At 80 years old, Berkeley, California resident Leni Siegel is confronting the emotional challenge of downsizing her home of two decades, a process marked by difficult choices about what to keep and what to discard. Surrounded by family photos, old theater programs, and a vast collection of books, Siegel said that while the task remains ongoing, she already feels a sense of relief.

The issue of managing possessions is common among aging adults, many of whom prefer to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Research from the University of Michigan indicates that about 88% of older adults choose to age in place. However, the accumulation of belongings can present safety hazards, including increased risks of falls, which can compromise independence, according to a 2023 study by Mississippi State University researchers.

Despite the practical benefits of decluttering, older adults often find the process overwhelming. Becky Bacon, a professional organizer with more than 15 years of experience helping clients in the Bay Area, emphasized that overwhelm and fear frequently hinder progress. Many individuals struggle to know how or where to begin, especially when the decision to downsize stems from life transitions such as moving to a smaller residence, adapting to health changes, or managing a spouse’s dementia.

The emotional weight of a lifetime’s worth of possessions adds complexity to the downsizing process. Dr. Joseph Ferrari, a psychology professor at DePaul University, has studied the relationship between clutter and life satisfaction, finding that excess belongings are generally linked to lower well-being. His research suggests that people often derive greater happiness from having fewer possessions, though the momentary comfort of holding onto items can complicate decision-making.

A 2023 study involving 172 adults who had recently decluttered identified three patterns in how individuals approach the task: enthusiastic, challenged, or disengaged. Those who found personal significance in downsizing reported more enjoyment and successful outcomes, whereas those feeling time pressure or lack of control experienced stress and slower progress. Nonetheless, participants across categories reported feeling better by the end of the process.

Bacon noted that decluttering can take six months to a year, depending on decision-making pace. She highlighted the influence of generational values shaped by experiences of scarcity, especially for those who lived through the Great Depression, which fostered a tendency to preserve possessions. Many of Bacon’s clients fear that their belongings will not be valued by others, making it harder to let go.

To ease this, Bacon encourages clients to consider where items will go next, such as donations to organizations or individuals likely to appreciate them. She stresses the importance of patience and compassion during the process, focusing on one area at a time and honoring the personal stories connected to belongings.

Siegel’s own experience reflects these challenges. Her mother, a Great Depression survivor, left behind a significant accumulation of items that Siegel found burdensome. The pandemic prompted Siegel to begin downsizing in earnest, sorting through old documents and photos with her sister. Despite still being in the process, Siegel reports feeling mentally lighter and settled, having reduced her possessions substantially while retaining meaningful heirlooms such as her grandmother’s silverware set.

“I actually realized I don’t need ten tablecloths,” Siegel said. “I’m good with one or two.”