Considering Downsizing? This Season It Is Better To Give Than To Recieve

Downsizing Tips for the Holidays

By Kathleen Caulfield Meyer

Are you 55 or older? Do you have an empty nest? At some point you’ll likely consider downsizing to a smaller home. For some, this may mean a need to move quickly. Others may have years to plan ahead. You can use this holiday season as an opportunity to start the decluttering process. Evaluate what holiday items you still use, donate items no longer needed, and reconsider your gift exchange practices. This could lead to a less stressful and more joyful holiday season and will mean fewer items to deal with when you do decide to move.

DONATING
Now is a great time to call AMVETS or Purple Heart to schedule a pickup at your home or make a drop-off at organizations like A Wider Circle, Habitat for Humanity, Interfaith Works, or any of the many local charities accepting a variety of items. You may have items tucked away in your attic or garage that could be perfect for someone else. Last week, I scheduled an AMVETS pickup without even knowing exactly what I had to donate — but I was sure I could find things we no longer use. Sure enough, in the garage I found sports equipment my children used in grade school and high school. My kids are older now, and while these items are no longer useful to us, they could be for someone else. Scheduling the pickup first, for me, motivated me to put together the items to donate.

DECORATING
As you pull out the holiday decorations this year, take note of the ones that no longer make the cut. My children are now in their twenties, so the inflatable Santa isn’t something I use anymore. The old, worn-and-torn walking snowman that sings, broken ornaments, large collection of holiday cookie cutters, and any other decorations that no longer serve you can be donated or tossed depending on their condition. There’s no need to store them away again, and if you’re planning a move, they shouldn’t take up valuable space on the moving truck.

ENTERTAINING
Did you formerly host thirty people for every holiday dinner, and now your gatherings max out at ten — or do you now go to a relative’s home instead? Take a moment to evaluate your holiday platters, plateware, glassware, and linens. If you don’t plan on using them, consider donating or gifting them to someone who will appreciate them. Do you have sentimental pieces you want to keep in the family but no longer use yourself, like a set of a grandmother’s champagne flutes that were a part of every celebration? If one of your family members has always admired them, this may be the perfect time to gift them. You can wrap them beautifully and add a note describing the memories they hold, and how it’s now their turn to enjoy them.

GIFTS
Do you receive a lovely purse every year from your sister, or a new tie from your nephew, but no longer need more of these items? When my grandfather passed away, we discovered a whole drawer full of unused, brand new dress shirts his son had sent him every year. By then, my grandfather already had his favorites — so into the drawer the new ones went. Now may be a good time to give suggestions of items you may prefer and enjoy, especially if asked. My friends and I have already shifted toward giving each other consumable gifts. Hand soaps, candles, a favorite olive oil, or a beautifully scented hand lotion make for appreciated gifts.

As we all get older, I think it’s a universal experience to appreciate the holidays even more for the time we spend together than for the gifts we exchange. I come from a very large family. For many years, at our family party, many wonderful gifts were exchanged but we eventually settled on a White Elephant game (sometimes as many as 35 participants!) in lieu of direct gift exchanges. This lively game has become a highlight of our holiday party.

Wishing you Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!
Kathleen

PLANNING TO SELL IN 2026 BEGIN PREPARATION NOW

For a successful sale, having a clear and efficient plan is essential — especially if you want to minimize stress. I can help you create that plan. If you’re considering selling in the New Year, call for a no-obligation downsizing consultation and walk away with a complete, ready-to-execute strategy, along with a downsizing workbook and a custom downsizing plan.

To schedule your no-obligation downsizing consultation, contact Kathleen at [email protected] or 240-422-0765.

Kathleen Caulfield Meyer— Your Trusted Real Estate Partner for Life’s Next Chapter

With over 30 years of real estate experience, Kathleen has helped countless clients successfully list, sell, and find their next place to call home. Specializing in helping homeowners downsize, she provides the expertise, compassion, and resources needed for a smooth and stress-free transition. Kathleen understands the emotional and practical challenges of downsizing. Having guided hundreds of clients through the process, Kathleen brings a unique combination of professionalism, integrity, and a touch of humor to every interaction. Whether you’re moving to a smaller home, a retirement community, or assisted living, she’s dedicated to making your move seamless and positive from start to finish.