Let’s be honest—downsizing when moving ranks somewhere between doing your taxes and getting a root canal on life’s unpleasantness scale. But here in Toronto where square footage comes at a premium, mastering the best way to downsize when moving isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. At One Day Movers, we’ve transformed thousands of overwhelming downsizing projects into fresh starts across the GTA. Here’s our battle-tested checklist for downsizing and moving that actually works in Toronto’s unique real estate landscape.
Tips for Downsizing Moving
1. Start Early and Strategize (Your Future Self Will Thank You)
The golden rule of downsizing before moving? Begin at least three months before your move date. Toronto’s competitive housing market means you’ll need every advantage:
- Week 1-4: Sort through storage areas (basements, garages)
- Week 5-8: Tackle living spaces and bedrooms
- Week 9-12: Finalize kitchen and sentimental items
Pro tip: Schedule donation pickups with Diabetes Canada or Habitat for Humanity during this phase—they’ll take everything from clothes to furniture off your hands.
2. Measure Everything Twice (Toronto Condos Play Dirty)
Nothing derails downsizing and moving plans faster than realizing your beloved sectional won’t fit in your new Liberty Village loft. Before you commit:
- Measure doorways, elevators, and stairwells
- Create a floor plan of your new space
- Our downsizing movers team includes complimentary measurements in all quotes
3. The Four-Box System: A Downsizing Revelation
The four-box system revolutionizes downsizing when moving by creating clear categories. Designate one box for daily essentials and meaningful keepsakes you’ll bring to your new space. Fill another with quality items to donate to Toronto charities like Scott Mission. Reserve a third box for sellable pieces – Facebook Marketplace works wonders here. The final box holds only irreparable items for City of Toronto bulk pickup. This method brings order to the emotional chaos of letting go.
4. Digitize Your Life (Because Paper is the Enemy of Small Spaces)
In a city where closets qualify as “luxury storage”, downsizing tips for moving must include:
- Scanning photos and documents (try Toronto Public Library’s free scanners)
- Cloud storage for important files
- Keeping only essential paper records (property deeds, wills)
5. Multifunctional Furniture: The Toronto Space Saver
The best way to downsize when moving in the GTA? Invest in pieces that earn their keep:
- Murphy beds for studio apartments
- Ottomans with storage for tiny condos
- Fold-down desks for WFH setups
Our team specializes in assembling these space-saving solutions in your new home.
6. Kitchen Downsizing: The Toronto Edition
Toronto’s compact kitchens demand ruthless efficiency. Keep only items used in the past year – that bread maker collecting dust? Time to go. Donate quality appliances to organizations like New Circles that support local families. Maximize every inch with vertical storage solutions like wall-mounted racks and stackable containers. Remember: in small Toronto kitchens, every square inch counts toward functionality.
7. Seasonal Storage Solutions That Make Sense
Sometimes downsizing and moving means making tough choices. For items you can’t part with:
- Store seasonal decor and clothing
- Use climate-controlled facilities near the DVP
- Our partners offer discounted rates for One Day Movers clients
8. The Art of the Toronto Downsizing Sale
Turn clutter into cash with these local downsizing tips for moving:
- Consignment shops like Common Sort for designer items
- Bunz Trading Zone for bartering
- Kijiji for quick furniture sales
9. Pack Like a Toronto Downsizing Pro
Our professional packing team—rated best for downsizing movers in Toronto—recommends:
- Small boxes for books (your back will thank you)
- Vacuum bags for seasonal clothing
- Color-coded labels by room and priority
10. When to Call the Downsizing Experts
Some downsizing and moving challenges require pros:
- Fragile item packing
- Piano moving in high-rises
- Last-minute condo moves
One Day Movers specializes in making Toronto downsizing seamless:
At One Day Movers, we’ve perfected the art of stress-free downsizing moves across Toronto. Our unique women-led packing teams bring meticulous care to every box and fragile item. Trusted by hundreds of local real estate agents, we’ve become the go-to choice for GTA residents transitioning to smaller spaces. You’ll appreciate our straightforward pricing with no hidden fees – just honest quotes that reflect exactly what your customized downsizing move requires. From initial planning to final unpacking, we handle every detail with Toronto-specific expertise.
Why This Checklist Works for Toronto Downsizing
We’ve helped everyone from empty nesters in Rosedale to young professionals in King West navigate how to downsize when moving. Our approach combines practical tips for downsizing before moving with genuine understanding—because we know that a china set from your grandmother means more than just dishes.
“They helped my parents downsize from their 40-year family home to a retirement condo with such care. Even the photo albums arrived perfectly organized.” — Michael T., Forest Hill
Ready to downsize the smart way? Get a free, no-pressure quote from Toronto’s trusted downsizing movers. Call us at 437-774-7495 or visit our website. Let’s make space for what truly matters.