I downsized when I got married (at 55) and combined households with my husband into a house that is smaller than mine was. Do I miss some things? Yes -- I still cringe at the memory of seeing my slightly rusted outdoor table and chairs -- still with the custom-fitted cushions I made -- being lifted by a big claw machine into a giant dumpster.
But overall I am relieved. I kept my grandmother's china and crystal and my piano though I never use them, but got rid of tons of stuff, including much of my furniture. Even today, when I walk out of the thrift shop after making a donation, I fell like I've just lost 15 pounds.
Life is short. There is so much more to enjoy than STUFF. The slight pain at giving a much-loved item to charity or a good friend is compensated for by a feeling of freedom that endures.