I’ve been on declutter journey and I’ve been thinking about how a lot of older adults may find themselves having to declutter as well. Decluttering is the process of getting rid of the items that no longer have a place in your life. This could be old plates or worn sheets or clothes. Older adults may have to declutter as they move and downsize and as their needs change. They may not be able to use certain items anymore, and so rather than having it take up space in your kitchen. So here are some ways to declutter.
Giving it Away to Family Members
A lot of older adults have accumulated items that they want to pass on to their family members. These items can take up a lot of space, and if you do want to declutter them, I would enlist those family members to take those items for themselves. They can also take them to be donated, which you may not be able to do by yourself. Never be afraid to ask for help when decluttering, whether it be from family or friends or neighbors.
Host a Yard Sale
One thing you can also do with help or by yourself depending on your ability is host a yard sale. There are paid services that will run an estate sale for you, and a lot of older adults utilize those services because someone else comes in and does all the cataloging, organizing, set-up, tear-down and selling for you. Yard sales can definitely be a lot of work, but it’s a great option especially if your neighborhood is organizing one which increases the likelihood of you selling your items.
I have many more ideas, some that are less labor intensive, and I will talk about them tomorrow! Check back in with us then!
Written by Brigid Stakelum
