Dec 10, 2018 - Explore Forte Organizers's board "Decluttering for Seniors", followed by 149 people on Pinterest. The core of the method is to only keep items that "spark joy" when yo… As a result of all three of those experiences, I tell all my friends and family that the kindest thing they could do for their loved ones is to clean out their spaces BEFORE they become ill or too old and tired to do it. We are here to share what we have been through and what we learned with you! If you click a link and buy something I may receive some compensation. Start three months in advance, and aim to finish before the last month in your old home. The only age group not to give reducing stress and boosting their mood as their top decluttering motivation is the 65+ crowd. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. You can seek the help of a professional organizer to work with you and your parent(s) which may make the process easier. I had to come to the realization that it was going to take some time to declutter. If you feel apprehensive about decluttering your electronic cables, don’t worry. Decide on what you will do with the excess items (donate, give it away, throw it away, etc.) We both have years of experience in senior care – Esther as an Occupational Therapist and Robin as a Dental Hygienist and we have both cared for our elderly parents. What I ended up doing really helped me through that process. For caregivers, this is especially helpful if you live in another state or a good distance from your parents(s) and can’t help them directly yourself. So, let me help you through this process. The author advises setting aside full days or large sets of time to declutter for good. Her expertise in home assessments and home safety issues for seniors will help you to make the best possible decisions for your elderly parent or senior that you are caring for. But once you are there – it’s wonderful. No matter how small it is, the best way to make an entryway most functional is to declutter it regularly. and follow through. Reduced clutter brings about an organized environment. Since we typically wear 20% of our clothes, 80% of the time, there should be a significant amount of clothing you can purge. Declutter 90 Days Before the Move. Adults ages 65 and older are even more likely (87 percent) to say they want to age in their current home or community than those ages 50 to 64 (71 percent). As I mentioned in this article – there are multiple reasons to clear out your living environment and I do hope that you can begin the process as soon as possible. Decide on what you will do with the excess items (donate, give it away, throw it away, etc.) Here are seven tips to start decluttering or finish the job. Various studies by psychology experts have proven these and other benefits of decluttering. There’s an incredible sense of control over my life that I didn’t have before. For children of aging parents, convincing them to get rid of their stuff is no easy task. If you can’t walk down the hallway without stepping on things or you have to walk sideways. Decluttering and organizing your belongings while you are young enough to tackle the job allows you to: Access what you want easily. After my husband passed away suddenly – I was left with a 4600 square foot home filled to the brim with STUFF! Decluttering creates a sense of order and stability. Getting rid of items that you’ve become attached to can be difficult but the end result will give you more freedom and happiness and less stress. **this post contains affiliate links for products. That decision is a personal one that you need to make. No matter what – no matter how I felt – I stuck to the schedule! So let me share that with you.