Sizing Down Made Easy
With over 35 years as an antique and art dealer, I’ve helped countless people navigate the process of sizing down. From deciding which pieces to keep for a new home, to finding the right ways to part with the rest, whether through trusted dealers, collectors, or auction houses, both nationally and internationally, I’ve guided customers through every step.
Many of my clients own rare, lifelong collections, often built over decades and sometimes passed down through generations. In these cases, professional and knowledgeable advice is essential, especially when dividing assets between siblings, or when aiming to achieve the best possible result from a sale. Interestingly, the most desired pieces are not always the most valuable, and there can be many welcome surprises along the way.
I also assist with the logistics of moving treasured furniture and artwork, whether across suburbs, between cities, or even overseas. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with excellent transport providers, and I always recommend owner-drivers and small family-run businesses rather than large corporations. They don’t only give far better personal, respectful service, they are usually far less costly.
As a restorer, I’ve personally worked on many thousands of damaged pieces since I first entered the trade as a child in the late 1970s, often the result of careless or inexperienced carriers. Whenever moving home, apartment, or office, my advice is simple, ask a reputable antique dealer who the most trusted professional carriers are. I couldn’t state that any more strongly.
At times, I also restore dining tables and other significant pieces before a move, ensuring they arrive at their new home in perfect condition, ready to become the centre of attention once again.
By handling these complexities, I’ve removed much of the stress from the process for so many families, leaving them relieved, happy, and grateful.
That said, when it came time for me to downsize, from a large Edwardian family home to a 110 square metre apartment, I found myself facing an enormous challenge. Deciding what to keep and what to let go was no easy task, especially as a passionate and highly selective collector. After spending 20 years perfecting our family home, the idea of parting with pieces felt daunting. (For a glimpse, see “Selling My Home” under Media on my website.)
To my frustration, the buyers of my home didn’t purchase a single item, not because I was seeking sales, but because everything suited the space so perfectly. Even pieces I hadn’t intended to sell had to be reconsidered when dressing the apartment.
Being particular about my surroundings, I’ve carefully curated my apartment over the past six years, replacing anything that didn’t feel quite right. Now, it’s finally complete. My collection spans centuries, from an Otto van Veen (1615), to a Hendrick Draakestein botanical engraving (1686), through to contemporary Australian works by Mali Moir, Lydia Ciconte, Lucinda Chambers, and Martin Tighe.
With such beauty around me, I could happily stay in my space for days on end, but I do venture out, often walking down to Acland Street for a great coffee and a little people-watching, there’s never a dull moment.
After closing my showroom in June 2025, I moved all remaining stock into my warehouse and workshop in Fitzroy North. All visible on my website allpressinc.com and still reduced by 50%. I’m now free to travel around Australia, primarily to advise on sizing down, but also to help clients refine and perfect ongoing collections.
Sizing down doesn’t have to be overwhelming, stressful, or expensive. Choose your pieces thoughtfully, after all, they’ll likely be with you for the rest of your life. Make your space beautiful.
I’m always happy to offer advice on carriers, storage options, restorers, dealers, auctioneers and trusted real estate agents. Helping people create happier homes has been one of the most rewarding parts of my working life.
In early 2023, Russell Winnell photographed my apartment, and I wrote this story around the same time. I’ve held off sharing it with magazines until now, as I’ve continued refining everything, improving displays, changing plants in my beautiful French fruitwood jardinier, replacing furniture, including the chest in my bedroom, and continually changing the display shelving in my living room.
I’ve also been selling directly from my apartment, everything from farmhouse tables and dining chairs, to side chairs, dressers, smaller decorative pieces, and a great deal of art.
Soon, I’ll have Russell back for final photographs, and then this story will finally go to print.
Jamie Allpress
Allpress Creations, 2023–26
