Success Story: A Full-Service Downsize in Edmonton

A Senior’s Stress-Free Move to Harmony at Rutherford

After 23 years in his beloved bungalow in south Edmonton, James* was ready for a new chapter at Harmony at Rutherford Seniors Residence. He was excited about the transition, but he knew that getting there would require significant heavy lifting—both literally and logistically.

His goal was ambitious: he wanted to sell his home and be fully moved in within just two months.

When we first met James, he was clear about his needs: Full-Service Move Coordination. 

While some of our clients like to be in the thick of the action, James wanted the stress of moving entirely off his plate. He sought out our Professional Organizers for a "hands-off" experience where he could simply sit on his walker, tell us "keep" or "go," and let the Sort & Simple team handle the rest.

The S&S Strategy: Speed & Simplicity for Senior Downsizing

Because James wanted to list his home and move quickly, his Lead Organizer, Sondi, designed a transition plan. Alongside James’s family and Realtor, Shawntelle, we took it one step at a time.

Step 1: Professional Decluttering & Listing Prep – During the first week, our decluttering experts jumped in with two intensive sessions to get the Riverbend property photo-ready.

Step 2: The Flash Sale – After professional cleaners came through, the house hit the market. James had an above-asking offer in his hands the week he listed!

Step 3: The Comfortable Countdown – As experienced move coordinators, we continued to declutter and pack gradually, so James could live comfortably right up until move day.

Step 4: Seamless Move to Harmony at Rutherford – We managed booking and move day coordination, ensuring the transition to his new suite was effortless. Including setting up his new suite for a comfortable first night!

Step 5: House Clear-Out – Find and Just Junk cleared the remaining items, leaving the bungalow empty and pristine for the new owners well ahead of the possession date. Our team was onsite, so James didn’t need to worry about a thing. 

Donating Furniture in Edmonton: James was happy to know his belongings would be rehomed with Find! A social enterprise, Find provides essential furnishings to families moving out of homelessness in Edmonton.

The Collaborative Edge: Expert Senior Move Management

A move this seamless only happens with a dedicated team of specialists. 

We worked closely with James’s daughter, the staff at Harmony at Rutherford, and his Realtor, Shawntelle Coan. Shawntelle is a Senior Real Estate Specialist who helps homeowners navigate the Edmonton market with ease! 

“If you’re looking for expert organization support — especially during a move — do yourself a favour and call Sort and Simple right away. We would happily recommend them again and again!" - Shawntelle Coan

On move day, Eager Beaver Movers handled the transport of James’s treasured items. As highly efficient and professional movers, they worked alongside Sondi for a smooth move!

The Results: 7 Weeks to a New Beginning

Including a break over Christmas, the entire process—from the first box to the final clear-out—took just 7 weeks.

Working with an expert downsizing team, James got:

• Unmatched Speed: One week from the first session to being live on the market.

• The Sale: His house sold in one week for over-asking price!

• Zero Stress for Family: James’s family was able to pick out the heirlooms they wanted without the burden of managing a massive clean-out.

• Items Rehomed: Unneeded furniture served a new purpose through our partnership with Find.

James is now settled into his beautiful one-bedroom suite. Because he hired Professional Organizers to handle the heavy lifting, James's move was completed easily and efficiently.

Now he is back to doing what he loves most: painting and traveling!

Working with James was a true joy. Between the sorting and the packing, there were many laughs shared, and James told us he felt a "weight had been lifted" immediately.

*Name changed for privacy.

Ready for Your Stress-Free Move?

Are you looking for senior move managers or decluttering experts in Edmonton? Whether you want to be hands-on or, like James, prefer a full-service downsizing experience, we’re here to help.

Book your free consultation today and let’s start planning your next chapter with confidence!

About the Author

Kaytlyn Beakhouse is the founder of Sort & Simple Professional Organizing, an Edmonton-based company supporting seniors, families, and real estate professionals through decluttering,  downsizing, and estate clear-outs. With a compassionate, non-judgmental approach, Kaytlyn and her team help clients navigate overwhelming situations with confidence and care—one step at a time. 

Contact Sort & Simple today!

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