HouseLife Services is a bonded and insured downsizing and estate clearing firm that has worked exclusively in the senior market for over a decade. Their experienced team helps clients sort and pack belongings, arrange for auctions or donations, coordinate disposal, and prepare the home for market — all with efficiency, discretion, and care.
While every move is unique, HouseLife has seen certain patterns over the years. Here are some practical tips — and a few cautionary tales — to help you navigate your downsizing journey with confidence and avoid unnecessary hiccups.
1. Confirm Your Team Early
Before the first box is packed, make sure all decision-makers and legal authorizations are in place — especially if a Power of Attorney (POA) is involved. Heather Johnson, partner at HouseLife, recalls arriving at a home where two different people each believed they were “in charge” of the sale. In another case, a sudden POA change caught family members completely off guard. Both situations delayed the process and created unnecessary stress. Having documentation ready and roles clearly defined avoids these costly complications.
2. Declutter with Purpose
Moving from 2,000+ square feet into 350–500 square feet requires strategic decisions about what to keep, gift, sell, or donate. A professional downsizer can help identify which items fit your new lifestyle, which ones family members may want, and which can be sold or donated. Heather’s advice: focus first on what’s truly coming with you. Everything else can be addressed in manageable steps.
3. Be Auction-Savvy
It’s natural to think, “I paid a lot for this — surely it’s worth more now!” But today’s auction market is shaped by younger buyers with different tastes. HouseLife has seen clients spend more on auction prep and commissions (often around 35%) than they earned in sales. The upside? Buyers handle the heavy lifting and transportation, which can save you equivalent costs in moving services. A professional like us can help you determine if an auction will leave you ahead — financially and logistically.
4. Understand Donation Realities
Post-COVID, many charities have reduced capacity and stricter acceptance policies. HouseLife has had confirmed donation pickups from major organizations like Furniture Bank and Habitat for Humanity fall through at the last minute, forcing clients to pay for disposal instead. That’s why they work with a vetted list of reliable charities and always set realistic expectations about what can and cannot be accepted. And if some items do end up in a dumpster, reputable companies often salvage and resell scrap metal, tools, and building supplies — giving your possessions a second life in a different way.
5. Make Targeted Updates
Fresh paint, carpet cleaning, or floor refinishing can add appeal — but not every upgrade is worth the investment. For example, if paint is in good shape but a little scuffed, colour-matching and touching up may suffice. If you have hardwood under worn carpet, refinishing could make sense if your REALTOR confirms it would add value. The key is to invest only where it will make a measurable difference in sale price or buyer appeal.
6. Stage Smart
Staging helps your home shine, but it doesn’t have to mean a complete furniture swap. In 80% of senior downsizing projects, HouseLife reuses existing furniture — dining sets, sofas, beds — adding only select pieces like artwork, bedding, or accent décor. This keeps costs low while still creating a polished, inviting look. Working closely with both your stager and REALTOR ensures you hit the sweet spot between presentation and budget.
The Bottom Line:
The goal is to present your home to the broadest pool of buyers without unnecessary stress, expense, or delays. By planning ahead, making informed choices, and partnering with trusted professionals like HouseLife Services, you can move forward with clarity and confidence.