
Organisations including The British Heart Foundation, The Salvation Army or Katharine HouseHospicewill usually collect furniture for free. If you feel guilty parting with a piece inherited from a much-loved relative, take a photograph as a reminder before letting it go.
Gift jewellery and heirlooms
How much nicer for family and friends to enjoy the item in your lifetime when you can explain the history of the piece too. Alternatively, have antiques and jewellery valued and auctioned to boost your retirement fund. For costume jewellery, antiques and knick-knacks consider contacting Vintage Cash Cow who offer a free and easy service.
Consider paying a professional
Hundreds of professional organisers are registered in Britain and will make home visits to help with the decluttering process.
Talk to friends on the other side
One of the hardest things about downsizing is the uncertainty of how the future might look. Although daunting at first, hearing about others being much happier after making the move can give you renewed confidence in your decision.
Consult your family
Ask children and family members what they would like to keep and what they have no interest in. Don’t keep things assuming they’ll mean something to others, regardless of how special those items are to you.
Give a deadline
If items haven’t been collected by a certain date, make clear that you’ll gift them elsewhere.
Enlist help of children
Regardless how grown up they are, children must declutter their own belongings. If they lack storage in their own home, allocate them one box that you’ll keep for them.
Give yourself a time pressure
Although it sounds sensible to allocate a large amount of time to decluttering, too much will allow you to overthink and backtrack on decisions. Stick to a limited period of a few weeks or less (and allow yourself a maybe/decide later pile).
Measure everything
Before you decide you can’t part with a dresser or a dining table, make sure you’ve carefully measured both the item and the space you’re hoping to move it into.
Future proof your next move
Don’t let your heart rule your head for what may be your final move. Consider the practicalities of home and garden size and location.
Seek expert guidance
The right agent can help you choose the best time to sell and simplify the entire process. If you’re thinking of downsizing, we’d love to help. Why not contact your local Michael Graham office now to book a free valuation? And if you’re searching for a larger family home, take a look at our properties currently available for sale and rent.
