Downsizing can feel intimidating and exhausting. It’s literally a lifetime worth of work. If you’re struggling to stay on task, or even just get started, your TV might be the place to find the right inspiration. There are a lot of shows about “stuff” and downsizing, but how do you find the right one for you?
At Wheaton we know the strain moving can put on individuals and families. We’re always looking for new ways to inspire our clients to make the most of their move. That’s why we’re a proud sponsor of Legacy List with Matt Paxton. Every episode, Matt and his crew help a family sort through decades of heirlooms and garbage to discover what truly has value. It’s a show that hits the heart as much as it punches the moving gears. We’ll talk about Legacy List more but let’s get to the list.
3 TV Shows to Inspire You to Start Downsizing
Digging in may be the hardest part of downsizing your home. These shows each take a different approach to the idea that “less is more.” Watching others persevere may give you the hope you need to start your own downsize.
The Minimalists (Netflix)
This short and economical documentary visits people who live a minimalist lifestyle. The underlying theme is that you don’t need a lot to make you happy. Questions like “What is essential?” or “Is this adding any value to my life?” are frequently asked. You may not even finish before you start your “get rid of” pile.
Hoarders (Netflix)
Hoarders is the yang to The Minimalist’s yin. See houses in all their horrifying excess. Enter the world where mental illness and consumerism overlap. You’ll be packing boxes of stuff in no time!
Tidying Up With Marie Kondo (Netflix)
Perpetually chipper Japanese clutter guru Marie Kondo expands on the KonMari method she outlined in her bestselling book. Marie may be too much for some people but her “keep only what brings you joy” approach should get your downsizing wheels turning.
3 Shows To Help You organize Your Home
Downsizing to a smaller home can’t be done without a certain degree of organizational skills. These TV shows about organizing your home will help you along several phases of your downsizing journey.
Hot Mess House (Discovery)
Cassandra Aarssen helps people identify which of her four insect based organizational categories matches their style. Watch as clutter magically becomes organized before your very eyes. Once you learn your organizational style, unleash it and start downsizing and decluttering your home!
Get Organized with The Home Edit (Netflix)
Dynamic decluttering duo Joanna and Clea bring their Home Edit to messy households across the United States. Like organizational superheroes, they vanquish the mess while empowering homeowners to take control of their home’s own organization. Put your cape on and manifest your own organizational super powers.
Mission Organization (HGTV)
Every episode, the mission targets a specific room or area of your home. Host Gail O’neil turns piles of clutter into neatly organized and fully functional storage areas. She’ll show you how to sort, stack and store to reclaim your living spaces.
3 Shows to Help You Get Rid of Stuff
If you’re going to downsize, you’ve got to get rid of stuff, right? These shows don’t necessarily show you how to downsize your home, but they will show you the value of getting rid of stuff (or at least not buying more).
Hack My Life (HBO Max)
This one may be a bit of a stretch but it can be mesmerizing. In every episode, hosts Kevin and Brooke demonstrate unconventional ways to handle daily tasks. Learn how to cut watermelon, keep your bathroom mirror from fogging up and separate egg yolks. Maybe some of that stuff you have has more functions than you think.
Antiques Roadshow (PBS)
You’re probably already familiar with this one. Someone inevitably discovers a priceless antique in their attic that they never knew was there. While you may not have an unpublished Picasso sketch in your junk drawers, this show may inspire you to start digging through your stuff. Who knows, maybe there’s a lost treasure there to help fund your retirement.
Legacy List (PBS)
We love Legacy List (not just because we’re proud sponsors), but because it’s not about stuff as much as it’s about memories. And isn’t that what holds us up? Letting go of stuff may feel like letting go of the memories associated with it. Legacy List demonstrates not just how to do the physical work, but also the emotional work when you downsize. You can get rid of things and pass the memories and stories on to the next generations. If you haven’t watched it yet, check out an episode. It may be just the catalyst you need to start downsizing your own life.
Real Life Downsizing Help
There’s no shortage of home decor shows and shows about organizing. Clearly as a culture, we need these examples. We hope this list inspires you to tackle your own downsize. And when you need help packing, moving or storing, contact Wheaton. We help families make big transitions every day.
