Whether you or your aging parent is looking to downsize or simply make their current home more manageable, decluttering the home can give the family a chance to take a fresh look at your possessions. Of course, decluttering is rarely just about “getting rid of stuff,” as many belongings are tied to specific memories. It’s natural for the decluttering process to take time, but with patience and support, it can feel less overwhelming while getting your family to a more comfortable living space.
Key Takeaways
- Decluttering gradually, starting with one room or small area at a time, can make the process more manageable.
- Decluttering can be an emotional process. Since many belongings have sentimental value, it’s important to weigh that value against the benefits of passing items along to a new home when possible.
- Decluttering can be a great way to organize a current home and make it more accessible for older adults, or make it easier for seniors to downsize to a new living situation.
When Is It Time to Declutter?
There is no single “right” time to declutter; it all depends on what your family wants. That said, common reasons people choose to declutter include:
- Wanting to own fewer possessions to simplify daily life.
- Preparing to downsize into a condo, apartment, or smaller home.
- Reducing clutter that may contribute to tripping hazards or make rooms more difficult to navigate.
- Preparing for a move into an independent living, assisted living, or memory care community.
Benefits of Decluttering
While every experience is different, thoughtful decluttering may offer:
- A greater sense of organization and a calmer, more manageable living space
- Improved safety and accessibility that comes from removing tripping hazards and mobility obstacles
- A home with fewer belongings may be easier to maintain and navigate, helping support independence for some older adults
- Reduced visual stress from a calmer, less cluttered environment
- Peace of mind for families that homes are easier to navigate for their loved one
- A sense of accomplishment at seeing tangible progress in a larger decluttering project
Tips for When It’s Time to Declutter
Is your family getting ready to declutter? The following tips have helped many other families tackle the process, and they may be able to help you, too.
Establish Ground Rules
Establish a few ground rules ahead of time if multiple family members are helping. Doing so can make the process smoother. For example, if everyone can agree that the older adult has the final say about personal belongings whenever possible, then there may be less time on disputes and more time cleaning.
Know Where to Get Started
One of the biggest challenges is simply knowing where to begin. Looking at an entire home can quickly become overwhelming, leading to decision fatigue before the work even starts.
If that sounds like you, take a deep breath and consider breaking a large, seemingly impossible project into smaller, much more manageable chunks. For example, instead of thinking, “I need to clean this entire house right now,” try, “I will work on my bedroom closet this weekend.” Short, consistent sessions like this one can be less stressful, easier to manage, and help you work towards your goal in a realistic manner.
For added structure to these mini projects, you can track progress with a simple checklist or calendar, so completed areas are easy to see.
Be Organized
Having a simple sorting system can reduce confusion and make decisions easier. Some people find decluttering easier to manage if they have clearly labeled categories to sort items into, such as:
- Keep
- Donate
- Sell
- Recycle
- Trash
- Pass it down
The labeling process doesn’t have to be elaborate, either. Boxes marked with permanent markers or sticky notes or printed checklists can all help keep items organized. The specific system matters less than choosing one that is easy for everyone involved to follow.
Try a Room-by-Room Approach
Tackling a whole house can feel overwhelming. Working in one room at a time, before moving on to another, can feel much easier to manage. This approach allows much more visible progress, offering a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue. Plus, it keeps unfinished projects from spilling over into other areas.
If a room-by-room approach still feels a little intimidating, try breaking the room itself down. For example, you can try to work from one side of the room to the other, or start with one cabinet before moving to another. What’s important is breaking the larger project into smaller milestones to make the final goal (having a decluttered home) feel more achievable.
Don’t Ignore the Emotional Aspect of Decluttering
Decluttering is about more than just possessions. It’s about the memories attached to them. Seasonal decorations, children’s artwork, family photographs, even everyday household items can hold personal meaning.
Letting go of long-held items can be hard. It takes time. Be patient during the process and allow your loved one time to reflect on these belongings. Doing so can make the process feel more respectful and less stressful overall.
When your loved one reflects on their belongings, it doesn’t have to be a solo process. Ask them to share stories connected to the items, encourage them to pass the items onto family members or friends, or even take a photograph of the item before parting with it. Doing so can make it easier to part with items and work towards a less cluttered space.
Find Local Support
Decluttering does not have to be a solo or family-only venture. Reach out to trusted resources to make the process more manageable:
- Close friends or neighbors
- Move-in coordinators at senior living communities
- Local charities with donation pickup services
- Professional movers
- Use the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) directory to find Certified Professional Organizers®
Be Safe
Above all else during the decluttering process, be safe!
When your family is decluttering, keep the following in mind:
- Use proper form when lifting
- Ask for help moving heavy objects, like furniture
- Ensure rooms and hallways are all well-lit
- Don’t stack boxes so high that they become unstable or block visibility
- Only stack items on stable surfaces
- Take regular breaks
Don’t Make These Decluttering Mistakes
Keeping the following in mind can help you avoid frustrations and manage expectations during the decluttering process.
Don’t assume current furniture will fit in a new home
Suppose your aging mother wants to keep her full-size sofa during her move to a new apartment. Make sure you measure both the furniture and the new space to ensure the sofa will comfortably fit in her new living room.
Don’t assume family members have unlimited availability
Friends, family, and neighbors often want to help, but don’t take their time for granted. If they offer to help, don’t expect them to have unlimited availability. Schedule specific times they can help so everyone can contribute.
Don’t expect everything to happen at once
Decluttering, more often than not, takes time. Be sure to celebrate the steady progress you make. Celebrations can feel more encouraging than worrying over “how much” remains to be done.
Don’t overlook moving-related costs
Decluttering, especially if it’s part of a move, can come with expenses; don’t forget to account for those expenses, which can include packing supplies, transportation services, utility changes, or storage rentals.
Don’t hold onto everything out of guilt
Decluttering can be an emotional process. Sometimes people hold onto objects out of fond memories. Other times, people hold onto items because they would feel guilty for giving them away. During this entire process, take time to thoughtfully consider each item’s role: its historical value, sentimental value, current-day usefulness, and the practicality of keeping it. Doing so can help your family make decisions that are both thoughtful and pragmatic.
When You’re Decluttering Before a Move to Senior Living
Decluttering can make a home safer and more accessible. It can also help families downsize before an older adult makes the move to a senior living community. If your family is looking to make the move to senior living, get in touch with an Avista Senior Living community near you today. Our professional team has helped countless residents and families simplify the moving process from their current home to one of our communities.
Disclaimers: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial or legal advice.
