The best time to downsize is before you pack, not after you arrive. Go room by room, sort everything into keep, donate or sell, and toss, and be honest about what you'll actually use in your new space. Book junk removal for whatever is left so it's gone before moving day. You'll pack less, move less, and start fresh in your new home. Here's a simple way to make those decisions without getting overwhelmed.
Why Downsize Before the Move?
Every item you move takes time to pack, load, carry and unpack. Clearing out first means fewer boxes, a quicker moving day and a new home that isn't full of things you meant to get rid of years ago. It's especially helpful if you're moving from a house to a condo, combining two households, or helping a parent move into a smaller place.
Ask yourself one question about every item: would I buy this again today for my new home?
Start Early and Work Room by Room
Downsizing takes longer than most people expect, mostly because of the decisions involved. Starting six to eight weeks before your move gives you time to sell or donate items rather than throwing them away at the last minute.
- Start with the easiest spaces: storage rooms, garage, basement
- Work on one room or even one closet at a time
- Set a timer for short sessions to avoid burnout
- Leave sentimental items until you've built some momentum
- Get a floor plan of your new home and measure the rooms
What to Keep
Keep things you use regularly, things that fit your new space, and things that genuinely matter to you.
- Furniture that fits your new rooms (measure first)
- Items you've used in the past year
- Important documents, photos and keepsakes
- Good-quality basics that would be costly to replace
A tip for sentimental items
You don't have to keep everything to keep the memory. Take photos of items you're letting go, or choose one or two meaningful pieces from a larger collection. If family members want something, give it to them now rather than moving it.
What to Donate or Sell
Items in good condition that you no longer need can go to a new home.
- Clothing, shoes and accessories in good shape
- Furniture that doesn't fit your new layout
- Kitchenware, small appliances and duplicates
- Books, toys and sports equipment
- Décor and artwork you no longer love
Check with local charities about what they accept and whether they offer pickup, because policies vary. Online marketplaces work well for furniture, but leave enough time for buyers to collect.
What to Toss or Recycle
- Broken or worn-out items that aren't worth repairing
- Expired food, medication and toiletries
- Old paint, chemicals and cleaning products (take these to a household hazardous waste depot) [VERIFY: local municipal depot rules]
- Electronics that no longer work (use an e-waste drop-off)
- Mattresses and furniture that are too damaged to donate
Movers generally can't transport hazardous materials like propane tanks, paint thinners or fuel, so plan to dispose of these separately.
How Junk Removal Fits Into Your Move
Once you've sorted everything, you'll usually have a pile that can't be sold or donated: broken furniture, old mattresses, boxes of odds and ends. That's where junk removal comes in.
- Book removal a week or two before moving day
- Gather items in one spot, like the garage or a single room
- Let the crew know about heavy items or anything on upper floors
- Do a final sweep after the move for leftovers
Combining junk removal with your move can also save a trip. Ask your mover whether they can handle both. We offer junk removal alongside moving in areas like Toronto, Hamilton, Pickering and Waterloo.
Downsizing for a Parent or Family Member
Helping a parent move to a smaller home or retirement residence takes patience. Go at their pace, involve them in decisions, and focus on making the new space comfortable and familiar. Set up their favourite chair, photos and bedding first so the new place feels like home right away.
Your Downsizing Checklist
- Floor plan and room measurements for the new home
- Keep, donate/sell and toss piles set up
- Donation pickups or drop-offs scheduled
- Marketplace listings posted with enough time to sell
- Hazardous items taken to the right depot
- Junk removal booked before moving day
- Movers booked for what's left: see our house moves and Pack & Move services
Once your piles are sorted, follow our 8-week GTA moving checklist to stay on track.
Combining Two Households
Moving in with a partner or family member means two sets of furniture, kitchenware and décor. Before moving day, walk through both homes together and pick the best of each: the sofa that fits the new living room, the newer mattress, the better set of pots. Agree on what goes before the truck arrives, so you aren't paying to move two of everything and then arguing over which one stays.
Making the Most of Moving Day After Downsizing
When you've cleared out properly, moving day is simpler. There are fewer boxes to carry, fewer decisions to make, and you can often book a smaller truck or a shorter crew time. Keep a small "last-minute donate" box by the door for anything you find while packing the final rooms, and drop it off after the move. Tell your crew lead about anything left behind that should not go on the truck, so nothing ends up in your new home by mistake.
Finally, give yourself credit. Downsizing is hard work, both physically and emotionally. A lighter move and a calmer new home are worth the effort.
If you're unsure about an item, set it aside in a "maybe" box with a date on it. If you haven't opened it by moving week, it can probably go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start downsizing before a move?
Six to eight weeks is ideal. It gives you time to sell and donate rather than throwing things out at the last minute.
Can my movers take items to donation or the dump?
Some moving companies offer junk removal as well. Ask when you book so it can be planned into your moving schedule.
What can't movers take?
Hazardous items like propane, fuel, paint thinners and some chemicals usually can't go on a moving truck. Dispose of these through your municipality.
How do I decide what furniture to keep for a smaller home?
Measure your new rooms and draw a simple floor plan. Keep the pieces that fit and that you use most, and let go of the rest.
Clear Out, Then Move Out
Need help with junk removal, moving, or both? Request a free quote and tell us what you need.
