Local downsizing resources in Waterloo

The people and programs that help with the physical work of downsizing in Waterloo, grouped by what you need done. Every listing links to the organization's own website or the government page that describes it.

Senior move managers

Move managers plan and run the whole transition, from floor plans and sorting to packing, the move itself and setting up the new home. Ask whether they are insured, whether they sell belongings themselves or refer that out and how they charge.

  • Tailored Transitions

    Based in Waterloo. Move management, downsizing, packing and unpacking, estate support and settling in for seniors and their families across Waterloo Region.

    226-887-8722

  • Senior's Move

    Floor planning, sorting and decluttering, packing, moving, estate cleanouts and donation removal in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Wellesley. The company says it holds Diamond status with the National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers.

    519-841-4914

  • ONESource Moving Solutions

    A Kitchener moving company that also offers senior move management, downsizing, organizing and estate cleanouts in Kitchener, Waterloo, St. Jacobs and Breslau.

    226-505-5150

Estate sales and auctions

These firms price and sell household contents, usually for a commission. Ask about the commission, the minimum sale size, who handles what does not sell and how quickly you are paid. If you live in a condo, ask the property manager whether a sale inside the building is allowed.

  • KelsoBid

    Online auction house for estate and downsizing sales serving Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge.

    519-837-7653

Donation outlets

Call ahead for large furniture. Each outlet decides what it can take, and most refuse items that are stained, torn or broken.

  • Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region ReStore, Waterloo

    120 Northfield Drive East, Waterloo. Takes furniture in good condition, cabinets, working appliances no more than seven years old, building materials, lighting, plumbing fixtures and tools. No mattresses or small household appliances. Pickup of larger donations by online request.

    519-747-0664

  • Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region ReStore, Cambridge

    200 Preston Parkway, Cambridge. The same donation rules as the Waterloo store, with the full list of what is and is not accepted on this page.

    519-653-5666

  • Worth a Second Look

    37 Market Lane, Kitchener. A project of The Working Centre that takes furniture, small appliances, housewares, linens, mattresses and beds, books and tools. For a large number of items, send a photo and description and they may be able to pick up.

    519-569-7566

  • MCC Thrift

    Mennonite Central Committee thrift shops in Kitchener, New Hamburg and Elmira. Clothing, bedding, books, housewares, decor and antiques, with furniture at select shops only. No microwaves, sofa beds, building materials or printers. Bring items to the shop.

Aging and community services

Public and non-profit programs. These are good first calls for questions about help at home, care, benefits and transportation.

  • Ontario Health atHome, Waterloo Wellington

    Arranges home care such as nursing, personal support and rehabilitation, and handles applications for long-term care. Offices at 141 Weber Street South, Waterloo and 73 Water Street North, Cambridge.

    1-833-515-1234

  • Community Support Connections

    Meals on Wheels and other community supports for seniors and adults in Cambridge, Kitchener, North Dumfries and Waterloo. Also runs assisted snow clearing for the City of Kitchener.

    519-772-8787

  • Region of Waterloo, seniors and long-term care

    Sunnyside Home long-term care, supportive living, a wellness centre and dementia programs.

    519-575-4400

  • City of Waterloo, senior services

    Programs at the Community Pavilion and the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, hearing and foot care clinics, day programs and home support including meals, rides and homemaking.

  • City of Kitchener, older adults

    Older adult programs at Rockway Centre, Breithaupt Centre, the Downtown Community Centre and other community centres.

    519-741-2345

  • City of Cambridge, older adult services

    Four 50+ centres: Allan Reuter Centre, David Durward Centre, Ted Wake Centre and William E. Pautler Centre.

    519-623-1340

  • Kiwanis Transit

    Specialized transportation for eligible residents of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot townships. Office at 13 Industrial Drive, Elmira.

    519-669-4533

  • MobilityPLUS

    Grand River Transit's service for people with a disability that affects their use of buses or ION, in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo. Registration required.

    519-585-7555

  • Alzheimer Society Waterloo Wellington

    Counselling, programs and respite for people living with dementia and their care partners, with offices in Kitchener and Cambridge.

    519-742-1422

  • Hospice Waterloo Region

    Palliative care support for people with serious illness, caregivers and the bereaved, at 100 Solstice Way, Waterloo.

    519-743-4114

  • 211 Ontario

    A free helpline, open around the clock, that connects people to social services and community supports.

    2-1-1

  • Seniors Safety Line

    Free, confidential support across Ontario for seniors experiencing abuse or neglect, in more than 200 languages.

    1-866-299-1011

  • A Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in Ontario

    The province's own guide to housing, health, transportation, legal and financial programs for older Ontarians.

Disposal, recycling and large items

What donation outlets cannot take usually goes here. The Region of Waterloo runs waste collection for all seven municipalities and moved to cart collection in March 2026.

  • Bulky items and appliances

    Collected at the curb once a month, up to three items for a single-family home. Couches, chairs, mattresses, rolled carpet and appliances with the doors taped shut are eligible. Items marked "free" are not collected.

    519-575-4400

  • Waste drop-off sites

    925 Erb Street West, Gate 2, Waterloo and 201 Savage Drive, Cambridge. Fees are charged by weight with a minimum for each load; the current rates are on this page. Waste must come from within the Region.

  • Household hazardous waste

    Free for residents at both drop-off sites. Paint, solvents, motor oil, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, small propane tanks and medications, in sealed and labelled containers of 25 litres or less.

  • Curbside collection with carts

    Black cart garbage every other week, green cart organics weekly. Extra bags need a tag. Ask the Region about your carts if you are buying or selling a home.

  • Waste Whiz

    The Region's lookup tool: type in an item to see where it goes, and get your collection days by address.

Help with repairs and accessibility

For owners deciding whether to adapt the house or sell it. Program rules and funding change, so read the current page before you count on anything.

  • Ontario Renovates, Region of Waterloo

    Forgivable loans for home repairs and accessibility changes such as ramps, handrails and bath lifts, for eligible homeowners. Income and home value limits apply.

    519-575-4400

  • Home Renovation Savings Program

    Rebates for insulation, heat pumps and other energy upgrades, delivered by Save on Energy and Enbridge Gas.

Legal help and checking professionals

A lawyer handles each side of a home sale in Ontario, and a downsizing move often raises questions about powers of attorney and wills as well. These services and registers are a starting point, not an endorsement.

  • Law Society Referral Service

    The Law Society of Ontario's service that puts you in touch with a lawyer or paralegal for an initial consultation. The province's seniors guide lists it with other legal resources.

    1-855-947-5255

  • Waterloo Region Community Legal Services

    Free legal information, advice and representation for low-income residents of the Region. 450 Frederick Street, Unit 101, Kitchener.

    519-743-0254

  • Make a power of attorney

    The province's explanation of powers of attorney for property and for personal care, with a free kit.

  • Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee

    Makes financial decisions for adults found mentally incapable who have no one else to act, among other roles.

    1-800-891-0504

  • RECO registrant search

    Confirm that a real estate agent or brokerage is registered with the Real Estate Council of Ontario and see any discipline history.

  • Condominium Authority of Ontario

    Plain guides to status certificates, reserve funds and condo living, a public registry of condominium corporations and an online tribunal.

  • Retirement Home Database

    The Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority's public register: licence status, services and inspection history for every licensed retirement home.

    1-855-275-7472

  • Ontario Builder Directory

    Check that a new home builder is licensed with the Home Construction Regulatory Authority.

    1-800-582-7994

  • Hiring a mover

    The province's consumer guidance on estimates, contracts and what a mover can charge. Movers are not licensed by the province.

  • Canadian Association of Movers

    The trade association's consumer tips, moving checklists and scam alerts.

    1-866-860-0065

A note on these listings

Waterloo Downsizing does not accept payment for directory listings and does not endorse any business listed here. Hours, services and phone numbers change, so confirm details directly before you go. Phone numbers and addresses were checked against each organization's own website in October 2026.

Need a hand with the sale side of your move? We can match you with a local agent who works with downsizing clients and knows these resources. For the full plan, see the Downsizing Guide.