---
title: "Downsizing Checklist for Seniors: Step by Step, Printable"
description: "A printable downsizing checklist for seniors and families: planning, sorting, measuring the new place, selling and donating, and moving day."
url: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/downsizing-and-moving/downsizing-checklist/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: Senior Transition Assistance
---

Downsizing and moving

# Downsizing checklist for seniors and their families

Downsizing goes better in stages. Print this checklist and tick things off as you go.

Talk it through with a person[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)

Free. We listen, explain your options, and introduce you to a few that fit. You decide.

Quick answer

To downsize, start with a plan and a timeline, get the floor plan of the new home, decide what fits, let family claim keepsakes, then sell, donate or discard the rest before moving day. Allow more time than you think, and get help for the heavy lifting. [(800) 614-8388](tel:+18006148388) if you'd like help finding a move manager or estate sale company.

**Last updated October 9, 2026** Costs are published medians or typical ranges with a named source, never quotes. Every community and agency prices differently.

**On this page**

1. [ Plan](#g-plan)
2. [Sort](#g-sort)
3. [Sell, donate, discard](#g-sell-donate-discard)
4. [Get ready to move](#g-get-ready-to-move)
5. [Moving day and after](#g-moving-day-and-after)
6. [Questions](#g-faq)

## Plan

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Pick a target move date, and work back from it.

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Get the new home's floor plan and room measurements.

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Decide who's helping: family, friends, a senior move manager.

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Gather boxes, tape, markers and sticky notes in three colors.

## Sort

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Start with rooms that are used least.

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Use three piles: keep, give to family, sell or donate.

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Measure favorite furniture against the floor plan.

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Set aside important papers, medications, valuables and photos.

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Ask family to claim items by a set date.

## Sell, donate, discard

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Decide whether an estate sale makes sense for what's left.

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Schedule donation pickups.

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Book disposal or junk removal for the rest.

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Shred old financial papers you no longer need.

## Get ready to move

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Book movers early and get written estimates.

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Change address with the post office, banks, Social Security and Medicare.

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Set up utilities, phone and internet at the new home.

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Transfer prescriptions to a nearby pharmacy.

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Pack a first-night box: medications, glasses, chargers, toiletries, sheets, a change of clothes.

## Moving day and after

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Set up the bed and bathroom first.

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Hang familiar pictures early.

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Check that the old home is empty and secure.

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Plan visits in the first weeks.

### Want help downsizing?

We'll help you find move managers, estate sale help and movers near Kansas City. Free.

[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)[Have us call you](#g-form)

## Questions families ask

### How long does downsizing take?

It depends on the size of the home and how much is in it. Starting months ahead makes it easier.

### What should I downsize first?

Start with rooms you use least, like a guest room or garage.

### Should we hire a senior move manager?

If time is short, family is far away, or the house is very full, a move manager can help a lot.

### What do I do with things nobody wants?

Sell, donate or recycle them. See [where to donate furniture](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/downsizing-and-moving/where-to-donate-furniture/).

## Sources

- [National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers (NASMM): FAQs](https://www.nasmm.org/faqs/)

## Related guides

- [Downsizing and moving](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/downsizing-and-moving/)
- [How to downsize](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/downsizing-and-moving/how-to-downsize/)
- [Swedish death cleaning](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/downsizing-and-moving/swedish-death-cleaning/)
- [Moving to assisted living checklist](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/downsizing-and-moving/moving-to-assisted-living-checklist/)
- [Senior move managers](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/downsizing-and-moving/senior-move-manager/)
- [Estate cleanout](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/downsizing-and-moving/estate-cleanout/)
- [Estate sales](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/downsizing-and-moving/estate-sales/)
- [Moving tips for seniors](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/downsizing-and-moving/moving-tips-for-seniors/)
- [Senior moving services](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/downsizing-and-moving/senior-moving-services/)

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