“Letting Go” to Age in Place

If you are considering retiring in your own home, it is important to create a plan to do so comfortably. There are many issues that arise that can make the upkeep and maintenance of homeownership during retirement a challenge. 

One way to prepare to age in place is clearing the home of clutter to decrease mobility hazards and reduce the stress of maintaining excess or unnecessary belongings. 

According to Andrew Mellen, a prominent Professional Organizer, there are three ground rules to follow when preparing your home for your future as a retiree:
1. “Everything you own should have value, either because it's functional or beautiful or you just love it.”
2. “Every item needs a place where it ‘lives.’”
3. “Focus on one thing at a time.”

Recent statistics show 3 out of 5 retirees remain in their homes, while only “1 percent of homes are conducive to aging in place” as-is. We have a room by room list of items to streamline as you prepare your home for retirement.

Kitchen
The kitchen can inadvertently become a storage area for food preparation and storage items over time. Many of the items in the kitchen may receive little to no use. If you notice this is the case in your home, consider finding a new home for the following: 
• Excess Utensils
• Rarely used appliances
• Glassware Surplus
• Extra Pots and Pans

Bathroom
Many times, bathroom cabinets and counters gather items that clutter the space. You can clear the space quickly by purging the following:
• Expired prescription medication
• Beauty products 
• Hair styling appliances
• Older and unused towel sets

Living Room
This common area is essential for entertaining family or other company. Clutter often hides on shelves, in an armoire or buffet drawers, or as the furniture itself! Here are a few items to remove to reclaim your space:
• Old mail, newspapers, or advertisements
• Magazine collection
• Inherited items and mementos
• Knick-knacks and trinkets
• Large under-utilized furniture pieces

Office
Have an office space that’s become a catch-all for any piece of paper possible? Consider removing or finding new homes for these items:
• Outdated computer technology
• Paperwork and files
• Older books
• Pen collection

Bedroom/Closet
This small space is often overstuffed with sentimental pieces, clothing that’s never been worn, and trendy or rarely worn items that keep the closet packed. Here’s what you can resale, donate or gift:
Rarely worn special occasion clothing
• Dated trendy items
• Clothing that is too large or small
• Nostalgic or sentimental pieces
• Shoes that don’t fit

All Throughout the Home
A few things that may clear extra space throughout the home:
• Excess copies of photos
• New items in the box
• Extra Glasses/Sunglasses
• Old Gadgets
• Items stored for family and friends

Clearing your home of clutter does not have to start after you retire. You can start the process now before it’s a necessity. Removing clutter and reclaiming space to age in place can be emotional and time-consuming. Consider hiring a company like Caring Transitions to help you clear excess items and find new homes for valuables family and friends are not able to take on.

Sources

http://www.oprah.com/shiftyourlife/10-ways-to-unclutter-your-life

https://seniorplanet.org/too-much-old-stuff-how-to-bust-the-clutter/