Downsizing and relocating are both highly likely situations when planning for retirement. It is a foolproof way to reduce monthly expenses and free up time to do more, rather than constantly cleaning a big cluttered house or mowing a massive lawn.
While downsizing may seem straightforward in theory, deciding what to keep and what to let go of is indeed complex and very personal, making it a much harder and stressful task for some people. From sentimental treasures to practical essentials, each item embodies a piece of their story and represents a chapter in their lives.
While you may regret having to declutter, the fact is that you can’t hold on to everything when you move into a smaller space. Something will have to give, even if you don’t like it (or perhaps you’ll end up deciding downsizing isn’t the best option after all). What things are retirees likely to regret letting go of? That’s dependent on each person. But here are some things people generally wish they hadn’t donated, according to people in various online forums and articles we gathered for your convenience (only picking the top pain points).
1. Furniture
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Downsizing will most likely mean giving up larger furnishings that might not fit in the new, smaller rooms, and giving up the favorite squishy couch will not be without tears.
Some retirees may feel bad about parting with treasured pieces or pieces they’ve invested in over time. Yet, with nowhere to fit them, they will either need to be sold, gifted to someone (if they want them) or moved to the storage unit to collect dust.
2. Artwork
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For any art lover, getting rid of beloved art pieces will hurt. It might be challenging to fit paintings, sculptures, and other artworks into a different house, especially smaller ones. It would even be harder to downsize if the artwork has been accumulated over a long period of time or if it was inherited.
3. Appliances
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Larger appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers may need to be downsized or replaced when moving to a smaller home. Appliances that have served them for decades, as some of the retro appliances have, will be hard to release.
Many will agree, they just don’t make reliable appliances like they used to.
4. Tools
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Whether they’re carpentry or gardening tools, a person who’s been around a while may have accumulated a collection over the years. Downsizing may mean eliminating some tools or investing in smaller, more compact versions. Most will regret losing tools they’ve grown accustomed to using.
5. Electronics
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When moving to a smaller living space, TVs, stereos, and other electronic devices may need to be downsized. The new electronic models with talking remotes and TVs you can type on may be harder to operate for older folks, and letting go of electronics that they’re familiar with will be a little painful.
6. Kitchenware
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Moving to a smaller home with less storage space may require downsizing pots, pans, dishes, and other goods. Some retirees report feeling bad about throwing away cookware that they’ve collected over time or that has sentimental meaning, even if it’s no longer functional.
7. Books
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Most book lovers will tell you that letting go of books feels like an amputation. Book collections can take up a significant amount of space, and downsizing may mean paring down a collection that someone may have spent years building.
8. Collectibles
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Anyone who collected items like coins, stamps, or memorabilia may find accommodating their collections in a smaller home difficult. They may regret selling or giving away pieces of their collection that hold sentimental or monetary value.
9. Clothing and Accessories
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Clothes are the common victims of downsizing. Downsizing may mean having to pare down a wardrobe to fit a smaller closet space. Getting rid of vintage pieces that are no longer worn but have great sentimental value will be hard to part with- despite their impracticality.
10. Outdoor Equipment
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Items like lawnmowers, gardening tools, and outdoor furniture may need to be downsized when moving to a home with a smaller yard or no yard at all. Retirees who enjoy spending time outdoors may regret letting go of outdoor equipment they’ve invested in and used regularly.
11. Photographs and Albums
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Before Google Photos and other photo backups were invented, people used to store hardcopy photos in photo albums, and some would take up a significant amount of space. Most retirees have an album or several, and downsizing may require them to digitize or downsize their collection.
Parting with physical photographs with memories of special moments and milestones can be a little painful. Although, with the right details, a digital copy can be just as sentimental.
12. Musical Instruments
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The large pianos and other instruments may be challenging to accommodate in a smaller home. Those who are music lovers may regret downsizing if it means having to sell or give away instruments that they’ve invested time and money in.
13. Fine China and Silverware
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The love between some older people and their silverware is hard to understand for some younger generations. Still, upscale dinnerware and silverware sets may need to be downsized when moving to a smaller home with limited storage space, especially if there’s no room for a bulky china cabinet anymore.
14. Sporting Equipment
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Retirement doesn’t mean an end to sports, but it may mean downsizing items like golf clubs, bicycles, and camping gear. Retirees who enjoy outdoor activities may regret letting go of sporting equipment they use somewhat regularly.
15. Family Heirlooms
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Downsizing may require a retiree to decide which family heirlooms to keep and which to let go of. Some of these items hold historical or sentimental significance, and the younger generations in the family may not be too keen on inheriting them.
Retirement or relocation is more than just a change in living arrangements. It’s a deeply personal transition that entails navigating a multitude of emotions and practical considerations. If the goal is more freedom (more money, less house to clean, etc.), then downsizing makes sense. But if leaving a family home or parting with possessions feels too stressful, it may be worth reconsidering.