More older adults are downsizing and, this year, there’s been a 13% increase in over 66s moving to smaller homes, compared with 2023. For some, downsizing is about the appeal of cutting costs and maintenance while, for others, it can symbolise the start of a new chapter and a chance to be more present.
We may not always realise the emotional, financial, and practical impact of holding onto space or belongings we don’t want or need, which is why taking stock now and again can be helpful. How much space do you need to be happy? What are your long-term plans and does your home support them? Could you free up more time and money by living somewhere smaller?
Ultimately, the purpose of a home is to provide a safe, comfortable space where we can be ourselves and live in the way we want. But, sometimes, as we go through life, the place we once called our ‘forever home’ may no longer fit the bill.
While downsizing won’t be the right step for everyone, for some, it’s a passport to more freedom. It can release us from the extra time and energy spent managing a large mental inventory. Even things tucked away in the attic or shut away in the spare room can clutter our minds, whether we’re consciously thinking about them or not. Plus, we’ll often need to heat and maintain spaces, even if we don’t use them, zapping time, energy, and money.
If this sounds familiar and you’ve dabbled with the idea of downsizing in the past, or perhaps you’re just curious about it – we’ve got you covered. To help you explore the idea, here are eight ways to unlock more freedom through downsizing.
1. Start with a lifestyle audit
Start by considering how you spend most of your time and how much of your current space you use. Over a week, track how much time you spend where, accounting for storage space in this process too. For example, do you have a loft full of things you never use or look at? Or storage cupboards you rarely open?
It’s also important to consider what your lifestyle looks like now, but also what it might look like in future. Do you plan to take up a new hobby that needs a certain amount of space? Or, if you have a study but plan to retire soon, will you have any further use for the room?
Sometimes our homes become a barrier to creating the lifestyle we want – perhaps because clutter gets in the way or we spend too much time looking after space we don’t use. Our homes can decide our lifestyles, rather than the other way around. So ask yourself, what would your ideal lifestyle look like and what kind of living space would you need to support that?
2. Calculate your space-related costs
Perhaps the most obvious downside of living in a home with excess space is the higher cost of utility bills. Heating and cooling unused rooms wastes energy, especially in homes with high ceilings where warm air collects above. There can be social pressure to furnish empty rooms, too, leading to unnecessary spending on furniture and decor, as well as cleaning and maintenance.
Psychologically, having too much space can also feel lonely and create guilt about waste. You might feel pressured to justify the space by entertaining more often. Plus, there’s a time cost – searching for items in a bigger space takes longer, and simply moving between rooms eats up more of your day.
Understanding how much time and money your home costs can give you a clearer idea of what you might stand to gain by downsizing.
3. Declutter room by room
Even if you’re not sure downsizing is for you, decluttering can be good for us, physically and mentally. It can create a calmer environment with fewer distractions, make cleaning easier, and save time on finding things while fostering a sense of control and accomplishment. It can also show us how to live with less and encourage freer, more flexible living.
Knowing where to start decluttering can be tricky, so it can help to tackle one drawer, cupboard or room at a time. Only got half an hour? Why not sort out a drawer in the kitchen? Got a free afternoon? Why not declutter your bedroom?
Breaking the task into manageable steps can make it feel less daunting, and the sense of achievement after each step will hopefully drive you towards your next goal. For help with decluttering, why not read our guide?
4. Reimagine storage solutions
Deciding to move to a smaller home doesn’t mean having to part with all the things you own that you currently love. Yes, you will probably need to part with some – but there are plenty of ways to maximise storage space by getting creative.
For example, you could think vertically by utilising wall space with floating shelves, pegboards, and mounted organisers. Or, install hooks under cabinets for hanging items and use door-mounted racks for added storage. Some furniture also doubles as storage, such as ottomans with compartments, beds with drawers, and tables with built-in storage.
Remember to measure spaces carefully and consider the accessibility of stored items when implementing any solutions. The idea is to make every square inch work harder while maintaining an organised, clutter-free environment – not to feel crammed into a smaller space with your belongings.
Check out our list of 20 clever storage solutions to maximise space in your home for more ideas.
5. Test drive smaller living
If the idea of downsizing leaves you questioning whether you can live with less, why not do a test run? You could simulate a smaller space by taping off areas of your current home to match your target square footage. Try to live only within these boundaries for a month and close off extra rooms to avoid using them.
You could also test minimalist living by boxing up non-essential items. If you don’t open a box for 30 days, you probably don’t need its contents. Or why not try cooking in a smaller kitchen area and limiting yourself to one sitting area? It could also be helpful to practise using convertible furniture – like a dining table as a desk.
Though the idea can feel daunting, living with less can be likened to the feeling many of us get when we go on holiday and live out of a single suitcase. It can be incredibly liberating and may leave us wondering why we own half the things we do.
6. Research right-sized properties
Finding the perfect smaller home requires thoughtful investigation beyond just square footage, and even just browsing can help you more clearly see what your new home and lifestyle could look like.
When researching, consider properties that offer efficient layouts, like well-designed flats, bungalows, or townhouses. Look for features that maximise space utility, such as open floor plans or high ceilings that create a sense of spaciousness without extra square footage.
Location becomes even more important when choosing a smaller home, too, as it may mean more time spent in the community. Think about which neighbourhoods have amenities that could replace home features you’re giving up, like cafes if you’re downsizing your kitchen or parks if reducing garden space.
Remember to investigate strata fees, maintenance costs, and utility expenses – smaller doesn’t always mean cheaper if the property isn’t energy efficient. When going to see properties, it’s worth taking time to visit properties at different times of day to get a true feel for both the space and the neighbourhood.
7. Create a downsizing timeline
Moving to a smaller home requires careful planning and organisation, so try to start your journey six to 12 months before your planned move to avoid feeling overwhelmed. If you can, try to build in buffer time for unexpected tasks too. Downsizing is as much an emotional journey as a practical one, and some decisions may take longer than anticipated.
Giving yourself plenty of time also means you can start thinking about your life in your smaller home – perhaps setting up things like gym memberships ahead of time to make the process seem less daunting and more exciting.
Around two months before moving can be a good time to begin packing non-essential items and measuring furniture to plan what will fit in your new space. The final month is a good time to handle paperwork, change addresses, and schedule utilities. Packing things room by room and moving everyday items until last can also help minimise stress.
For more help, check out articles; 5 tips for downsizing your home and 4 tips for a stress-free house move.
8. Design your new freedom plan
Downsizing can offer an exciting new start and designing your own freedom plan is about envisioning the new life that awaits you once you do. Living in a smaller, more manageable space, the possibilities for freedom are endless, with more time and energy to pursue passions and travel, or simply relax.
Your freedom plan is a roadmap to less stress and more fulfilment – whether it’s exploring new destinations, spending quality time with family, or diving into creative pursuits. Downsizing is just the beginning; it’s the key to unlocking a life rich in freedom and opportunity.
To help you decide what you want from this new chapter, you might want to try journaling or creating an inspiring vision board. For some, this shift to a new home can also prompt a reevaluation of other aspects of your life. It could be a good time to explore these 8 questions to ask yourself when you arrive at a crossroads in life.
Final thoughts…
Downsizing can offer a pathway to a more intentional, freedom-filled life. By reducing the space and possessions that weigh us down, we open ourselves to new opportunities – whether that’s financial savings, more time for hobbies, or a deeper sense of peace in a clutter-free environment.
It’s a chance to reimagine how we live, create a home that truly supports our goals, and make room for the things that matter most. While the decision to downsize is deeply personal, for many, it’s a liberating move that can transform not just their home, but their entire lifestyle.
For further reading, why not read our articles on the best places to retire in the UK and abroad?
Are you thinking about downsizing? Or if you’ve already done it, do you have some tips to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.