Lynn Van Egmond founded Soft Landings Downsizing and Relocation Services after recognizing the tremendous need for compassionate, comprehensive support during one of life’s most emotionally charged transitions—leaving a home after decades of memories. Her business addresses the overwhelming trifecta of challenges families face: the emotional weight of letting go of possessions, the logistical complexity of coordinating movers, charities, and legal details, and the time-consuming confusion that comes when adult children must balance their own lives while supporting aging parents through the process.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Soft Landings Downsizing and Relocation Services. At Soft Landings, we provide a comprehensive, hands-on approach to downsizing and relocation, guiding clients and their families through every step of this life transition. From planning and organizing to moving and settling into a new home, we offer personalized support, practical solutions, and peace of mind every step of the way.
What made you want to do this work?
Saw the tremendous need and wanted to help and make a difference in the lives of others.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Many of our Clients and their families face overwhelming stress, confusion, and logistical challenges when downsizing or relocating after decades in a home.
• It’s emotional: letting go of possessions and leaving a long-time home can be heart-wrenching.
• It’s logistical: packing, organizing, selling, donating, and moving everything safely is complex.
• It’s time-consuming and confusing: coordinating movers, charities, recycling, and legal/financial details can be overwhelming.
• Families often feel unsupported, unsure how to balance their own work and families while offering efficiency, emotional needs, and practical steps to their family members in transition.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our clientele are people in transition who are moving and downsizing. They often are older folks, and either they reach out to us directly, or their children reach out to us requesting support for their parents and indirectly for them as they juggle their own lives while supporting their Parents.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Soft Landings makes money by helping our Clients with downsizing and moving. Clients pay for the specific services they need, whether it’s planning, packing, or coordinating the move, so they can focus on starting their next chapter with peace of mind.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Soft Landings works directly with families in their homes, offering guidance, organizing, and hands-on support for a smooth move
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
How do you support families through the entire downsizing and relocation process, from start to finish?
At Soft Landings, we guide families through every step of downsizing and relocating. That includes planning, sorting and organizing belongings, coordinating sales or donations, packing, moving, and helping set up their new home. Beyond logistics, we provide emotional support, clear guidance, and hands-on assistance so that the process is smooth, stress-free, and tailored to each family’s needs.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The most rewarding part of what we do is seeing the profound, life-changing impact we have on our clients and their families. Helping someone successfully downsize and relocate after decades in a home is more than a logistical task — it’s a deeply meaningful experience. Many clients tell us they could not have made the transition without our support, both emotionally and physically, and witnessing that relief, confidence, and renewed sense of freedom is incredibly fulfilling.
The hardest part, however, is seeing how difficult it can be for people to let go of treasured possessions and embrace a new lifestyle. The emotional weight of leaving a home full of memories can be heavy, and sometimes families wait until a health event or urgent circumstance forces a decision. Guiding clients gently through this process requires patience, empathy, and care, but even in those challenging moments, we know the outcome — a smooth, supported transition — makes a real difference.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
Downsizing is part art, part logistics, part therapy… and we like to think we’re just a little bit of all three!
Where can we follow you?
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
