Who can help

The people we'd call if this were our own family.

Every professional here has worked with families we've guided through this exact transition. There are no referral fees and no obligations — just people who do this well.

Your Concierge

Real Estate Agent

Alex Just

Peak Realty, Waterloo Region

Downsizing specialistSenior transitions40+ years experience

Why they're on this list: Alex has spent more than 40 years helping Waterloo Region families through this exact move, and downsizing is his specialty — not a sideline.

Professional Organizer

Symplicated Inc. / Senior's Move

Waterloo Region

Senior move managementDownsizing & declutteringPacking & unpacking

Why they're on this list: Specializes in helping older adults and their families manage downsizing and relocation from start to finish, including sorting, packing, move coordination, unpacking and setting up the new home. Serving Waterloo Region since 2005.

Movers

True North Movers – Kitchener Waterloo

Kitchener–Waterloo–Cambridge

Residential movingPackingLocal moves

Why they're on this list: A highly rated local moving company serving the Tri-Cities, with a focus on careful furniture handling, efficient residential moves and professional crews.

Real Estate & Estate Lawyers

VRS Law Firm

Kitchener

Real estate closingsWills & powers of attorneyEstates & probate

Why they're on this list: Kitchener law firm providing real estate, wills and powers of attorney, estate planning and estate administration services, making them relevant for several parts of a later-life transition.

Financial Advisor

Your Legacy

Kitchener–Waterloo

Retirement planningFinancial planningLegacy planning

Why they're on this list: Waterloo Region financial and retirement planning practice founded by Dennis Yanke, CFP, CLU, CH.F.C., with more than 40 years of financial-services experience.

Contractor

Custom Contracting Group

Waterloo Region

Accessibility renovationsHome renovationsAging in place

Why they're on this list: Long-established Waterloo Region renovation company offering general renovations as well as accessibility-focused modifications designed to improve safety, mobility and independence at home.

Cleaners

Lume Cleaners

Kitchener–Waterloo–Cambridge

Deep cleaningMove-in/move-out cleaningResidential cleaning

Why they're on this list: Local cleaning company offering deep cleans and move-in/move-out services that can help prepare a longtime home for listing or clean up after a move.

Estate Clear-Out & Junk Removal

SWOT Services

Waterloo Region

Estate cleanoutsDownsizingJunk removalEstate liquidation

Why they're on this list: Specializes in estate cleanouts, downsizing and transition support, including sorting, selling, donating, distributing and removing household contents. Works specifically with seniors, families, executors and powers of attorney.

Retirement Community

Beechwood Manor

Waterloo

Independent livingAssisted livingRetirement suites

Why they're on this list: Waterloo retirement community offering both independent and assisted-living options, allowing families to explore different levels of support depending on their needs.

Handyman

Handy Wizzard

Kitchener–Waterloo–Cambridge

Small repairsHome maintenanceCarpentry & installations

Why they're on this list: Waterloo-based handyman and renovation service suitable for smaller repair and maintenance jobs that often need to be completed before listing or after moving.

Storage Company

Kitchener Self Storage

Kitchener

Climate-controlled storageMonth-to-monthMoving supplies

Why they're on this list: Local climate-controlled storage facility useful when belongings need to be temporarily stored between selling the existing home and completing the next move.

Service providers are listed as a convenience and informational resource. Availability, services and pricing should be confirmed directly with each provider. Inclusion does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of their services.

Your next best step

A few things worth knowing before you decide.

Short chapters on timing, staying versus moving, and what to expect.

Continue