If you’re thinking about downsizing, it may bring up a range of emotions. Perhaps you feel happy and excited about the idea, maybe you feel resistant, or even sad. All these feelings are natural. 

Downsizing is often a practical decision that paves the way for a comfortable, secure retirement. However, the relief, excitement, and anticipation of the freedom that comes with moving to a more manageable home can be mixed with feelings of loss and fear of change. 

Understanding and addressing these emotions and fears can help make your downsizing journey much easier. It’s helpful to remember that although the thought of change can be daunting, you will probably find that many things you were worried about are simply not an issue after you have moved. 

Relief and a fresh start 

For many retired people, downsizing brings a sense of relief. The family home may have become too large for your needs, with maintenance, gardening, and cleaning becoming increasingly burdensome. Moving into a smaller, more manageable space can feel liberating, offering an opportunity to simplify life and have a fresh start. For example, downsizing to a retirement village where you can enjoy the village amenities, make new friends, and feel safe, can give you a whole new lease of life. 

More freedom 

It may have been costing you significant time and money to maintain your family home and garden. Selling a larger home to purchase a smaller one can free up time and financial resources which can be used for whatever you like – maybe that’s travel, hobbies, helping family members, or indulging in a few luxuries.  

Understanding the feelings that may hold you back 

While the benefits of downsizing are many, it can be a difficult decision to make. Your family home may represent deep emotional attachments, filled with memories of raising children, family gatherings, and your personal history. It may be a tangible reminder of a loved one who has passed on.  

One way to help ease feelings of loss is to remember that you are taking the most important thing with you – your memories. And in a smaller home you can still have your grandchildren to stay, host family dinners, and enjoy the most rewarding parts of family life. 

If your family home is tied to a sense of autonomy and independence, the thought of leaving it behind can feel like giving that up. In fact, you are likely to discover that downsizing does the opposite – it right-sizes your life, giving you freedom and time to focus on things you enjoy.

If you fear the upheaval of organising a move, adjusting to a new environment, meeting new neighbours, and leaving behind your current home, there are some strategies that can help you navigate the emotional impact of this transition and move forward. 

Acknowledge and validate your feelings 

It’s important to recognise and validate feelings of sadness, resistance, and grief. Downsizing is a significant life change, and these emotions are normal. Accepting these feelings can help you process them more effectively rather than suppressing them. Talking about it with family or close friends can help as it allows you to process your feelings and feel heard.

Give yourself time to adjust to the idea 

If you downsize on your own terms, it doesn’t have to happen overnight. Taking small steps, like packing over time, can help reduce stress, and you may find that negative feelings gradually shift to excitement about what’s ahead. Decluttering is also much easier when done in phases, allowing for thoughtful decision-making over what to keep and what to part with. 

Create some keepsakes 

Taking photos of your favourite spaces in your home and garden and writing down the stories associated with them will help you to preserve memories of your old home while still moving forward with the decision to downsize to a new home. Another option is to create a video tour with your phone by walking through your home and talking the about history of each space. This is a meaningful way to say goodbye and honour the memories you've created there. 

Get some help with the move 

Moving house is much easier with professional movers who will assist with packing, transporting, and unloading your belongings. Many moving companies will also provide packing materials or temporary storage to ease the transition. Another option is to hire a moving organiser who can help you declutter, pack, and coordinate the logistics of the move.

Focus on the positive aspects of downsizing 

It’s helpful to focus on the positive aspects of downsizing, such as the convenience of living in a retirement village. A smaller space is easier to clean, and amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, and café, no more home maintenance, and priority access to care, all make life more comfortable. This is an opportunity for new experiences, such as new hobbies, getting fitter, making new friends, or travelling more. 

Embrace the old within the new 

Curate the best of your old home in your new one by bringing meaningful items like photos, artwork, and selected pieces of furniture. These items will help foster a sense of continuity and connection between your past and present. You might even want to dig up or take cuttings from some of your favourite plants to replant in your new garden.  

Embrace this opportunity to make your new space reflect who you are and your current lifestyle, and over time new and happy memories will fill your home.