It is common to feel the want to downsize and simplify during your retirement years. Hence, we have put together the following blog post, where you will find 5 easy, realistic, and doable decluttering tips for older adults to help make your move to assisted living in Chapel Hill, NC so much easier. However, this post is equally helpful for just about anyone looking to simplify their life, whether they are downsizing, relocating, or just trying to live with less.
Why Declutter in Your Golden Years
As an older adult, you may need or desire to declutter for a variety of reasons.
The motivations behind downsizing and/or purging belongings are not always easy to face especially if you do not feel good about it.
Such as when you have to pack up your entire life in a hurry and downsize to a smaller space. Or if you or a family member is facing a serious medical emergency that necessitates a relocation. For example, if you are in poor health and the thought of decluttering is too much, get professional help.
Decluttering Tips for Older Adults
- Give Yourself Ample Time
The first piece of advice when decluttering as an elderly person is to give yourself as much time as you can.
Sometimes you do not have much warning before major life changes, like when you get sick or have to move. If you can help it, though, get a jump on decluttering right away.
Before you even think about relocating or downsizing, you should start cleaning out your belongings.
- Declutter a Bit at a Time
Decluttering is a process that goes more smoothly if you give yourself plenty of time to do it. It is best to declutter a small amount at a time so you do not burn yourself out. You can take your time and think carefully about the junk you want to get rid of.
Physically, psychologically, and emotionally, decluttering can be challenging. In order to minimize exhaustion, it is recommended to break up the job into smaller chunks and focus on them at intervals of no more than 20 minutes every day or once per week.
- Take Some Time to Reminisce
The extra time you give yourself to declutter will also allow you to reflect on the past as you discard unnecessary items.
As you purge your belongings, take a moment to appreciate the memories they represent. Have fun going through everything you own.
Taking a step back to reflect is a healthy method to begin the healing process that will ultimately lead you to a point where you can let go.
- Create a Decluttering Schedule
If you do not schedule time to declutter, you are more likely to put it off. Establish a timetable to follow to ensure you get the work done, knowing you have plenty of time to do so.
If you want to be successful in decluttering, you need to make a plan for what you will do, where you will do it, and when you will do it.
- Ask for Help
You should not be embarrassed to ask for assistance when you realize you are going to need it since you have underestimated the amount of effort involved in decluttering and are consequently feeling overwhelmed.
