Senior Relocation? Here’s How to Downsize, organize and move

If you’re one of the nearly 40 million Baby Boomers turning 65 by 2035, now is the perfect time to start thinking about downsizing your home, organizing your belongings, and preparing for a smooth senior relocation. Whether you’re a senior relocating to be closer to family, transitioning into a smaller residence, or preparing for life in a senior living community, the process doesn’t have to be stressful.

For many older adults, the idea of moving ranks up there with paying taxes or getting a root canal. But with expert planning and support from a trusted senior moving company, you’ll be playing pickleball, relaxing, and spending quality time with family before you know it.

“Most people wait too long,” says Matt Paxton, senior relocation expert and author of Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff. “If you’re feeling good today, that’s the right time to start planning. Waiting until there’s an emergency or health issue can make moving far more stressful.”

When to Start Planning a Senior Move

Paxton recommends starting the senior downsizing and relocation process at least a year before your intended move. This allows time to decide what to keep, what to donate, and how to organize for a new, simplified lifestyle. Having worked as a Senior Move Manager for more than three decades and hosted shows like Hoarders and Legacy List, and now Filthy Fortunes on Discovery, Paxton has seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be for older adults to move—especially after living in the same home for many years.

Paxton’s tips for starting your move as an older adult

1. Start Small and Stay Practical
Don’t begin your move by tackling the attic or garage. Those areas are emotionally charged and overwhelming. Start with a junk drawer or linen closet. These small wins build confidence and help keep the momentum going.

2. Create a Legacy List
Make a list of the five-to-ten items that mean the most to you and your family. These items—whether it’s a dining room table, a wedding ring, or a favorite cookbook—should be non-negotiables for the move. However, you need to be realistic based on the size of your new space.

3. Donate What You Can
Parting with possessions is easier when you know they’ll serve someone else. Donating furniture, clothing, and household goods is not only kind—it’s environmentally responsible. And it helps make your move lighter and less expensive.

4. Hire a NASMM-Certified Senior Move Manager
Senior Move Managers, certified by the National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers (NASMM), specialize in helping older adults organize, downsize and relocate. Whether you’re moving into a 55+ community, an assisted living facility, or simply downsizing to a condo, these professionals guide you through every step—from organizing and packing to coordinating with senior-friendly movers. They’re familiar with the specific regulations, timelines, and parking rules at retirement communities, which makes moving day smoother and more efficient.

Learn more about the benefits of hiring a certified professional here: Why Hire a Senior Move Manager

Hiring a Senior Moving Company
Senior Move Managers often work alongside experienced moving companies for seniors, such as Olympia. Olympia is Silver Certified by Wheaton World Wide Moving, one of the country’s largest van lines and a Premier Industry Partner of NASMM. This means Olympia understands the unique needs of older adults and the logistics of moving into senior communities.

You’ll typically receive two quotes—one from the Senior Move Manager for organizing and downsizing services, and one from the moving company for packing, transporting, and unloading your belongings.

Stats on Senior Relocation
Senior relocation is a growing trend. Each year, more than 4 million adults turn 65, and a significant number of them move into smaller homes, retirement communities, or closer to children and grandchildren. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Institute on Aging:
• Annually between 2015–2019, more than 3.1 million older adults relocated
• Over 622,000 seniors moved to a different state each year
• The population over 65 continues to grow rapidly, fueling demand for senior downsizing services, senior move managers, and senior moving companies

Ready to Relocate?
If you or a loved one is preparing for a move later in life, take time to plan carefully, work with certified experts, and choose a moving company experienced with seniors. With the right help, your move as an older adult can be a positive and empowering step toward the next chapter of your life.