Downsizing & Moving Guide
A downsizing and moving checklist that keeps you in control
Moving is easier when you declutter first. This checklist helps Saskatchewan and Manitoba homeowners sort belongings, reduce moving loads, and settle into a simpler space.
8 weeks before moving day
- Walk through your home and decide which rooms need the most work
- Set up four sorting categories: Keep, Donate, Sell, Decide Later
- Start with storage areas, closets, and rooms you use least
- Book your moving date or reserve a moving truck
4 weeks before moving day
- Sort one room at a time — do not bounce between spaces
- Label every box with its destination room and contents
- Take photos of furniture layouts in your new home
- Arrange donation pickups or drop-offs for items you are passing on
1 week before moving day
- Pack an essentials box for the first 24 hours in your new home
- Confirm utilities, forwarding address, and moving-day logistics
- Finish reviewing "decide later" boxes
- Clean each room as it empties
Settle into your new home
Unload essentials first, then unpack room by room. Resist the urge to open every box at once. A slower, intentional setup leads to a calmer, more organized home long-term.
The "decide later" system
Downsizing often involves emotional decisions. Place unsure items into a labeled box with a future review date. This keeps the process moving while giving you time to decide without pressure.
Need help downsizing or moving?
CleanHome Living supports seniors and families across South East Saskatchewan and South West Manitoba with downsizing, packing, and move-in organizing.