By Sarah Allen
Real estate coordinator, and firm believer that less can truly mean more.
If you ever made a mix tape from the radio, paid late fees at Blockbuster, or had to get up to change the channel—you’re in the right place. Gen X has seen it all, collected a lot of stuff along the way, and now a lot of us are wondering: do we really still need it all?
Downsizing doesn’t mean giving up. It means creating room—physically, financially, mentally—for what actually matters now. Maybe it’s less stress, more time, or just living in a home that fits the way life looks today.
Here’s why more Gen Xers are giving downsizing a second look:
Let’s be honest—we’ve all got stuff we’re not using. Bread makers we forgot we owned, tangled cords that fit nothing, Tupperware without lids. Closets full of clothes we don’t wear anymore. Boxes we moved three times but never unpacked.
Downsizing gives you permission to finally let it go. It’s not about turning into a minimalist overnight—it’s about asking what’s still serving you and what’s just taking up space (looking at you, 2006 treadmill).
Are you using every room? Does the yard feel like a retreat or a chore? A smaller home can be a big upgrade when it comes to your daily life. Less square footage means less to clean, less to heat, less to fix—and more time to actually enjoy the space you’re in. It’s the difference between “I should really clean the spare room” and “let’s go grab a coffee.”
Right-sizing means your home works for you—not the other way around.
Holding onto more space than you need can quietly chip away at your budget—higher taxes, utility bills, maintenance, and insurance. What if that money could be redirected toward something that excites you? Travel, early retirement, helping your kids get started, or even just breathing easier month to month.
Downsizing isn’t just about cost-cutting—it’s about creating new possibilities. And hey, maybe finally upgrading from that flip phone.
Let’s be clear—this isn’t about disappearing. You don’t have to give up your favourite café, walking trails, or Saturday market. You can move around the corner or to a nearby neighbourhood that better fits your lifestyle.
Stay close to what matters, and let go of the stuff (and space) that doesn’t. You’ll still see your people—just maybe not while stepping over boxes of things you forgot you even owned.
When your home feels lighter, your life does too. Fewer things to clean. Fewer piles to manage. Fewer decisions every time you open a cupboard.
A lighter home can create the kind of clarity that makes everyday life feel smoother, calmer, and more aligned with where you are in life. It’s less about the square footage—and more about peace of mind. And let’s be honest—at this point, if it doesn’t spark joy or at least hold your coffee mug, it’s probably time to let it go.
I haven’t downsized yet—but I’ve worked with enough people who have to see the difference it can make. Life just feels better when your space makes sense for where you are now.
This isn’t about downsizing just for the sake of it. It’s about making choices that line up with your life right now. For a lot of Gen Xers, that means shifting away from “more is better” and choosing something that just… fits.
Thinking about it? Let’s talk. Nobody knows Niagara like our team.
