10 Things Retirees Regret Giving Away When Downsizing
Downsizing in retirement often sounds like the perfect plan: a smaller home, lower maintenance, and a more relaxed lifestyle. But for many retirees, the process comes with unexpected challenges—and one of the most common is regret over what was left behind.
While it’s natural to let go of a few things when moving into a smaller space, many people later wish they’d held onto certain items that supported their hobbies, family life, or personal memories. Others simply didn’t plan for how limited space would affect their daily lifestyle.
Here are 10 things retirees often regret giving away when downsizing—plus how to avoid those regrets with smarter planning and storage solutions.
1. Hobby Equipment and Craft Supplies - One of the biggest regrets after downsizing is losing dedicated space for hobbies. Whether it’s sewing, painting, woodworking or gardening, many retirees find that their new home doesn’t accommodate the tools, gear or workspace they previously enjoyed. In the rush to fit into a smaller footprint, they give away items they later wish they had kept.
2. Sentimental Furniture – An antique sideboard or a handmade bookshelf often doesn’t make the cut when space is tight. But even if these items aren’t used every day, their emotional value is irreplaceable. Many retirees later wish they had found a way to keep them.
3. Holiday Decorations and Seasonal Items - Downsizing frequently means tossing out boxes of Christmas lights, Halloween props or Easter baskets. It seems like a small sacrifice until the holidays arrive and you realise those traditions are harder to recreate without the items that made them feel special.
4. Tools and DIY Gear - Downsizing often means losing garage space—and with it, toolboxes, ladders, power tools and workbenches. Yet, many retirees still enjoy tinkering, fixing things, or helping family members with small projects. Regret kicks in when they need a tool and no longer have it on hand.
5. Spare Bedding and Guest Furniture - Hosting becomes harder in smaller homes. Many retirees regret letting go of foldaway beds, spare mattresses, or bedding for guests—especially when grandkids come to visit. What once felt like clutter quickly turns into something missed.
6. Collectables and Heirlooms - Family photo albums, letters, children’s drawings, medals, or collectibles from years gone by are often boxed up and donated. Later, many regret not keeping them for themselves—or for their children and grandchildren to cherish.
7. Sports and Outdoor Gear - Golf clubs, fishing gear, bikes, and kayaks may be used less frequently in retirement, but that doesn’t mean they should be discarded. Once the gear is gone, picking up old hobbies again becomes much harder—not to mention more expensive.
8. Books and Personal Libraries - Books may take up room, but for many, they’re a source of comfort, knowledge and identity. Retirees often regret downsizing their libraries, especially if they had rare, gifted or signed editions.
9. Travel Items and Luggage - With retirement comes time to travel. Ironically, many people get rid of their luggage, backpacks or travel gear during downsizing—only to find themselves repurchasing it when the travel bug bites again.
10. Storage Bins and Boxes of ‘Stuff’ - Old storage tubs filled with spare parts, cables, memorabilia or “just-in-case” items are often the first to go. But these are exactly the things retirees later find themselves searching for—especially when they had the space to store them, just not in the right way.
The Bigger Picture: More Than Just ‘Stuff’
These regrets highlight a larger issue with downsizing: it often results in losing functionality, privacy, and lifestyle freedom.
Many retirees discover that:
• Their new home doesn’t support their hobbies or projects
• They struggle to host guests or family gatherings
• Downsizing means less privacy, which can feel cramped or limiting
• Getting rid of too much can lead to emotional distress or a loss of identity
Others underestimate the financial side—unexpected moving costs, renovations, strata fees, or overestimating the sale price of their previous home. In some cases, they also regret not researching the new neighbourhood enough, which can impact social life, access to amenities, and overall satisfaction.
Then there’s the emotional toll: leaving behind a familiar home and a close-knit community can lead to feelings of isolation, especially if the new environment doesn’t offer the same sense of connection.
The Smarter Way to Downsize: Keep What Matters
One of the most common regrets? Not keeping important items—and only realising too late that there was a way to keep them.
Smart storage solutions like the Ozil Lifts Motorised Overhead Storage Lift will allow downsizers to keep more of what matters.
By using the unused ceiling space in your garage, you can store up to 200kg of seasonal gear, sentimental furniture, tools or hobby equipment—without cluttering your living area or paying for a storage unit.
Even better, Ozil Lifts unlocks around 3 square metres of extra storage space – equilvaent to a walk-in wardrobe – right above your head.
Avoid the Top Downsizing Regrets
You don’t have to choose between space and sentimentality. With better planning and creative storage, you can downsize your home without downsizing your life.
Explore how the Ozil Lifts Motorised Storage Lift can help you keep the things you love—safely stored, easily accessible, and out of the way.
Smart storage made for downsizers
The Ozil Lifts is a practical solution for anyone moving into a smaller home but still wanting to hold on to important belongings. It helps you make the most of your garage space without adding clutter or risking injury.
- Motorised and key-operated
Easily raise or lower your storage platform with the turn of a key. No need for ladders or heavy lifting. - Holds up to 200 kilograms
Strong enough to store everything from toolboxes and tubs to camping gear and decorations. - Creates up to 3 square metres of extra storage space. That’s roughly the size of a walk-in wardrobe – perfect for reclaiming overhead garage space you never knew you had.
- Built for Australian conditions
Durable, reliable, and designed to handle the heat, humidity and wear that comes with life in Aussie homes. - Ideal for garages with limited floor space
If your new home has no attic or shed, the Ozil Lift turns ceiling space into usable storage. - Easy to use at any age
Simple operation makes it perfect for retirees who want independence without the hassle.
Downsizing doesn’t have to mean giving everything away.
With Ozil Lifts, you can keep what matters—stored safely, out of the way, and easily accessible when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What do retirees often regret after downsizing?
A: Common regrets include giving away sentimental items, losing space for hobbies, and underestimating the emotional and financial impact of moving.
Q: Can I downsize without getting rid of everything?
A: Yes. Using smart storage solutions like the Ozil Lifts lets you keep important or seasonal items stored overhead—without cluttering your new home.
Q: How do I avoid feeling cramped after downsizing?
A: Look for ways to maximise vertical space, keep multi-purpose furniture, and install garage ceiling lifts to store bulky items off the floor.
Q: Is garage ceiling storage safe for older adults?
A: The Ozil Lifts is key-operated and fully motorised, so there’s no heavy lifting or ladders involved—making it safe and easy to use at any age.
Got questions about storage or how Ozil Lifts works? Contact our team or check out our full FAQs page.
