Why So Many Boomers & Trustees Are Facing Home Cleanouts—And How We Can Help

If it feels like more and more families are dealing with the challenge of cleaning out a parent’s or relative’s home, you’re not imagining it. This is a growing reality, especially as Baby Boomers—who hold the majority of real estate wealth in the U.S.—reach their 70s and 80s.

The Numbers Behind the Trend

• According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Baby Boomers own about 40% of the nation’s homes, more than any other generation.

• Many have lived in their homes for decades, meaning there’s not just property to transfer—but also decades of belongings, paperwork, and memories.

• As Boomers downsize, move into retirement communities, or pass properties to heirs, trustees and adult children (often in their 50s and 60s themselves) are tasked with handling the logistics.

Why Cleanouts Are So Overwhelming

• Emotional weight: These homes are full of memories, not just things.

• Decision fatigue: Trustees face hundreds of choices about what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.

• Coordination overload: Cleanouts often require multiple professionals—organizers, realtors, estate sale companies, haulers, tax advisors—who may not be working in sync.

Where We Come In

We’ve seen firsthand how daunting this can feel, and we know that support makes all the difference. That’s why we connect our clients with trusted professionals who specialize in organizing, downsizing, and managing moves. For example, Sarah Holden of Room Service Organizing, a designated Senior Move Manager, partners with families to streamline the process while honoring the emotional side of letting go.

Practical Strategies That Help

• Body doubling: Working alongside an organizer or trusted partner can ease decision-making.

• Breaking tasks into zones: Tackling one room at a time keeps things manageable.

• Professional guidance: Organizers, haulers, estate planners, and senior move managers can coordinate logistics so families can focus on the human side of the process.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

If you’re a trustee or helping your parents with a move, know that you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. We have an entire network of professionals we trust—from organizers to junk removal experts (for donations and/or the dump) to estate attorneys—who can make the process smoother, faster, and less stressful.

Contact us to learn more about our trusted partners!