Downsizing, or even relocating, is a high probability when planning for retirement. It is a way to reduce potentially monthly expenses and free up time to do more (rather than cleaning a big house, for example).
While downsizing may seem straightforward in theory, deciding what to keep and what to let go of is indeed complex and deeply personal. From sentimental treasures to practical essentials, each item embodies a piece of their story and represents a chapter in their lives.
And while they may regret it, the fact of the matter is that they can’t keep it all in a smaller space. Something will have to give, even if they don’t like it (or perhaps they’ll decide 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 general regrets people share online in various forums and articles.
1. Furniture
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 Boomers 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
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
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
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
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
Moving to a smaller home with less storage space may require downsizing pots, pans, dishes, and other goods. Boomers could feel 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
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
Boomers who collect 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
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
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. Boomers who enjoy spending time outdoors may regret letting go of outdoor equipment they’ve invested in and used regularly.
11. Photographs and Albums
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 Boomers 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
The large pianos and other instruments may be challenging to accommodate in a smaller home. Boomers 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
The love between a Boomer 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
Retirement doesn’t mean an end to sports, but it may mean downsizing items like golf clubs, bicycles, and camping gear. Boomers who enjoy outdoor activities may regret letting go of sporting equipment they use somewhat regularly.
15. Family Heirlooms
Downsizing may require Boomers 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.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
