We have lived in the same house for over 20 years and it’s amazing how much stuff one family can accumulate. A few years ago we started doing an annual purge right during that magical window between Christmas and New Year’s. You know the one… the house is quieter, the leftovers are endless, your schedule is wide open, and nobody knows what day it is anyway.

Let me explain why this works so well.

The holiday rush is over, guests have gone home, and suddenly you can see your space again. You’ve lived through the chaos, you know exactly what worked and what drove you absolutely nuts. That week gives you time off + clarity, which is a powerful combo.

Here’s why that window is gold:

• You finally have time. No appointments, fewer obligations, and no pressure to be anywhere. Perfect for short, satisfying declutter sessions.
  
  

• You’re surrounded by proof. You can clearly see what didn’t get used, what’s in the way, and what needs to go after the holiday whirlwind.
  
  

• You can deal with the influx immediately. New gifts, new clothes, new gadgets—this is the moment to make room before they become clutter too.
  
  

• It sets up a calm January. Instead of starting the year exhausted and behind, you start organized, lighter, and already ahead.
  
  

What to focus on during that week

Don’t try to do the whole house—this isn’t a punishment.

• Seasonal Decor: Those items that stay in the storage box season after season.

• Closets: Those clothes that you don’t love, are not your style or simply don’t fit

• Kitchen & storage: If you didn’t use it over the holidays, you probably won’t. 

• Kids’ stuff: Match new toys with outgoing ones—fair and effective.

• Bathrooms: Expired lotions, free samples of things you will never use and towels that have seen better days.

• Your home office: This needs its own blog post especially if you’re self employed and work out of the home
  
  

How to keep it easy

I limit myself to one room at a time because when I purge, EVERYTHING comes out of the closet or cabinet before I start sorting and putting away. Yes, things are going to look worse before they look better.

Set a timer for 20–30 minutes. One drawer. One shelf. One category.
Ask yourself: Did I use this in the last 90 days—and will I in the next 90?

If not, it’s time to thank it for its service and move it along. When the time goes off, take a quick break and start again.

What to do with the stuff you don’t want

Do I donate this, sell it, or just let it go? Yep, this is the most difficult part.

Donate it if:

• It’s clean, in good condition, and someone else could actually use it.

• Clothing still fits someone, just not you.

• Small household items, décor, books, or toys that still have life left.

In the Okotoks area, there are multiple places that accept donations: Mission Thrift Store, Foothills Thrift Store (formerly known as the salvage centre) and My City Care. There’s also a very active Let’s Buy Nothing Okotoks FB group

If you’d be happy to give it to a friend, it’s donation-worthy. If not… keep reading.

Sell it if:

• It’s worth real money (not “garage sale hopeful” money).

• Think: quality furniture, newer electronics, tools, collectibles, or higher-end clothing.

• You’re willing to list it this week, not “someday.”

Facebook Marketplace seems to be the best place to sell stuff. If you don’t list it within 7 days, it automatically becomes a donation. No guilt, no second chances.

Garbage it if:

• It’s broken, stained, missing parts, expired, or worn out.

• You wouldn’t donate it because you’d be embarrassed for someone else to receive it.

• It’s been sitting in a “deal with later” pile for years.
  

This is where permission matters: you are allowed to throw things out.  Keeping broken items doesn’t make you responsible, it just makes your house heavier.

A few bonus pro tips

• Donations should leave the house immediately. Trunk of the car or by the door, no exceptions.

• Don’t overthink. Decluttering is about progress, not perfect decisions.

• Match items to effort. A $20 item isn’t worth 3 weeks of mental energy.
  
  

Final words

You’re home anyway. You’ve got the time. And there is nothing better than ringing in the new year with less stuff and more calm. Oh and if you accidentally get rid of something and then realize that you need it…there’s a good chance the salvage centre still has it. Ask me how I know ;)

Most people assume the holidays are the worst time to sell. Spoiler: they’re not. Sure, spring and fall bring more buyers, but they also bring way more competition. Over the holidays, the inventory drops — and serious buyers pop up. Anyone braving the cold to view homes in December? They mean business.

Plus, people take time off work, they’re in a better mood (usually!), and your home naturally feels cozier this time of year. Lean into that. If you’re thinking of selling during the holiday season, here’s how to make it work for you instead of against you.

Keep the Holiday Décor in Check

I love a good festive vibe as much as anyone, but when your house starts looking like the North Pole gift-wrapping department, buyers get distracted, or worse, overwhelmed.

A few tasteful touches are perfect:

• A wreath

• Soft white lights

• A simple tree

• Cozy throws and warm textures

Buyers expect décor, just not your entire life story displayed in ornaments. Keep personal items tucked away so they can imagine their own holidays in the home. The goal: cozy, not cluttered.

Make the Weather Work for You

Let’s be real,  nobody enjoys bundling up and trudging through slush to look at houses. So when they walk into yours, it should feel like the warmest, most inviting haven they’ve stepped into all day. And on that note, please make sure you have an oversized rug inside the front door for wet boots.

Think:

• A little extra warmth in the thermostat (even more important in vacant homes)

• Fireplace on (if you’ve got one, show it off - huge selling point!)

• Soft lighting

• Maybe a subtle scented candle (vanilla or pine, not “Grandma’s Fruitcake Explosion”)

• Warm drinks such as coffee, cider, or hot chocolate at an open house
  
  

When buyers feel comfortable, they linger. And the longer they stay, the more time they spend picturing themselves living there.

Boost Your Curb Appeal (Snow and All)

Winter curb appeal matters more than you think  and most sellers ignore it. Big opportunity.

A few must-dos:

• Keep the driveway, sidewalk, and walkways shoveled and salted

• Clear snow off railings and steps

• Make sure the entrance is well-lit

• Add simple white string lights or one or two tasteful holiday pieces

• Show off those permanent lights if you’ve got them- buyers love them
  
  

Buyers form opinions before they even get out of the car. If your home looks neglected, they might not bother coming inside.

Price Strategically: This is Not the Time to Experiment

Pricing is everything, no matter the season, but during the holidays it’s especially important. Some buyers will wait for spring, which means the ones shopping now expect value. Price too high, and they'll scroll right past.

Your pricing sweet spot should reflect:

• Current market comparables

• Your neighbourhood trends

• Condition, upgrades, and buyer demand
  
  

Work with your realtor (hi 👋) to hit the right price from day one. And yes, please make sure the lockbox is in a spot humans can actually reach in winter. This is not the season to have it frozen onto the back gate behind a snow drift.

Bonus Tip: Highlight Winter-Friendly Features

If your home has:

• A heated garage

• Triple-pane windows

• A newer furnace

• In-floor heat

• Gas fireplace

• Great mudroom

…bring those front and center in your marketing. Winter buyers appreciate practical upgrades even more.

Bottom Line

Selling during the holidays isn’t just possible,  it can be surprisingly effective when you play it right. With low competition, motivated buyers, and a home that feels warm and magical, you might just find this is the perfect season to make your move.

For many homeowners in their 40s and 50s, the home that once fit perfectly starts to feel… a little off.
Maybe the kids are starting to move out or are going to college or university. Maybe you’re working remotely now and barely use that formal dining room. Or maybe you’ve built up solid equity and are wondering if your money could be working harder elsewhere such as funding travel, tuition, or investment opportunities.

If this sounds familiar, you might be at that in-between stage, not quite ready to “downsize,” but curious whether it’s time to rightsize.

Let’s talk about what that really means, what to consider before making a move, and how a simple two-list exercise can bring you the clarity you’ve been looking for.

What Does “Rightsizing” Actually Mean?

People often think rightsizing means moving into a smaller home  but that’s not always true.

Rightsizing is about aligning your home with your life as it is today (and where you’re headed next).

That could mean:

• Selling your current home to free up equity for travel, education, or investing.

• Moving closer to work, family, or the mountains you love to explore.

• Choosing a newer, lower-maintenance home so you can spend weekends doing things you enjoy  not yardwork.

• Or yes, sometimes it means moving to something smaller and simpler.
  

The goal isn’t less space, it’s the right space.

Why Homeowners in Their 40s Are Thinking About It

Many of my Okotoks and Foothills clients in their 40s are in a unique position:
They’ve likely owned your home for a while, built up strong equity (especially since 2021), and have options.

Maybe your mortgage is close to paid off, or maybe you’re sitting on a home that’s doubled in value since you bought it. Either way, that equity can become a springboard for other goals:

• Funding children’s education without taking on new loans.

• Traveling while working remotely or semi-retired.

• Investing in income properties or market opportunities.

• Reducing stress by trimming monthly costs and maintenance.

Your home is one of your biggest assets  and it should support your next chapter, not hold you back from it.

The Emotional Side of the Decision

Money is only part of the picture.

For many people, the idea of selling a long-time home can stir up mixed emotions: pride, nostalgia, even guilt. It’s not just a financial decision; it’s a personal one.

That’s why I never start these conversations with a CMA or a mortgage calculator. I start with a notebook and a pen.

The 2-List “Rightsize Exercise”

This is the same exercise I use with my clients who are unsure whether to move or stay. It’s simple — but powerful.

Step 1: Make Two Lists

Grab a sheet of paper (or my downloadable Rightsize Worksheet) and write down:

List A  What I’ll Gain by Moving
Think about what you’d gain financially, practically, and emotionally.

• Freeing up equity for travel, investments, or education.

• Less maintenance and lower monthly costs.

• More time for family, hobbies, and health.

• A fresh start in a space that fits the way you actually live now.
  

List B  What I’ll Gain by Staying
This isn’t about loss, it’s about the benefits of stability.

• Comfort and familiarity.

• Great neighborhood or school district.

• Space for visiting kids, friends, or extended family.

• Pride of ownership in a home you’ve improved and loved.
  

Step 2: Compare the Two

Circle your top three from each list.
Then ask yourself:

• Which gains align with where I want to be in 3–5 years?

• What would I actually do with the freed-up equity?

• Am I staying because it’s truly right or because it’s comfortable?

Most of the time, clarity shows up right there on the page.

What to Consider Before Making a Move

Once you’ve done the reflection work, you can start looking at the practical side. Here are a few key areas to think about:

1. Your Financial Picture

Check in with your mortgage advisor or planner about how a move could impact your long-term goals.

• What’s your home’s current market value?

• How much equity could you realistically access after selling?

• Would buying again, renting, or investing that equity serve you best?

Many of my clients in this stage choose to cash in equity while rates are still manageable, giving them more liquidity and flexibility.

2. Lifestyle and Priorities

Ask yourself what freedom means to you right now. Is it fewer bills? More travel? Less stuff? Or simply more peace of mind?

Your home should be a launchpad for your goals, not a weight that keeps you from living them.

3. The Market

The Okotoks market continues to show strength, particularly in certain property types like villas, and townhomes that appeal to buyers looking to simplify.  If you’re selling a detached home in a desirable neighborhood, and you’re worried about not finding the perfect next home, there are options.

When Rightsizing Isn’t About Moving

Sometimes, the exercise reveals something different:  You actually do love your home — but it needs a few tweaks to feel right again.

That might mean:

• Converting unused rooms into a home office, gym, or guest suite.

• Finishing the basement for income potential.

• Simplifying furnishings to make the space feel fresh and manageable.

You don’t always have to move to rightsize your life. Sometimes, it’s about re-imagining the space you already have.

The Real Goal: Living Intentionally

At the heart of this process is one question:
Does your current home reflect who you are and who you’re becoming?

If your answer is “not really,” it might be time to explore your options.
And the good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Ready to See What’s Possible?

If you’re starting to wonder whether selling could open new doors, financially or personally. Let's have a conversation.

No pressure, no commitment, just clarity.

I’ll help you explore:

• What your home could sell for in today’s Okotoks/Foothills market.

• How much equity you could free up.

• What your next chapter could look like whether that’s a villa, an apartment, or a smaller home that funds your dreams.