Where to Begin. Downsizing Tips from Matt Paxton.

“A can of soup is not just a can of soup when you know the story,” says Matt Paxton, author and downsizing expert.

Matt is not your average Marie Kondo. He specializes in the emotional process of letting go as you age.

“It’s about getting rid of the stuff that doesn’t matter to make space for the things that do,” says Matt.

Slowly. Don’t convince yourself you can get it all done in a three-day weekend.

Matt’s audience for his seminar Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff (also the title of his book), typically has lived in their homes for over 30 years — some for as long as 50 or 60. Downsizing for seniors is rarely a quick process. Matt says it will likely take a year or two, and that’s okay.

“Your greatest currency is time. Don’t wait. Don’t hold on. Don’t let guilt hold you back.”

Many of us keep shelves or boxes of items that belonged to parents, spouses, or relatives who are no longer with us.

“Don’t feel guilty about giving away something your great aunt gave you when you were 18. You’re 65 now, and she’s been gone for 30 years — she’d probably be okay with it,” Matt says with a smile.

Matt urges a mindset shift. Instead of asking, “What if I need it later?” ask, “Who can use it now?” Donate, donate, donate. Choose a nonprofit whose mission aligns with your values — and the values of your loved ones.

Not the garage. Not the attic.

Start in the junk drawer. The smaller the task, the better.

When you’re facing decades of belongings, the idea of getting started can feel overwhelming. For those beginning the journey of downsizing for seniors, Matt recommends starting small and building momentum — a strategy often referred to as “Micro-Decluttering.”

Dedicate just 10 minutes each day to decluttering. This approach helps you build a habit without it feeling like an enormous task. Starting small makes it easier to stay consistent, and over the first few weeks, those daily 10-minute sessions add up. You’ll begin to notice real progress, creating momentum and making the entire process feel more doable.

“Celebrate ten minutes of cleaning and organizing each night,” Matt says. “Focus on what you’ve completed instead of what you have not.”

This mindset shift makes a huge difference. Give yourself permission to go slow and honor the process.

To stay motivated, access story starters and use them to spark memories as you sort. You’ll find that as you tell the stories behind your belongings, it becomes easier to let them go.

Choose five of your most prized possessions and make a list.

Some call it a fire list — the things you’d grab if you had two minutes to evacuate your home. Matt calls it your Legacy List. Check out his PBS show Legacy List with Matt Paxton.

Now that you have five items, write or record the story behind each one. Or tell the story to a friend or loved one. You’ll be amazed at how oral history is passed from generation to generation. Your stories will be valued, and your stories will live on. Once the story is shared, the item is no longer needed.

You can let go.

You can be free of guilt.

You can move on and choose how you want to live and spend your time.

• Buy the book Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff for expert downsizing advice.
• Explore Storyworth and Artifcts.com to preserve and pass down your stories.
• Schedule your visit to discover how a life plan community can help you downsize and live the life you want. See the locations below.