If you’re planning to downsize—whether you’re retiring, simplifying life, or just ready for less maintenance—you’re not alone. Many homeowners are choosing to trade square footage for flexibility, freeing up equity and enjoying a lifestyle that’s lighter, easier, and more affordable.

But before you can make that move, there’s one big hurdle to tackle: deciding what to keep, what to sell, and what to let go.

This room-by-room downsizing guide will help you make confident, practical decisions every step of the way.

Living Room: Simplify Your Comfort Zone

KEEP

• One comfortable sofa or a pair of armchairs that fit the scale of your new living space.
• Meaningful décor pieces, like family photos or artwork that genuinely make you happy.
• Multi-purpose furniture such as an ottoman with storage or a nesting coffee table.

SELL, DONATE, or TRASH

• Bulky sectionals or furniture that dominates smaller rooms.
• Duplicate décor items, outdated electronics, or large entertainment centers.
• Rugs or lamps that don’t match your new color scheme or size constraints.

Bonus Tip: Before moving, measure your new living room layout so you only bring furniture that truly fits—both physically and aesthetically.

Kitchen: Pare Down to the Essentials

KEEP

• Everyday dishes and cookware that you use regularly.
• A few quality small appliances (coffee maker, blender, toaster).
• Sentimental items like heirloom dishes—if they have practical or emotional value.

SELL, DONATE, or TRASH

• Duplicate utensils, extra pots, and unused gadgets (yes, that panini press you forgot about).
• Excess serving ware, holiday dishes, and mismatched plastic containers.
• Old food items or expired pantry goods before the move.

Bonus Tip: Use the “one-year rule.” If you haven’t cooked with it in the past year, you probably won’t in the next.

Bedrooms: Create a Restful Retreat

KEEP

• The bed that best fits your new space (queen or full often works better than king).
• A small dresser and nightstands if you have the room.
• A few sets of quality linens and your favorite bedding.

SELL, DONATE, or TRASH

• Extra bedroom sets, mismatched nightstands, or oversized wardrobes.
• Seasonal clothing you haven’t worn in two years or that doesn’t fit.
• Old décor, lamps, or wall art that no longer reflect your new style.

Bonus Tip: For sentimental clothing, take photos before letting go. You’ll preserve the memory without the clutter.

Bathroom: Keep It Functional and Fresh

KEEP

• One set of everyday towels per person and a few guest towels.
• Essential toiletries and grooming tools.
• A small supply of cleaning products and first aid items.

SELL, DONATE, or TRASH

• Expired products, old cosmetics, and half-used toiletries.
• Duplicate hair tools or appliances you rarely use.
• Large storage bins that won’t fit in a smaller bathroom.

Bonus Tip: Streamline storage with drawer organizers and compact shelving instead of keeping bulky cabinets.

Office or Den: Streamline Your Workspace

KEEP

• A small desk that fits your new setup and one comfortable chair.
• Important documents, either physically or scanned to digital storage.
• Devices you actually use: laptop, printer, or tablet.

SELL, DONATE, or TRASH

• Old electronics, broken cords, or outdated paperwork.
• Filing cabinets, extra chairs, and large bookshelves.
• Books you won’t reread—donate them to a local library or senior center.

Bonus Tip: Scan and store paperwork digitally. It saves both space and stress.

Garage and Basement: The Hidden Clutter Zone

KEEP

• A small set of essential tools, a ladder, and seasonal maintenance supplies.
• Sentimental keepsakes that you can store neatly in labeled, weather-safe bins.

SELL, DONATE, or TRASH

• Extra paint cans, broken lawn equipment, or outdated sports gear.
• Holiday decorations that no longer get used.
  Anything you’ve been “saving just in case” for years.

Bonus Tip: The garage is the perfect place for a yard sale staging area—sell what you can, donate the rest, and recycle responsibly.

GET DOWNSIZING GUIDE