Written by Janet Helm, Realtor® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)
When it comes time to downsize—or as we like to say at HELM, to Rightsize™—one of the most emotional hurdles is deciding what to do with items that carry meaning: treasured gifts, sports memorabilia, or keepsakes from people we love. These objects often hold more than physical space; they hold memories, relationships, and entire life chapters.
Yet it’s important to remember: a gift fulfilled its purpose the moment it was given. Its value doesn’t disappear just because your needs—or your space—have changed. Letting go of something doesn’t mean letting go of the love or the story behind it.
I've seen the beauty of intentional giving firsthand in my own family. My dad’s 65-pound taxidermy tyee salmon—caught in the 1970s at Rivers Inlet fishing trip with one of my brothers and close family friends—was proudly displayed in our rec room for as long as I can remember. That fish wasn’t just a trophy; it was a legend. The story of that day is still told with crystal clarity and plenty of laughter—as if it happened yesterday.
Recently, my dad gave the salmon to my brother, who now displays it at his summer home. And every time we gather there, the story is retold, full of warmth and laughter. That fish and story still brings us lots of wonderful memories—just in a new setting, continuing to connect generations through shared memory.
My dad has also made plans to give each of us one of his fishing rods—something useful or display-worthy, depending on our tastes. He’s kept his tennis medals, earned both alongside my mom and on his own, and are still proudly shown in their home. They’re small and lightweight, take up little space and when displayed with photos of the two of them, they tell a story of dedication, partnership, and fun.
A client recently shared with me that her husband’s grandfather’s pocket watch—beautifully framed and thoughtfully preserved—has now been passed down to their nephew, following her husband’s passing. I remember seeing it in their home before I supported them through both the sale of that home and the purchase of their next one. Even then, it stood out as a quiet, powerful tribute to family history. It struck me how a small object, when shared with intention, can carry meaning across generations.
These kinds of decisions don’t have to happen all at once. Yet without a plan, meaningful items can too easily end up discarded or given to someone who may not understand their value—sometimes unintentionally bypassing the person who would’ve cherished them most.
If you’re ready to part with gifts or heirlooms, there are many thoughtful ways to do so. You might pass them along to someone who would appreciate them—a friend, a neighbour, or a community group. Some people find comfort in gifting them to a cause they believe in, such as a local church, club, or charity. Sports memorabilia might find new purpose in a local museum, community centre, or clubhouse—places where once-forgotten trophies or jerseys can continue to inspire.
If an item holds monetary value and you’d prefer to sell it, you might try consignment shops, online marketplaces, or even a classic garage sale. Some families create a “gifting table” at gatherings, where loved ones can choose an item that speaks to them. It often sparks stories and laughter—a meaningful way to celebrate the past together.
If sorting through a lifetime of belongings feels overwhelming, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to do it alone. Professional organisers can provide both practical help and emotional support through this process. As part of HELM’s 55 AND BETTER™ system, I share a trusted list of vetted professionals. I’m happy to sit in on the interview process to help you find someone who’s the right fit—someone who understands your pace, respects your goals, and approaches everything with empathy, care, and your timeline in mind.
To Rightsize™ isn’t to erase the past—it’s to honour it. And when items are shared with love and intention, their meaning doesn’t fade. In fact, that’s when their real legacy begins.