Project Profile: Moving Out of the Family Home

As an organizer, I've had the privilege of helping many families navigate the overwhelming task of downsizing. But one particular move stands out to me—a couple, both in their late 60s, whose kids had moved out, leaving them in a spacious family home that no longer felt like a perfect fit. They were ready for a change, but the idea of downsizing after decades of living in the same home was a daunting one.

They came to us as a referral from a neighbor after they decided it was time to sell their house and buy two condos in different towns. The house that once served as the backdrop for family dinners, school projects, and late-night conversations no longer felt necessary for them. Downsizing offered an opportunity for a fresh start, but it required careful thought and planning - that's where we came in!

We started by sorting and purging the entire house. We designated items for consignment, donation and Facebook Marketplace. We created a detailed spreadsheet on Airtable to keep our ducks in a row, and managed all communication between consignment shops. This was a very lengthy process! We managed all Facebook Marketplace meet ups, hauled away donations, and scheduled movers to bring the consignment items to different stores in Massachusetts.

After all of the "go" items were taken care of, we divided all of the "keep" items between the two condos. Then it was packing time! Packing for a move after downsizing isn’t the same as just throwing everything in boxes. It’s about doing it with intention and purpose. We made sure that everything packed for the new condos was something that would truly serve them. We packed, labeled and took inventory of 151 boxes. Why inventory the boxes you may ask? The boxes were going into the moving company's storage unit for a few days, and this was our way of making sure every last box made it to the correct destination.

We facilitated 2 separate moves days - one for each condo. The first move was a short drive away, but the second was far enough to require an overnight stay at an Airbnb nearby. For both moves we were there with the moving company, making sure every box made it to the correct room (we highly recommend using these labels on your boxes to help the movers.) We then handled all unpacking, organizing into spaces and implementing product for those spaces over the course of a few days for each condo. They started off feeling overwhelmed by the thought of downsizing, but by the end of the process, they were filled with excitement and optimism.

Downsizing and moving any client is not just about organizing belongings or moving boxes—it’s about helping people navigate change, embrace new possibilities, and let go of the past in a way that honors their memories while making room for the future. It is a process—one that requires patience, reflection, and a bit of help along the way. Whether it’s organizing your things, choosing a new home, or simply letting go of sentimental items, it’s all about creating a life that aligns with who you are today