03/19/2025
Helping seniors declutter & downsize can be a delicate process. After decades in a home, it can be extremely difficult to part with things and very overwhelming for individuals and family members. Having an outside expert can help streamline the daunting and emotional process. Here are some tips when considering decluttering and/or downsizing later in life.
Start Early & Create a Plan
- Downsizing is a process, not an event. Allow ample time to sort through belongings and make decisions without feeling rushed.
- Develop a clear plan that outlines the goals, timeline, and how decisions will be made.
Declutter Room by Room:
- Focus on one room at a time, breaking the task into manageable chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Sort into categories of "Keep", "Donate", "Sell", "Give to Family", "Toss." Avoid creating a "Not Sure" category.
Downsizing Strategies:
- Donating items to local charities can make parting with belongings a little bit easier.
- Consider digitizing important documents & photographs.
- Be patient and understanding as decluttering and downsizing can be an emotionally challenging process.
Going through a life's worth of home items is no small task, but it can provide important benefits like reduced care for a home, a safer space for mobility and a calmer and less cluttered environment.
- Message me if you'd like to discuss downsizing for yourself or a family member.