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Downsizing (or 'Rightsizing' as we like to call it) is often an essential part of moving into a new retirement apartment or home. It is important to start the process early, as it can be difficult to sort through possessions that you have spent a lifetime collecting, many of which you will have a strong emotional connection to or association with.  

The reality for most clients is that they will have less space and storage in their new home, and the biggest challenge that we find is that clients take too many possessions with them. This often means that they find themselves surrounded by boxes, in their new apartment, which is stressful, and it takes time to sort through each box, re-homing lots of belongings. The Senior Move Partnership shares some of their top tips for decluttering before you relocate. 

Wardrobe and clothes:  

• If you haven’t worn certain clothes for a year, they no longer fit, or they need alterations made, consider donating them to charity or recycle. 

• Consider getting slim velvet hangers that are uniform to make the most of your hanging space.  

Kitchen: 

• Check the number and size of kitchen cupboards and drawers and reduce items down to fit in this space. 

• Consider what your new lifestyle will be like, and if you are likely to cater for a larger number of guests at any one time. 

• Do your pans work on your new hobs? (induction pans can be checked by seeing if a magnet sticks to them). 

• Sift through all your tins of food and take any that you will not use to a food bank and discard any that are out of date. Ideally, start eating all the freezer food so it is empty before the move.  

Furniture: 

• Bear in mind that if you are not taking certain pieces of furniture, you will need to find alternative storage options for the contents you want to keep. 

• Go through each cupboard/drawer and if you haven’t used each item in the last year, consider donating those items to a local charity. 

• Where there are duplicates of items, choose your favourite and recycle the others. 

• Measure the amount of shelf space you will have and reduce books and ornaments to fit that space. 

Paperwork: 

• Business records need to be kept for 6 years. 

• Hold onto bills and bank statements for 2 years (though most are now available online). 

• HMRC suggests that tax related paperwork should be kept for 22 months from the end of the tax year they relate to. 

• For large amounts of shredding, consider shredding bags which are a cost-effective way of disposing confidential papers. 

Garage and loft: 

• Arrange for the loft and garage to be cleared well before the move. Last preparations 

• Have your safe box (passports, financial documents, medication, jewellery etc) ready to go with you during the move. 

• Leave the packing for the removal company. As they are experts, they will have all the right materials, and are insured if they pack it. 

• Arrange for final cleaning the day before the move, ensuring that the cleaners are not working around the packers.