The Caring Corner®

Chatham Senior Care: Downsizing With Dignity As We Age

May 18, 2016

If you ask most retirees , they would choose to age in place in the comfort of their own home. Most people have accumulated a lifetime of possessions and they do not want to let go of the memories. However, it is a good idea to begin the chore of decluttering your home while you are still able to do it or it may fall on your heirs to dispose of your things. Not only is organizing your things a huge chore, but many families have had huge battles over items that several family members may want.
Decluttering the home offers huge benefits because you can access your stuff more easily, reorganize your possessions, enjoy memories stored in photos, letters or videos that you have been saving and maneuver through the home more easily if you become disabled. Getting rid of the things you don’t need will help to protect your loved ones from inheriting the burden of a home full of stuff. Those that hold onto their things may find that their treasures are donated or tossed because no one wants them or has a place to put them. It may be a better idea to gift your special treasures now for your children or grandchildren to enjoy.
Just as it takes years to accumulate possessions, it will take some time to get rid of them. You don’t have to do everything at once, but set aside a few items at a time or go through a room over a weekend to decide what you can live without. This will be very helpful if you decide to move into a smaller home or apartment. You do not want to be cramming all of your things into a smaller space. As you begin, you need to make it a regular practice. Try to go through one drawer at a time, or a section of the garage or a closet. Set aside one day or one hour a week to declutter and stick to it. They even have professionals to help you declutter if you get stalled in your efforts.

 

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