What Exactly is Right Sizing
We’ve all heard the term downsizing, but “right-sizing” is a better way to describe what truly matters—living in a home that fits your lifestyle today, not the one you needed decades ago.
Over the years, many homeowners fill every inch of their homes with memories, keepsakes, and—let’s be honest—a fair amount of clutter. But life changes. Kids grow up, stairs get steeper, and maintaining a big home becomes more of a chore than a joy.
Right-sizing isn’t about giving up space. It’s about gaining freedom—freedom from constant upkeep, excess belongings, and financial strain. It’s about living comfortably, safely, and intentionally.
When you live in a space that fits your current needs, you save time, reduce stress, and often even improve your health. Imagine waking up in a cozy, organized home where every room has a purpose. That’s right-sizing in action.
Right-sizing isn’t about having less. It’s about having what’s right for you now.
7 Easy Ways to Right Size
Right-sizing can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be! Here are seven simple steps to make the process smoother and even enjoyable.
Start small. Tackle one closet, one drawer, or one shelf at a time.
Sort with purpose. Keep only what you use, love, or truly need.
Honor your memories. Take photos of sentimental items before letting them go.
Use the one-year rule. If you haven’t used it in a year, you probably won’t.
Plan for your new space. Measure furniture before moving—your giant sectional may not fit in your next home.
Get help early. Friends, family, or professionals can help make decisions easier.
Celebrate progress. Every item you let go of creates space for something better—peace of mind.
Hidden Costs of Not Right Sizing
Many families put off right-sizing until it’s too late—and the emotional cost can be heavy. When a loved one passes or can no longer live independently, sorting through decades of belongings often falls on adult children.
Boxes of papers, closets full of clothes, furniture that no longer fits anyone’s lifestyle—it becomes more than just “stuff.” It becomes a burden during an already emotional time.
Right-sizing early spares your family from those tough moments. It allows you to make decisions on your own terms and leave behind only what truly matters. It’s one of the kindest, most thoughtful gifts you can give your loved ones.
Right-sizing now prevents future stress and helps your family focus on what really counts—memories, not material things.
The Emotional Side of Letting Go—Why Right-Sizing Is About More Than Space
Let’s face it—getting rid of stuff can be tough. Every photo, book, or piece of furniture tells a story. But part of right-sizing is recognizing that the memories live in us, not in the objects.
When you sort through your things, you’re not erasing your past—you’re curating your future. Letting go of clutter creates space for new experiences, less stress, and a greater sense of peace.
Right-sizing is emotional, but it’s also empowering. You’re choosing how to live, instead of letting your possessions decide for you.
Right-sizing is less about saying goodbye and more about saying hello to a lighter, freer way of living.
A Balancing Act
As we age, our homes should adapt to us—not the other way around. But too often, stairs become obstacles, bathrooms become risky, and lawn maintenance becomes exhausting.
Right-sizing allows you to choose a home that supports your mobility, safety, and independence. Whether that means a single-level layout, walk-in shower, or a condo with a reliable HOA that handles exterior maintenance, these features aren’t luxuries—they’re smart choices for long-term comfort.
By matching your home to your abilities, you reduce accidents, preserve energy, and free up time to do what you love—spend time with grandkids, travel, or volunteer in your community.
A well-fitted home supports your health, happiness, and independence for years to come.
Top 5 Rooms to Declutter First When Right-Sizing Your Home
Starting the right-sizing process can feel overwhelming—but not if you know where to begin. Focus on these five spaces first for quick wins:
Kitchen: Toss duplicates and expired items.
Closets: Keep only clothes that fit your current lifestyle.
Garage: Most stored items haven’t been used in years.
Guest room: Reclaim the space—it’s not a storage unit.
Paperwork: Go digital where possible.
Each small step builds momentum and helps you feel in control. Start small, stay consistent, and the clutter will shrink faster than you expect.
Right Sizing Can Save You Thousands
Owning a large home can quietly drain your wallet. Utility bills, maintenance, property taxes—all add up. By right-sizing, you’re not just simplifying life—you’re saving real money.
Smaller homes often mean lower expenses, fewer repairs, and reduced insurance costs. That extra cash can go toward travel, family, or hobbies you love.
Right-sizing isn’t about giving up luxury—it’s about redirecting your resources toward what truly makes you happy.
Right-sizing your home can create more financial freedom than you think.
Aging Gracefully
Many seniors want to stay independent—but not all homes make that easy. Two-story layouts, slippery floors, and high-maintenance yards can create risks.
Right-sizing lets you plan ahead by choosing a safe, comfortable home that supports your health and mobility. Think single-level living, step-free entries, and modern bathrooms with grab bars.
Making the move before you “have to” means you stay in control—and keep enjoying life on your terms.
Right-sizing now is the best way to age in place safely and confidently.
For Families: How To Talk With Parents About Right Sizing
Starting “the talk” about right-sizing can be delicate. Parents may feel defensive or emotional. But with patience and empathy, it can bring your family closer together.
Begin by focusing on their goals, not the clutter. Ask what they want life to look like in the next few years. Listen more than you speak. Offer help, not pressure.
When handled with care, right-sizing becomes a family project rooted in love and respect. Right-sizing is easier—and more meaningful—when families work together with understanding.
How It All Started
There is tons to think about hen it comes to RIGHTSIZING your life. Here is where a lot of our thoughts are expressed. Some of these help educate, some give strategies, others give checklists, and some even have some funny quips to them.
Read through some of the things that rattle around and make DENVERRIGHTSIZING tick…
Growing Up with Great Depression-Era Parents: How It Shaped a Generation
Most of the time, they are referred to as Baby Boomers or simply Boomers, but sometimes they’re called the Vietnam Generation or even the Me Generation. No matter what they’re called, these unique people have lived through the entirety of the Cold War, the beginning of cable television, Reaganomics, a war in the Middle East, the tech boom, 9/11, another war in the Middle East, the Great Recession, and much more. All of these events have shaped the way they live their lives to this day; however, one thing that most people from the era have in common started with their parents. Their parents lived through the Great Depression and World War 2 and those experiences shaped not only their own worldviews but also the way they raised their children. This generation, often called the Silent Generation (born between 1928 and 1945), grew up in homes where frugality, resilience, and resourcefulness weren’t just values—they were survival skills.
Lessons in Frugality
For many Depression-era parents, waste was unthinkable. They saved everything—rubber bands, glass jars, tin foil—because you never knew when you might need it. This mindset carried over to their children, who often grew up in homes where:
• Leftovers were never thrown away but repurposed into new meals.
• Clothes were mended rather than replaced.
• Household items were repaired instead of discarded.
• Coupons and discounts were essential shopping tools.
Children of these great people are, not surprisingly, cautious about spending, preferring to get the most value out of every dollar. Likewise, they are very hesitant to let go of things and have vast collections of household items that are kept in their homes. Having all of this stuff was once considered essential has morphed into clutter. This clutter still has its uses, but can be a burden to these people and their loved ones as they age.
It is important to know the history of why seniors have collected so much to understand the challenges that many go through as they attempt to downsize their living circumstances. It’s not that having this array of stuff is bad, but it can be a hindrance to people and their loved ones as they move into different stages in their lives.