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.

Quick Answer

Downsizing for seniors, as advised by expert Matt Paxton, is an emotional process focused on letting go of items that don't matter to create space for what does, and it typically takes a year or two rather than a quick weekend. To begin, Paxton recommends starting with small tasks like a junk drawer and dedicating just 10 minutes daily to micro-decluttering, rather than overwhelming oneself with large areas like the garage or attic. He also encourages overcoming guilt by asking "Who can use it now?" instead of "What if I need it later?", emphasizing donation to align with personal and loved ones' values.

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.”

Guilt can be debilitating and hold you back from downsizing by making it difficult to let go of sentimental items. To overcome this, Matt urges a mindset shift: instead of asking, “What if I need it later?” ask, “Who can use it now?” Donate items to a nonprofit whose mission aligns with your values and those 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.

A Legacy List is a list of your five most prized possessions, also known as a 'fire list' for items you'd grab in an emergency. Matt Paxton calls it a Legacy List because its purpose is to help with downsizing by encouraging you to write or record the story behind each item. Once the story is shared, the item is no longer needed, allowing you to let go of possessions, be free of guilt, and move on.

• 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.