Why Decluttering Before Retirement Requires More Than Just Good Intentions

Santa Barbara’s Trusted Experts in Senior Downsizing & Real Estate Guide You Through the Process

Downsizing a lifetime’s worth of belongings isn’t just about sorting through possessions—it’s about navigating memories, emotions, and the logistics of starting a new chapter with clarity. While national articles offer general tips, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to preparing for retirement, selling your home, and letting go of what no longer serves you.

That’s where we come in.

I’m Deborah Samuel, Senior Specialist Realtor® at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Montecito, and my wife Kelsey Samuel is the founder of SB SOS, Santa Barbara’s leading professional downsizing company. Together, we’ve helped over 300 local seniors prepare their homes for market, move to senior living communities, and embrace a simpler, safer lifestyle—with care, confidentiality, and grace.

Why DIY Decluttering Doesn’t Always Work

Nationally, experts recommend starting small, staying consistent, and avoiding emotional overload. That sounds great—until you’re staring down 40 years of family memorabilia, unfiled documents, furniture nobody wants, and decades of deferred home maintenance.

Most seniors think they can manage it alone. In reality, the majority get overwhelmed. Fast.

We’ve seen it all:

• Couples paralyzed by decision fatigue

• Adult children too far away to help

• Seniors on a deadline to move into Casa Dorinda, Valle Verde, or Maravilla—but unsure where to even begin

That’s where SB SOS steps in.

What Makes SB SOS Different?

Unlike national services, we’re embedded in the Santa Barbara and Montecito community. We personally know the campuses you're moving to, the floor plans, the staff, and the best way to right-size your belongings to match your new lifestyle.

SB SOS is not just about “decluttering.” We manage:

• Sort, donate, and sell coordination

• Hauling, recycling, and document shredding

• Packing, unpacking, and setting up your new space

• Handling family dynamics with compassion and clarity

And while Kelsey oversees every move, I make sure the real estate side is just as seamless—prioritizing where to invest for top-dollar resale and managing the sale from pre-listing to escrow.

Why Work With Us?

Because we’re your neighbors. Ask around. We've worked with families on your block, in your building, and in your community.

Our results speak for themselves:
✔ Over $60M in closed senior real estate sales in the last 36 months
✔ 300+ successful senior relocations in Santa Barbara and Montecito
✔ Trusted by local fiduciaries, attorneys, and care communities
✔ Experts in trust/probate sales, reverse mortgage coordination, and “as-is” property disposition

Ready to Take the First Step?

Decluttering isn’t just a chore—it’s the first step toward a more peaceful and purposeful future. You don’t have to go it alone. With Deborah and Kelsey, you’re hiring experience, empathy, and efficiency.

Call today and let us make the next chapter your best chapter.
📞 805-570-6680
📧 [email protected]

Santa Barbara’s top Senior Specialist Realtor, Deborah Samuel, and SB SOS founder Kelsey Samuel offer professional downsizing and real estate support for seniors transitioning to retirement. Call now.