People tend to accumulate more and more possessions over the years. These items can hold a lot of sentimental value, but they can also start to take up a lot of space in our homes. When it comes time for making other life choices, decluttering can become a daunting task. However, decluttering can have many benefits, from creating a more organised and efficient living space to reducing stress and anxiety.
In this article, we will explore the intricacies of decluttering and provide tips for seniors looking to unload some of their possessions.
The Importance of Decluttering
Decluttering can be a difficult and emotional process, but it can also be incredibly beneficial for seniors. Here are some of the top reasons why decluttering is important:
Creates a Safer Living Environment
Cluttered homes can be dangerous, especially for seniors who are at a higher risk of falls. By decluttering, seniors can create a safer living environment and reduce their risk of accidents. A Cochrane Review report revealed that decluttering carried a 25 per cent lower risk of slips and falls around the home.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Living in a cluttered environment can be stressful and overwhelming – a Melbourne declutter service stated that mental health issues are exacerbated by the size of the clutter. Decluttering can help reduce stress and anxiety by creating a more organised and peaceful living space.
Frees Up Space
As we age, we may need to downsize or move into a smaller home or retirement community. Decluttering can help free up space and make the moving process easier.
Makes Cleaning Easier
Cleaning a cluttered home can be a time-consuming and frustrating task. By decluttering, seniors can make cleaning easier and more efficient.
Improves Mental Health
Decluttering can have a positive impact on mental health by reducing stress and anxiety and creating a more peaceful living space.
Tips for Seniors Looking to Declutter
Decluttering can be a daunting task for seniors, but can be manageable. Here are some tips for seniors looking to unload some of their possessions:
Take it Slow
Decluttering can be overwhelming, so it’s important to take it slow. Start with one room or one area at a time, and don’t try to tackle everything at once.
Sort Items into Categories
When decluttering, it can be helpful to sort items into categories such as keep, donate, and throw away. For example, one pile has old clothes marked for donations, and another has keepsakes.
Consider Sentimental Value
Seniors may have many possessions that hold sentimental value, such as family heirlooms or photographs. It’s important to consider these items carefully and only get rid of what is absolutely necessary. When some heirlooms can be safely kept by close family members, the team at OzLabels stated its ok to ask the senior during the declutter if they can keep it.
Get Help if Needed
Decluttering can be a difficult and emotional process, and seniors may need help from family members or friends. If you are running a schedule for your downsizing, their presence and commitment to labour will be vital to complete the task on time.
Donate or Sell Items
Seniors may have items that are still in good condition but are no longer needed. Consider donating or selling these items to a local charity or thrift store. Any proceeds from the sale may be put instead into your personal funds or to help pay off any loans. The team at Apia Insurance notes that if you have decluttering to do in your bedroom, the clothes in your closet are good candidates for donation or sale, like selling clothes you haven’t worn in a year.
Use Storage Solutions
For items that are still needed but take up too much space, consider using storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets, or storage bins. Each of them must be properly marked to help seniors identify the items inside.
Be Realistic
When decluttering, it’s important to be realistic about what can and cannot be kept. Seniors may need to let go of some items in order to create a more organised and efficient living space.
Decluttering to Downsize
What happens though, if a decluttering has to be made as part of a senior’s downsizing of their lifestyle?
When it comes to decluttering during downsizing, it’s essential to approach the process with a plan and to take it one step at a time. The first step is to sort through all of the belongings in the home and separate them into three categories: keep, sell, and donate.
The keep category should consist of only the essential items that seniors need in their new home, such as furniture, clothing, and personal belongings. The sell category should consist of items that are in good condition but no longer needed, such as appliances, electronics, and furniture. Seniors can hold a yard sale, list items online, or work with a consignment store to sell these items.
Finally, the donate category should consist of items that are in good condition but no longer needed, such as clothing, books, and household items. Seniors can donate these items to a local charity or organisation that accepts donations.
Once the sorting process is complete, seniors can then focus on packing up their belongings for the move. It’s essential to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in, making the unpacking process more manageable.
Seniors can also enlist the help of family members or professional organisers to help with the decluttering process and the move. A professional organiser can offer guidance on the best ways to sort through belongings and can provide practical solutions for organising a smaller space.
Conclusion
Downsizing and decluttering can be an emotional process, but it’s essential to approach it with a plan and to take it one step at a time. By separating belongings into categories, labeling boxes, and enlisting help, seniors can make the downsizing process more manageable. And while decluttering can be challenging, the benefits are worth it, including the creation of a more manageable space and a sense of emotional clarity.
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage can be a suitable option for purchasing a new property. The money from the equity in your home can be aligned for downsizing plans such as a smaller house or to go into aged-care facilities. However, the loan must be fully paid off if the big downsize move takes place and you formally sell the current property.
Please call the A.S.A.G. at 1300 002 724 or email to info@asagfirst.com.au to explore your downsizing finance options.
Use our assessment tool below to determine the equity for your loan.