Should I downsize?

The question

Ajay from Niagara writes: “I’m 61 and considering downsizing from my longtime family home. It’s full of memories, but also full of stairs, clutter, and maintenance. I’m torn between staying put or moving into something smaller and more manageable. How do I know when it’s the right time to let go?”

Your answers

Listen to your knees.

Moira, 66 — Whitehorse, Yukon

We often cling to bricks when what we really want to preserve are the memories — and those travel with us wherever we go.

Alan, 59 — Manchester, UK

I made two simple lists: house joys versus house stresses. When the stress column filled two pages and joy barely managed half of one, the answer became crystal clear. Now there’s a beautiful lake view from my condo window and absolutely zero anxiety about roof repairs or snow removal.

Linda, 64 — Stratford, Ontario

Not every downsizing story requires a moving truck. Converting our basement into a rental suite meant keeping the family home while gaining monthly income and built-in security. The tenant helps with small maintenance tasks, and I never feel alone in the house. Sometimes the answer isn’t smaller square footage — it’s simply smarter use of what you already have. Plus, the rental income covers property taxes and then some.

Terry, 60 — Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Co-housing opened my eyes to a completely different kind of wealth. Yes, my personal living space shrunk considerably, but my daily life expanded exponentially in ways I never imagined. Shared community dinners twice a week, impromptu conversations in the garden, neighbors who actually know your name and check on you during illness — that’s luxury I never experienced in traditional suburbia. The sense of belonging and mutual support far outweighs any space I gave up.

Janice, 67 — Boston, Massachusetts

Involve your children in the process. Instead of dreading the sorting and packing, we turned it into extended storytelling sessions. Each room sparked precious memories, and the kids took the family pieces that mattered most to them personally. What could have been devastating loss became beautiful legacy sharing.

Colin, 62 — Inverness, Scotland

Who says downsizing requires moving? After two strategic years of changes — hired help for yard maintenance, ruthless decluttering, and converting unused bedrooms into a craft studio and reading nook — this house works perfectly for my current life.

Renée, 58 — Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Trust your instincts over everyone else’s timeline expectations.

Diya, 50 — Red Deer, Alberta