Welcome to episode 5 with Daisy McAndrew and Annabel James. In this episode we speak to Meirion Shaw, founder of The Homemover, about decluttering and downsizing.
You can also find this Age Space Podcast episode and more on Apple Podcasts.
Decluttering and Downsizing: Support, Tips & Guidance
Downsizing can be one of life’s most emotionally and practically challenging transitions—especially for older adults. Whether moving to a smaller home, a care setting, or into a relative’s house, there’s a lot to manage. Fortunately, there are thoughtful ways to make the process smoother, more compassionate, and more effective.
1. Start Early and Talk Openly
The hardest part is often deciding when to downsize. Sometimes it’s prompted by necessity—illness, finances, or bereavement. But ideally, it should happen before it becomes urgent. Open, honest conversations—years in advance if possible—about how someone sees their future can make the process more intentional and less stressful.
Encourage loved ones to reflect on their five-year outlook. What kind of lifestyle do they want? How might their health, mobility, or finances change? Starting the conversation early also allows for emotional preparation and avoids rushed decisions.
2. Emotional Sensitivity Is Key
4. Prioritise Function Over Familiarity—But Be Thoughtful
3. Make a Plan Before You Pack
Begin by creating a detailed inventory of the home. Identify major items and ask, “Do I use this? Do I love it?” Don’t feel obliged to keep things out of guilt or because they were expensive. Focus on what’s relevant to your future life.
It’s often helpful to start with easy wins—the cupboard under the stairs or the sock drawer. Avoid sentimental items at first, and build confidence through progress. Decluttering is best done in short, focused sessions, ideally with someone to chat to. It makes the process lighter and allows you to share stories as you go.
4. Prioritise Function Over Familiarity—But Be Thoughtful
Practicality should guide decisions. If a beloved sofa is too low to sit on, it’s better left behind. But some familiar objects—like a display cabinet with treasured ornaments—can provide comfort and continuity, especially for someone with dementia. Re-creating small, familiar vignettes in the new home helps ease the transition.
A good mantra? “Drink it while it’s fizzy.” Use the good china, not the everyday set. Take joy in the items you love rather than saving them for special occasions that may never come.
5. Managing the Leftovers
Once essentials are chosen, prioritise rehoming, not landfill. Some furniture can be sold through auction houses, but many older pieces have little market value. Donating to charities, local shelters, or community networks ensures items go to someone who needs them.
Time is a major factor here—finding new homes for items can take effort. But when people know their things are being reused and appreciated, it’s easier to let go.
6. Moving Day & Aftercare
On moving day, preparation is everything. Label every box clearly with the destination room. Make the bed first and pack a “first-day box” with essentials like a kettle, mugs, and tea bags. If possible, have the person stay elsewhere during the move and arrive to find their new home already unpacked and arranged.
For those with dementia or cognitive challenges, provide extra post-move support—familiar objects, labels on cupboards, and ideally a companion or helper in the early days. It can prevent disorientation and anxiety and help them settle.
7. Professional Help is Worth It
Services like The Homemover act as “surrogate daughters,” managing the process from sorting to staging. Their involvement can relieve pressure on family members, reduce stress, and smooth over emotional bumps.
When hiring movers, choose small, local firms with trusted teams rather than relying solely on big names. And always verify insurance and reviews.
Contact Meirion Shaw and her team at TheHomeMover.co.uk
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