Downsizing isn’t just about letting go—it’s about making space for what matters most. Moving into a smaller home can actually give you more: more peace, more organization, and more freedom from the things that clutter your life. In Canada, where housing trends are shifting and many families are choosing to simplify, making a smart move into a smaller space is increasingly common.
At Deluxe Moving, we’ve helped countless clients across Ontario navigate the journey of downsizing. Maybe you’re relocating to a condo, downsizing to a bungalow, or embracing urban life in an apartment— our goal is to help you move with less stress and more strategy. Here’s our comprehensive guide to downsizing and thriving in your new space.
Step 1: Start with a Thoughtful Decluttering Plan
1. Sort by Category, Not Room
Instead of tackling your home room by room, start with categories: clothes, kitchen tools, furniture, books, sentimental items. It helps you see duplicates and focus on what you truly need.
2. Ask the Right Questions
For each item, ask:
- Do I use this regularly?
- Would I buy it again?
- Does it fit my new lifestyle or space?
3. Create a 3-Pile System
Label piles: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Let Go. This makes decision-making faster and more consistent. Donating to local charities or hosting a garage sale can help reduce clutter and give your things a second life.
4. Digitize Paper and Photos
Scanning documents, photos, and even kids’ artwork can drastically reduce what you need to store. Cloud storage and external hard drives are great for preserving memories without taking up physical space.
5. Set Realistic Goals
Downsizing can be emotionally draining. Set goals for how many items to sort each day or weekend. Celebrate progress as you go to stay motivated.
Step 2: Measure and Plan Before You Pack
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the logistics, Deluxe Moving can assist with in-home consultations, measuring large furniture, and helping you create a realistic plan tailored to your new space.
1. Know Your New Layout
Request a floor plan of your new space. Measure larger furniture pieces and ensure they’ll fit. Don’t wait until moving day to find out your sofa won’t make it through the door or your dining set is too large.
2. Plan Zones, Not Just Rooms
In smaller homes, rooms often serve more than one purpose. Think in zones—like a dining/work zone or a guest/reading nook—so you can design your space with dual use in mind.
3. Use Room Planning Tools
There are free apps and websites that help you map out where each piece of furniture will go. This saves time and helps you visualize your setup in advance.
4. Create a Moving Binder
Include measurements, checklists, floor plans, donation receipts, and your packing list. Staying organized on paper (or digitally) makes decision-making easier.
5. Make a Box Inventory
Keep track of what’s in each box and where it belongs in your new home. Label each one with numbers and cross-reference them in your binder.
Step 3: Choose Functional Furniture and Storage Solutions
1. Multi-Use Furniture
Look for pieces that do double duty, such as:
- Beds with built-in drawers
- Ottomans with storage
- Extendable dining tables
- Wall-mounted desks or fold-out tables
2. Go Vertical
Use wall space for shelves, pegboards, and tall cabinets. Don’t underestimate the power of high shelving in closets and kitchens. Hooks, racks, and over-the-door organizers go a long way.
3. Use Clear or Labeled Storage Bins
Transparent bins make it easy to find what you need. Labels help everyone in the home stay organized. Stackable containers and vacuum-sealed bags also make the most of closets and storage areas.
4. Furniture with a Slim Profile
Choose sleek, streamlined furniture with thin legs or open bases. These visually take up less space and make rooms feel larger.
5. Incorporate Hidden Storage
Use headboards with shelves, benches with lift tops, and coffee tables with drawers. Every piece of furniture is an opportunity for storage in a smaller space.
Step 4: Maximize Everyday Living Space
Deluxe Moving’s team often provides suggestions during unpacking to help clients make the most of their layout. We’ve seen what works best in tight quarters and love helping you set up efficiently.
1. Embrace Minimalism
Choose quality over quantity. A few well-loved and useful items can make your new home feel more open and peaceful. Avoid hanging onto things “just in case.”
2. Keep Surfaces Clear
Clear countertops and open floors help smaller rooms feel bigger. Use drawer organizers and baskets to keep things tidy.
3. Use Mirrors and Light Colours
Mirrors reflect light and give the illusion of more space. Light paint colours and natural light create an open, airy feel. Avoid dark curtains or bulky furnishings that close in a room.
4. Let Go of Duplicates
You may not need three sets of dishes or ten throw blankets. Keep your favorites and pass the rest on to friends, family, or donation centers.
5. Create Open Sightlines
Arrange furniture so it doesn’t block windows or pathways. Open lines of sight make rooms feel more spacious.
Step 5: Smart Storage for Every Room
Kitchen:
- Use risers to double cabinet shelf space.
- Install a magnetic knife strip or wall-mounted spice rack.
- Hang pans and utensils to free up drawers.
- Add a rolling cart for additional prep space and storage.
Bedroom:
- Store off-season clothes under the bed in low-profile containers.
- Use hanging organizers in the closet.
- Opt for bedside tables with drawers or cubbies.
- Choose a headboard with built-in shelves.
Bathroom:
- Add shelves above the toilet.
- Use stackable bins under the sink.
- Mount baskets or hooks on the walls.
- Try tiered trays for countertop storage.
Entryway:
- Install wall hooks and a slim bench with storage.
- Use a vertical shoe rack or wall-mounted mail organizer.
- Incorporate baskets or bins under furniture for grab-and-go items.
Step 6: Downsizing for Families or Seniors
From condo moves to assisted living transitions, Deluxe Moving specializes in working with families and seniors who need patient, respectful support. We treat every move like it matters—because it does.
1. Involve the Whole Family
Get kids involved in choosing what toys and clothes to keep. It empowers them and helps them adjust to the change.
2. Help Seniors Ease Into the Transition
Moving from a family home to a smaller residence can be emotional. Allow time to reminisce and be sensitive to attachments. Memory boxes and keepsake bins can preserve important items in a compact way.
3. Create a Comfort Plan
Recreate elements of the old home—familiar artwork, a favorite chair, a family photo wall—to ease the emotional adjustment.
4. Prioritize Accessibility
For seniors, focus on layouts that minimize stairs, slippery rugs, or hard-to-reach storage. Keep daily essentials within easy reach.
5. Use Color Coding for Shared Spaces
In family homes, assign colors to storage bins or shelves to designate personal space within shared areas.
Step 7: Make the Move Easier with Deluxe Moving
We know moving with pets means more than just boxes and trucks. Our team at Deluxe Downsizing doesn’t mean doing it all alone. At Deluxe Moving, we help you:
- Sort and pack with care and efficiency
- Transport only what truly fits your new space
- Disassemble and reassemble furniture
- Unpack and organize in your new home
- Coordinate donation drop-offs or junk removal
- Move discreetly and respectfully for senior clients
We specialize in smooth transitions—whether you’re moving into a retirement condo, urban apartment, or simply simplifying your lifestyle.
Our experienced movers take care with every item and understand the emotional side of letting go. We’ll treat your belongings—and your new beginning—with the respect they deserve.
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
Moving into a smaller space is a chance to reset and refocus. With smart planning, thoughtful edits, and the right team by your side, you can create a home that feels just right.
At Deluxe Moving, we don’t just move your things—we help make your new space feel like home from day one. From packing to organizing to settling in, we’re with you every step of the way.
Contact Deluxe Moving & Storage
Call Deluxe Moving & Storage today or fill out our online quote form to get started.
📞 Phone: 519-212-3023
📧 Email: rick@deluxemoving.ca
🌐 Website: www.deluxemoving.ca
