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July 2025: Downsizing, Rightsizing & Simplifying | Senior Truth Series

Updated: Sep 3


Downsizing, Rightsizing, and Simplifying

Letting go of "stuff" can be emotional—but it can also be freeing. In this Senior Truth Series seminar, we explored the real-life process of downsizing and simplifying your home, especially when planning a move. Whether you’re making a change now or simply preparing for the future, it’s never too early to start asking: Do I really want to take this with me?

Hosted by Julie Spaulding, this seminar features insights from Cooper Rowe with New Leaf Move Management and Maija Diethelm, professional organizer and creator of The Maija Method and Julie Spaulding, a Downsizing Coach and Real Estate Specialist. Together, they shared smart strategies, heartfelt stories, and a little humor to help people of all ages feel empowered to take the next step.

If you’ve ever looked at your basement, garage, or attic and thought “Where do I even start?”—this one’s for you.

🔑 In this video, you’ll learn:

  • How to begin the downsizing process without feeling overwhelmed

  • Why rightsizing might be a better mindset than downsizing

  • The top 3 questions to ask when sorting your belongings

  • What a move manager actually does—and how they can save you time, money, and stress

  • How to handle keepsakes and family heirlooms with less guilt

  • Where to donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer need

📣 Expert Panelists

  • Cooper Rowe, New Leaf Move Management. A certified move manager, Cooper works closely with older adults and their families to make transitions smooth and respectful. From sorting and packing to setting up the new home, he explains how his team removes stress from the moving equation.

  • Maija Diethelm, Professional Organizer. Maija brings her unique “Maija Method” to organizing—one that combines coaching, encouragement, and structure to help clients simplify their lives. She offers clear tips on when to let go, how to reframe guilt, and why living with less can feel like so much more.

  • Julie Spaulding, Downsizing Coach & Real Estate Expert. In addition to hosting the Senior Truth Series, Julie shares real estate insights and practical advice from her years of helping older adults rightsize their homes. Her “10-Steps to Downsizing” worksheet is a great starting point for anyone considering their next move.


✨ Highlights & Insights

💡 Downsizing is Personal and Emotional Letting go isn’t just about clutter—it’s about memories, identity, and honoring your past while preparing for your future. The panelists encouraged attendees to take it slow, celebrate small wins, and ask for help when needed.

🧹 Organizing Improves Safety and Peace of Mind From clearing paths to reduce fall risks to rethinking how items are stored, Maija reminded us that organizing isn’t about perfection—it’s about living more safely and comfortably in your space.

📦 Move Management Offers More Than Moving Cooper shared stories of clients who were amazed at how much smoother a transition can be when someone else handles the details—from sorting to packing to coordinating estate sales or donations.

🕰️ Early Planning = Less Stress The recommendation to start 6–12 months before a potential move allows for thoughtful decision-making instead of panic purging. It also gives time to involve family, explore options, and emotionally process the change.

📽️ Memory Preservation Can Be Digital Not everything has to be kept in its original form. The Johnson County Memory Lab allows people to convert boxes of memories into digital archives—keeping the meaning without the clutter.

🧰 Helpful Tools & Local Resources

Attendees received handouts that included:

  • A Step-by-Step Downsizing Plan

  • The “Stay or Move” Self-Assessment Tool

  • A Kansas City Resource Guide listing donation centers, senior-friendly handyman services, shredding events, recycling options, and more

Want copies? Request the handouts here or reach out to Julie directly.


💬 “You don’t have to do it all at once. But you do need to start.” — Maija Diethelm

Visit www.SeniorTruthSeries.com for upcoming topics, dates, and past replays.

📅 Next Seminar: August 27, 2025 - Senior Community Living: Get the Inside Scoop!



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