Decluttering
Clutter drains us of time, energy, and money.
Growing up in a military family that moved every two years or so, I learned to de-clutter at an early age. It’s a habit that has served me well as an adult whose career has taken her coast to coast, with multiple local moves in between.
Like most people, I like my stuff! And I can be sentimental about keepsakes from my teen years, or drawings that my niece and nephew made in pre-school.
But it sure adds up, doesn’t it?
Pretty soon, the empty closets I drooled over when I moved in have become filled with stacks of books, clothes I wish would fit, and artwork that no longer suits my décor.
Now, I’m preparing for my 31st move. This time, I’ll be moving from the greater NYC area to Oxford, OH. And, like every move before this one, I’ll take the opportunity to declutter.
Clutter in the home can be a stressor — no matter your age. If you’ve ever had to move a stack of old junk to get to the extra set of sheets for the guest room, you know first-hand that too much “stuff” can make you feel “trapped” in your own home. And research shows that living in a cluttered home can actually decrease your quality of life!
Yes, clearing the clutter means you have more space in your home, simply because there’s less stuff. But it’s more than that for folks in their retirement years.
A clutter-free home is important to reduce tripping and fall hazards. Clearing the clutter enables your home to be safe and accessible if you’re planning to stay in your home as long as possible.
As you enter this new stage of life you have a chance to live lighter and be less burdened by “stuff”. This is a chance to take control over your belongings and do what you intend with them.
Whether you are moving to a smaller house, condo or senior living community, here are some tips for decluttering and downsizing.
1) Start Small
Make a list of the areas of your home, drawers, cabinets, closets and rooms. Start small and tackle one at a time, one day at a time. One drawer per day doesn’t sound so bad, does it?
2) Many Hands Make Light Work
Just a few extra bodies will make the process go faster. If family members aren’t an option, consider the professionals. Senior Move Managers like Lyn’s Daughter specialize in helping older adults and their families with the daunting process of downsizing and moving to a new residence. They do the organizing, packing and unpacking, space planning and coordinate with auction houses and movers.
3) Sort With Your First Impulse
Everything in your home should fall into 5 categories:
KEEP
Use your new space as a guide. Work with a floor plan provided by the community or real estate agent.
Focus on most used items, not necessarily the newest or most expensive.
Pick out the two best items in a collection. Take pictures and make a photo album of the rest.
GIVE AWAY TO FAMILY & FRIENDS
If you can't take it with you, consider letting your family and friends enjoy the item sooner rather than later.
DONATE
Most charities will pick up items from your home. Be aware that they are being more selective and may only take a few of the items that you have designated for donation. Lyn’s Daughter can help you coordinate this, too.
SELL
Think twice about selling items on your own. Online selling options, i.e., Craigslist, eBay and garage sales are time-consuming and open your home to strangers. Instead, let the pros at Lyn’s Daughter handle it.
TOSS
Be aware that items other than household garbage will fall into this category when you are downsizing.
If it is chipped, broken, or stained, TOSS IT. Charities won’t take items they cannot sell.
Do not be shy about tossing these items: spices, junk mail, magazines, unused toiletries, plastic food containers, candles and the contents of your junk drawer.
If you do not want to throw it away, but you cannot sell or donate it, put it out on the curb with a "Free" sign. You will be amazed at how fast it disappears.
