The challenges of downsizing and relocating sentimental possessions
Susan Masi faced the difficult task of downsizing her belongings when she sold her townhouse in Surrey, B.C., to move in with her son and grandchildren earlier this year. Among the cherished items she had to part with were a China cabinet gifted by her mother upon her marriage and a mahogany dining table passed down from her great-grandmother, believed to be over 126 years old.
Letting go of these items, each holding significant memories, was a heart-wrenching experience for Masi. She expressed her emotions, stating, “We sat 12 people around that table. It breaks my heart to let it go, but this is the house I’m living in now. There’s no way that it fits.”
Masi had to part with various other possessions like furniture, dinnerware, and knickknacks as she transitioned to a modern home with her two young grandchildren. June Cotte, a marketing professor at Western University, emphasized that deciding to give away cherished possessions can be an emotional and challenging process, akin to relinquishing a part of one’s identity.
With Canada’s aging demographic, more individuals may find themselves in similar situations. Statistics Canada reported that by 2030, approximately one in four Canadians will be aged 65 or older. A recent RE/MAX survey revealed that 16% of Canadian respondents aged 65 and above plan to downsize their homes within the next decade.
Finding new homes for sentimental possessions often involves difficult conversations with family and friends, according to Cotte. Many individuals struggle to part with items due to not finding a suitable recipient, leading them to delay decisions until it becomes too late.
Some individuals seek assistance from professionals to facilitate the downsizing process. For instance, Masi enlisted the services of Estate Sales by Christine Caroline, a Vancouver-based company specializing in managing belongings during transitions. The company, led by Christine Valk, aids in identifying valuable items for auction, arranging disposal of unwanted items, and ensuring items suitable for reuse or donation find new life.
Cotte stresses the importance of having a downsizing strategy, particularly for larger items, advising individuals to start decluttering early on or before moving. While younger generations are anticipated to inherit a substantial amount of possessions, older Canadians may be surprised by the modest value others place on their cherished items when downsizing.
Christopher Reid, the CEO of MaxSold, an online auction platform based in Waterloo, Ontario, highlighted that vintage items continue to attract interest from buyers seeking items with historical significance. Reid emphasized that while such items may not command the same prices as in the past, they still find new owners, providing them with a second lease of life.
Masi acknowledged the emotional toll of parting with possessions, especially photographs capturing decades of family memories. Despite the challenges, she finds solace in reminiscing over the cherished moments shared around her dining table and remains grateful for the memories created over the years.