The Rules of Downsizing (Part 1): Why Downsizing Gets Harder Every Five Years After 70

Introducing the Downsizing Series

Downsizing is one of those topics that everyone talks about eventually, usually over dinner, after mowing the lawn, or during a weekend spent fixing something that broke again.

For many, the decision starts as a quiet thought:

“Maybe it’s time we moved somewhere smaller.”

But that thought often lingers for years before turning into action. The truth is, by the time most people seriously consider downsizing, they’ve already missed the easiest window to do it.

That’s why I’ve put together this new Downsizing Series, a practical, real-world guide to help you understand the emotional, financial, and logistical side of moving on from the family home. Over the next few articles, we’ll explore what really makes downsizing difficult, what it costs (and what it saves), how to know when it’s time, and how to do it without losing your sanity in the process.

Because the longer you wait, the harder it becomes. And that brings us to the first rule.

Why Downsizing Gets Harder Every Five Years After 70

After helping hundreds of clients through the downsizing process and going through it myself, I’ve noticed a clear pattern:
Every five years after 70, downsizing becomes about 25 percent harder.

It’s not just about physical ability, though that plays a part. It’s about mental energy, emotional attachment, and how much change you’re willing to take on.

When you’re 70, you might feel fit, mobile, and confident. By 75, you’re more comfortable staying put. At 80, the thought of sorting through decades of belongings and handling a sale can feel almost impossible.

That’s why the conversation needs to happen early, ideally while it’s still a choice, not a necessity.

The Emotional Weight of ‘Not Yet’

When clients tell me they’re “not ready,” I know what they really mean. It’s not about the house, it’s about identity.
That home holds memories. It’s where the kids grew up, where birthdays were celebrated, and where life unfolded.

But the danger of waiting is that “not yet” can quietly turn into “too late.”

Every year, the physical and emotional effort required to move increases. Packing boxes, managing agents, decluttering decades of possessions all gets harder. And once health or mobility become limiting factors, downsizing shifts from being an exciting choice to an urgent problem.

The Reality Check

I once worked with a couple in their late 60s who said they wanted to downsize “eventually.” They were active, healthy, and comfortable. But by their mid-70s, one had developed arthritis, and stairs became difficult. Suddenly, the move wasn’t about lifestyle anymore, it was about accessibility.

When we finally started the process, everything took longer. They were overwhelmed, tired, and emotional. The decisions they could have made calmly five years earlier now felt rushed.

Their only regret? “We should’ve done it sooner.”

A Bit of Tough Love

Yes, it’s hard. Yes, stamp duty stings. But if you’ve owned your home for 30 or 40 years, remember that property has probably grown by hundreds of thousands, maybe even a million dollars, in value. You’re not losing out by paying costs, you’re simply converting one form of wealth into another that suits your lifestyle better.

And for the gentlemen out there, if you think you’re making the call on where you’ll move next, think again. I’ve seen more downsizing plans derailed by a laundry layout than a price tag.

Why It’s Worth Acting Early

Downsizing early isn’t just about getting into a smaller home. It’s about freedom:

• Freedom from maintenance. No more weekends spent fixing things or climbing ladders.

• Freedom from stress. Fewer bills, fewer rooms, fewer worries.

• Freedom to enjoy life. To travel, relax, or simply live in a space that fits your lifestyle now, not the one you had 20 years ago.

And most importantly, downsizing early gives you choice. You get to decide where to go, what to keep, and when to move. Waiting means those decisions may eventually be made for you.

Final Word

Downsizing isn’t about giving something up, it’s about making room for what comes next.
But every five years after 70, that process gets harder physically, emotionally, and financially.

So if you’re thinking about it, don’t wait for the perfect time. It never comes. Start talking about it now, with your family, with your adviser, or even just with each other over dinner.

The goal isn’t a smaller home. It’s a lighter, easier, more enjoyable life.

Next in the Series: The Psychology of Letting Go – Why Downsizing Feels So Hard

Book a complimentary 20-minute session to talk about how to make your next chapter work practically, emotionally, and financially.