10 Valuable Resources in Victoria BC for Helping with Downsizing

Downsizing in Victoria, BC can be a substantial task, and utilizing local resources can help streamline the process, making it more manageable and less stressful. Whether you're looking to declutter, sell items, or find a smaller home, here are some valuable resources you might consider:

1. Real Estate Agencies

• Pemberton Holmes: Specializes in the Victoria market with experienced realtors who understand the nuances of downsizing & offers personalized services to help find smaller homes or condos that fit downsizing needs.

2. Senior Move Managers

• Changing Places Services: Provides services tailored for seniors who are moving or downsizing, including sorting, packing, organizing and setting up the new home.
• Space is your Place & Room to Breathe: Specializes in helping clients declutter and organize for downsizing.

3. Estate Sale and Auction Services

• Murray's Auctioneers: A well-known auction house in Victoria that can help sell valuable items.
• Lunds Auctioneers & Appraisers Ltd.: Offers auction services and estate sales, ideal for disposing of antiques and collectibles.

4. Local Charities for Donations

• WIN (Women In Need Community Cooperative): Accepts donations of gently used items and provides support to women in the community. Westshore office location as well. 
• Habitat for Humanity Victoria ReStore: Great for donating furniture and home items; proceeds go towards building homes for those in need.

5. Junk Removal Services

• 1-800-GOT-JUNK?: Offers junk removal services that can help clear out unwanted items responsibly.
• Haul a Day Junk Removal: A local option that provides waste removal and recycling services.

6. Storage Solutions

• U-Haul Storage Victoria: Offers various sizes of storage units for items you want to keep but don't have space for immediately with multiple locations.
• Sentinel Storage Victoria: Storage place in central Victoria. 

7. Organizing Professionals

• Good Riddance Professional Organizing Solutions: Provides help with downsizing, organizing, and preparing for a move.
• Simply Spaces: Helps declutter homes and create efficient spaces, especially useful when moving to a smaller living space.

8. Legal and Financial Advice

• Genesis Law Group: Specializes in legal services for seniors, including downsizing and estate planning.
• Victoria Tax Law Group: Offers financial advice that could be beneficial when dealing with the implications of selling property or large-scale downsizing.

9. Local Online Marketplaces

• UsedVictoria.com: A popular local classifieds site where you can sell items you no longer need.
• VarageSale (Victoria, BC): A virtual garage sale platform where locals buy and sell items.

10. Community and Government Resources

• Victoria Community Center: Offers programs and workshops that might include downsizing tips.
• BC Seniors’ Guide: A government publication offering information on services and programs available for seniors in British Columbia, including those related to housing and downsizing. Download Guide here

Utilizing these resources can help make your downsizing journey in Victoria, BC, more organized and less overwhelming. Always remember to check reviews and ask for recommendations to ensure you find services that match your specific needs and preferences.