Downsizing Tips for Empty Nesters

Erin Stuckey • September 27, 2024

Becoming an empty nester is a major transitional moment in life. As your children move out of the home, you’ll find yourself with more freedom, fewer responsibilities, and a whole lot of empty space. While these changes can certainly be emotionally taxing, they can also lead to positive changes that will help you get the most out of your mature years.

Whether you’ve reached retirement age or are still working, downsizing your home allows you to embrace your new lifestyle as an empty nester. Between the benefits of living in a more efficient space and the financial incentives that come with this change, the experts at Apple Self Storage are here to explain why downsizing may be the right decision for you.

Embracing Life as an Empty Nester

One of the most important downsizing tips for empty nesters to remember is that while it may feel sad or emotional at first, it’s part of a transformative process that will lead to a more enjoyable and comfortable living situation. You may miss the sound of your children’s voices echoing throughout the house at first, but over time, you’ll begin to feel liberated by the newfound freedom, silence, and space that surrounds you in your new environment.

Benefits of Downsizing Your Home

Downsizing is about more than just moving into a smaller home—it’s about changing your overall lifestyle to embrace independence. Instead of fretting over things you’ll miss, which is natural, it can help to consider the positives you can expect to experience.

Less Maintenance and Upkeep

The last thing you want to spend your golden years doing is stressing over maintaining a large property. A smaller home means less time spent on cleaning and repairs, as you won’t have to worry about mowing the lawn or vacuuming extra bedrooms you hardly use anyway. Instead, you can spend your free time traveling, enjoying your favourite activities, or simply relaxing.

Move Somewhere More Enjoyable

One of the top downsizing tips for empty nesters to consider is the exciting potential that comes with moving somewhere new. Whether it’s a condo, a cottage by the lake, or a cozy town house near your relatives, downsizing gives you the flexibility to find a home that truly suits you. You no longer have to worry about school district lines or proximity to the local soccer fields. Instead, you can look to live near your favourite park, mall, or theatre!

Economic Benefits of Downsizing

The process of moving into a new home may seem expensive at first, but by selling your house and downsizing into a smaller space, you can actually experience a financial windfall. You may receive an influx of cash you can use to bolster your retirement savings, take a vacation, or make a thrilling purchase like a new car or home entertainment setup. Downsizing also means having a smaller mortgage, reduced property taxes, and lower bills for things like utilities and insurance.

What To Look for in a Downsized Home

Another important downsizing tip for empty nesters to keep in mind is that it’s all about finding a home that’s right for you . Do you want an urban space with convenient amenities, or are you looking for a quiet retreat in the country? What accessibility features do you need? Do you need ramped entryways or showers with chairs? Are there any local businesses, doctor’s offices, or other landmarks you need to be close to?

Generally speaking, it’s about making sure your new home will continue to meet your needs as you age. Comfort, low maintenance, and community are all factors that can significantly impact your quality of life in a downsized home, so make sure to take your time looking around.

How To Declutter When Kids Move Out

Decluttering can be one of the most challenging aspects of downsizing, especially when your home is filled with memories and sentimental items. Nobody wants to throw out cherished photos or old keepsakes, but realistically, you won’t have enough space to keep everything. Here are some decluttering tips to consider when downsizing:

  • Go one room at a time. Sort through the things in each room of your home, deciding what will make the journey to your new place and what will not. It can help to sort things into piles to visualize how much space they’ll take up.
  • Get your kids involved. Invite your children over or host a video call if they’ve moved away and go through each room. While they may not have taken certain things when they moved out, there will certainly be some things they don’t want you to get rid of.
  • Take photos of everything. Before you decide to get rid of anything, take photos of your cherished items so you can look back on them later. You can put these photos into a scrapbook or digital album to keep the memories alive.
  • Consider repurposing old items. You don’t have to use your sentimental items in the way they were intended, as most people keep old possessions as decorations. For example, you could sew old T-shirts into a quilt or upcycle an old crate into a nice end table.

Renting a Storage Unit as an Empty Nester

One of the best downsizing tips for empty nesters we can provide is to rent a self storage unit. By investing in an additional storage space with Apple Self Storage, you can securely stow away anything you don’t have room for within a short drive of your home. This will help you declutter when your kids move out without the emotional burden of donating or throwing things away.

When searching for a storage facility, look for a location that is easily accessible and offers valuable amenities like Climate Control storage . Renting a Climate Control storage unit provides the best protection against outdoor elements, which can be especially important if you’re storing fragile collectibles or old items. Use our unit size guide to figure out how much space you need to rent.

Store Your Belongings With Apple Self Storage

As you make your way through your empty nester journey, it’s important to embrace the lifestyle changes that come with this new chapter of your life. While downsizing your home may be emotional, you’ll end up appreciating the peace and tranquility that comes with living in a fresh space.

Apple Self Storage is your trusted provider for self storage when downsizing. We offer a wide variety of options for self storage units that can accommodate your extra furniture, sentimental items, and other excess things. Ready to get started? Find the closest Apple Self Storage facility to you today! You can also check out our FAQ and packing tips page for more helpful information.

The post Downsizing Tips for Empty Nesters appeared first on Apple Storage.

By Erik Sherman July 21, 2026
We’re making storage a unique, friendly and easy experience at Apple Self Storage on Highway 27 in Woodbridge . This facility is designed with one goal in mind: to be genuinely pleasant for the people who use it. You'll find it at 7845 Highway 27, in a spot that's simple to reach whether you're coming from Vaughan, Kleinburg, or anywhere across the Woodbridge area. With Highway 27 right there, swinging by to drop something off or grab what you need fits neatly into your day instead of eating up your afternoon. Climate Controlled Storage, Top to Bottom This facility offers a huge range of climate controlled units, which means your belongings stay in a steady, comfortable environment no matter what the weather is doing outside. That matters more than people realize. Ontario weather runs the full gauntlet, from humid summers to frigid winters, and that constant back and forth is rough on a lot of the things we store. Wood furniture, electronics, photos, paperwork, instruments, and seasonal clothing all hold up far better when they're kept in a stable space. You can store the things you actually care about and trust they'll be in great shape whenever you come back for them. A Size for Every Need One of the best parts about a facility this size is the sheer range of unit options. Spaces start small, around a tidy 5x5 that's perfect for a few boxes, seasonal gear, or the clutter that's been crowding a closet at home. From there they climb steadily upward through dozens of sizes, all the way to large units like a roomy 30x15 that can handle the contents of an entire house. That range means just about anyone can find the right fit. A growing family clearing out the basement, a homeowner mid-renovation, a small business storing inventory or records, someone downsizing, or a household between moves all have a spot that works. And because there are so many sizes in between, you're not stuck paying for room you don't need or squeezing into something too tight. You get the space that actually matches your situation. One feature that sets our facility apart: a dedicated loading bay. Instead of wrestling boxes across a parking lot in the rain or balancing furniture on a curb, you can pull in, unload in a sheltered, purpose-built space, and move your things inside comfortably. And if you realize halfway through that you're short on boxes, tape, or wrapping, you don't have to run across town. Moving supplies are available right on site, so you can grab what you need and keep the momentum going. Little conveniences like that are what make a modern facility feel like it's genuinely on your side. Security That's Personal Peace of mind is a big part of why people choose storage in the first place, and this facility takes it seriously. Every tenant gets a unique pin code for access, so entry is controlled and tied to you specifically. That personal layer of access control means you can leave your belongings here and get on with your life, confident that the only people coming and going are the ones who are supposed to. Access That Works Around Your Schedule Access hours run daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, which gives you a wide, flexible window to come and go. Early birds can swing by before work, and night owls can stop in after dinner. Either way, getting to your unit fits your routine. If you'd like a hand from the team, the office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The office is closed on Sundays and holidays, but with access hours that generous, reaching your things is never a hassle. A Fresh Start for Storage in Woodbridge What makes this new facility special is how it all comes together. Wall-to-wall climate controlled units, a sheltered loading bay, on-site moving supplies, personal pin code access, and a huge spread of unit sizes add up to a storage experience that feels modern, secure, and refreshingly easy. If you've been waiting for storage in Woodbridge that's actually built around you, the team at Apple Self Storage on Highway 27 is ready to welcome you in.
By Erik Sherman July 21, 2026
Anyone who has rushed to move out of an apartment or scrambled to clear room before a renovation knows how stressful that can be, and how much it matters when a business has your back. At Apple Self Storage on Stevenson Street in Guelph , the help is the whole point. We put our customers’ needs first. But don’t take our word for it. This is what our real customers are saying: A Welcome That Sets the Tone Walk into a lot of storage facilities and you'll get a clipboard and a shrug. That's not how it goes here. The team, especially Ross, has a habit of treating new renters like guests in a welcoming home. "I had a welcoming experience here. Ross was friendly, answered all my questions, and made the process as seamless as possible. Also, big ups for the student discount. Highly recommend! " — Esther O. Renting a unit usually comes with a dozen small questions: How does access work? What size do I actually need? What happens if my plans change? Getting real answers up front is what turns a nerve-wracking errand into a quick, easy stop. Esther isn't the only one who noticed. Another review from the name “Hot Business” put it simply after working with two of the team members: " Ross and Henry were truly amazing, super friendly and quick ." First Time Storing? You're in Good Hands If you've never rented a storage unit before, the unknowns can pile up fast. The Apple team is patient with first-timers, walking through every step instead of assuming you already know the drill. "First time using a storage service and it was a very positive experience. Communication was excellent before my visit and I was greeted warmly by Michael and Ross when I arrived. The building is very clean and well lit. Ross took the time to explain every part of the process, including how to use the lock. The rates are great! I feel very confident in accessing my unit independently." — Janine C. That last line is the goal. We want you to feel confident in your rental. You shouldn't need to call the office every time you want to grab something out of your unit. When someone takes a few extra minutes to show you how the lock works and how to get in and out on your own, you walk away confident, not confused. Clean, Modern, and Built for Easy Loading A welcoming staff matters, but so does the building. The Guelph facility is a modern, well-kept space, and the details show up the moment you start moving boxes. "Clean and modern self storage. Lots of parking, two big loading bays that allow you to pull in and load and unload in comfort. Even a hydraulic lift plate! Kind and friendly staff that keep the place spotless. Any issues are dealt with promptly. Probably the best self-storage in Guelph, in a super-convenient location. Top marks!" — Brad C. Two covered loading bays, plenty of parking, and a lift plate for heavy items are the kind of features you don't think about until you're carrying a couch in the rain. Add climate and humidity control throughout the building and free dollies to borrow, and the actual work of moving in gets a lot less painful. Brad calls it the best in Guelph, and the convenient Stevenson Street location, close to downtown and the University of Guelph, doesn't hurt. Students Get a Real Break Guelph is a university town, and summer brings the annual scramble to figure out what to do with a year's worth of stuff. Apple makes that easier with a student discount and supplies to pack it all up. "Phenomenal service. I cannot recommend Apple Self Storage enough. Ross and Henry were extremely helpful and guided me through the whole process step by step. I'm renting for the summer, and they made everything easy by offering me the student discount and providing boxes and supplies to help with packing. I don't usually write reviews, but if you're in Guelph and looking for storage, save yourself the trouble of sorting through all the options online and book with Apple Self Storage. You won't regret it." — Dania S. Summer storage is one of those problems that feels bigger than it is. You're juggling exams, a move, and a deadline to be out of your place. A student discount, boxes ready on-site, and a team that walks you through it turns a headache into a one-stop solution. If you're a student heading home for the break, this is the easy button. It Adds Up Look across these reviews and a pattern shows up. People mention the helpful employees that truly care by name. They talk about feeling welcomed, getting straight answers, and leaving confident. They notice the spotless bays and the lift plate. They appreciate a fair rate and a discount when they qualify for one. None of that happens by accident. It happens because the people running the Guelph facility care, truly care, about our tenants. That's the difference. Stop By or Reserve Your Unit If you need storage in Guelph, come see why customers keep recommending the team by name. Apple Self Storage – Guelph 110 Stevenson St S, Guelph, ON N1E 5N4 Phone: (226) 794-5298 Email: store1061@applestorage.com Access Hours: Daily, 6:00 am – 10:00 pm Office Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sat 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun & Holidays closed Ask about the student discount, and let Ross and the team make your next move a simple one.