“Preparing to move from our large home of 44 years to a retirement apartment that was being renovated during the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays under COVID restrictions was a daunting challenge. We were so blessed to have Downsize Designs come to our aid. Ann guided us every step of the way, from what furniture would be suitable and placement of the furniture, to coordinating our move, unpacking our belongings and hanging artwork, etc. She also helped coordinate our apartment renovation. She designed built-in cabinets with floating shelves for our collectables . . .to provide extra storage and display artwork as well as closets to utilize every inch of space. Ann’s vision, energy, professionalism, compassion, attention to detail and endless resources are unsurpassed. When we walked into our new apartment we were amazed!  It was like being home -- only smaller, prettier and updated. We could not have done this without you, Ann. Our sincere thanks, you were a God-send!”

— Bob and Jan T., Westminster Canterbury resident

“Throughout the process, Ann always went the extra mile, and her enthusiasm was just what we needed to help us with a task that was impossible for us to handle on our own. She performed as promised, on schedule and within budget. I am still enjoying the way she arranged our apartment, and I would recommend her and her company to anyone contemplating a relocation.”

— Atlantic Shores Resident

“Ann helped my wife and I move from our home of 44 years into my current apartment in a retirement community. She guided us through sorting, obtained movers’ estimates, brought in 3 realtors for us to interview, and she did such a good job staging our home that it sold in one hour, for $40,000 over the asking price. She completely planned the layout of our new apartment, giving us excellent advice on what would work best and what to leave behind, reusing our existing furnishings in new ways. She arranged for a local antique dealer to sell some items, donated others, and secured final cleaning services. She then completely unpacked and organized our belongings in our new apartment, down to art on the walls and dishes in the cabinets. She even brought in a few basic groceries! 

— Atlantic Shores Resident

“Ann was extremely responsive as we planned the transition for my mother from a 4,000 square foot home to a 1,250 square foot apartment. Ann listened carefully and created a floor plan to accommodate the furniture that my mother wished to bring. She kept her humor and patience when suggested changes were presented, not once, but several times! Additionally, Ann measured the kitchen cabinet space and helped plan what was realistic for her to take and what made sense to leave behind. She also noted necessary repairs to the apartment and helped facilitate a quick turn-around time for the repairs. In a very emotionally charged time, Ann brought calm and reassurance. I confidently and without reservation highly recommend Downsize Designs.”

— Catherine V.

“When I was ready to move from a larger home to a retirement community apartment, Downsize Designs came to my aid. They were able to see my furniture with the proper perspective and advise me regarding its suitability in my new home, as well as arranging for custom carpentry, hanging light fixtures, window treatments, etc. They handled the moving process, packed my belongings, unpacked everything, hung artwork and made the transition effortless for me. Their eye for design and their understanding of my taste made shopping for new pieces easy and fun. Now that I have been here for two years, I can still call them for help on any repairs or new purchases I might need.

Not only are they helpful and efficient, but their rates for all they do are more than reasonable. I have watched some of my neighbors move, and I am more than a little grateful for the smooth path Downsize Designs prepared for me at a very fair price.”

— Atlantic Shores Resident

“We could not have made this move without your help, Ann! When we walked into our apartment, all was ‘in place’ down to the last detail – what an amazing feat! We appreciate the thoughtful approach to every part of this process – from the ‘scaled’ architectural placement of furniture, measurement of shelf and storage spaces to the work of the organizer. Your encouragement that all would work out in a positive manner was very helpful. You have an excellent team of professionals helping and each was quite good at their assigned task. Thank you for your excellent service.”

— Betty C., Atlantic Shores Resident

“My parents and I were very impressed with Ann’s professionalism and experience, but also her personality and compassion. She worked with us on the layout of the new apartment, discussed what old furniture could be used, took my parents shopping to select new furniture, and began preparing them for the move. She supervised the move-in of everything into the new apartment, unpacked, and organized all their possessions. She provided shelving and storage concepts and even arranged pictures and artwork. When my parents arrived at their new apartment at the end of the evening, everything was in place and looked BEAUTIFUL!  The services we received from Downsize Designs were exactly what we wanted and needed. But it wasn’t just the kinds of things they did, but it was the way they did them. I cannot imagine making this move without Ann and her team. If I ever have to make another move like this in the future, Downsize Designs would be the first place I would go. I cannot recommend their services highly enough.”

— Ken R.

“First Colonial Inn is completing the conversion of 40 apartments from Independent to Assisted Living licensure.  Ann was our chosen provider for relocation services for the more than two dozen families who chose to move within the building to meet their needs for services.  Moving seniors, whose average age is 87, is not a simple task.  We are a rental community, and could have lost many residents over this transition.  Ann’s services pleased our residents so well that I received nothing but compliments about the change.  She has been responsive and flexible to meet all our needs. Ann is a good business partner, working through the bid process and billing of the project carefully. 

I heartily recommend Ann Armistead for her professional commitment to excellence, and her compassion for all parties involved in the emotional process of moving households for seniors.”

— Patricia S., Executive Director - First Colonial Inn

“Ann and her staff performed well above our hopes and expectations. Ann was responsive to our particular needs and urgent deadlines and provided outstanding service with great compassion. She and her staff knocked themselves out to be able to move our senior individual within a tight timeframe due to the individual’s urgent medical needs. Ann showed great sensitivity in working with our senior, gaining her confidence and making her feel comfortable in what is always a stressful time. Ann worked hard to be efficient in all aspects of the move and to contain the costs. The movers she utilized were high quality and helpful. Ann was resourceful and creative in anticipating and solving moving-related problems. She carefully planned how belongings and furniture would fit in the new location. She unpacked, decorated, and had it all set up for a great start for our senior individual to walk into and feel at home. She is highly organized and efficient, and we benefited greatly from her skills.”

— Debby H.

“I would never have moved and downsized without Ann and her staff. They saved me so many problems. Moving is never easy but Downsize Designs made it bearable!

— Charlyne W., Westminster Canterbury resident