Downsizing Made Simple: How The Downsizers and The Consignors Help Families Transition
When it comes to moving later in life—or simply decluttering—many people feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of “stuff” accumulated over the years. Whether you’re transitioning from a large family home to a smaller space, preparing a loved one’s estate, or just trying to simplify, having the right help makes all the difference.
Recently, I sat down with Elizabeth Hirsch, founder of The Downsizers and The Consignors, to talk about how her team supports families through the downsizing process.
What Do The Downsizers Do?
Elizabeth explains that her company specializes in helping older adults navigate the often-daunting task of downsizing. That might mean:
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Supporting someone who wants to age in place by decluttering their current home
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Assisting families moving from a 5,000-square-foot home to a two-bedroom apartment in a senior community
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Helping to liquidate an estate after a loved one has passed away
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Or simply tackling a little bit of decluttering to make day-to-day life easier
“We meet people where they are,” Elizabeth says. “Sometimes it’s about clearing space to breathe easier, other times it’s about preparing for a big move.”
The Consignors: Turning “Stuff” Into Value
Part of that process involves The Consignors, Elizabeth’s auction business and app. Every two weeks, they list 300–400 lots of items from clients’ homes. Buyers can browse through the app, bid, and furnish their own homes affordably.
“It’s really a win-win,” Elizabeth explains. “Clients get to sell items they no longer need, while buyers—especially younger homeowners navigating today’s affordability challenges—find a cost-effective way to outfit their homes.”
Hidden Treasures: When “Trash” Turns Out to Be Treasure
Not everything that looks like clutter should go in the trash. Elizabeth’s team has uncovered everything from three-carat diamond rings and Civil War artifacts to a photo album filled with signed autographs from Hollywood icons—now housed in the Smithsonian.
“Sometimes the value is financial,” Elizabeth says. “But often, it’s historical or educational, which can be just as rewarding.”
Top Downsizing Tips from Elizabeth Hirsch
Elizabeth shared some of her best advice for anyone considering a move or decluttering project:
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Start Early – Don’t wait until your house sells to begin. Ideally, give yourself a year or two to work through things gradually.
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Start Small – Begin with a junk drawer, cabinet, or bathroom. Completing one small space builds momentum.
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Sort Like Items Together – It’s impossible to make good decisions if you don’t see the full picture. One client thought she had seven vases—she had 52. Another had 400 pairs of shoes! Grouping items helps you choose wisely.
Final Thoughts
Downsizing doesn’t have to be stressful. With guidance from professionals like Elizabeth Hirsch and her team, families can not only simplify their lives but also uncover hidden value in the process.
If you’re considering downsizing, decluttering, or estate liquidation, you can reach out to The Downsizers and The Consignors directly—or contact me, Bill Stevenson at Spotlight Realty, and I’ll connect you. (Elizabeth’s office is actually right upstairs from mine—we’ll go together if you’d like!)
