Living independently becomes more challenging the older one gets. You might notice that regular tasks like cleaning, yard work and cooking have become time-consuming and painful. Injuries like falls can be hazardous. Despite the increased risks of living alone, the vast majority of seniors have no plans to move from their current residence in the next 10 years.
For seniors in good health, moving into a retirement community is not a necessity. Continuing to live independently helps older adults maintain their individuality and sense of purpose. But no matter how spry you are, keeping your home organized is an important part of aging in place. Clutter poses a risk of injury and makes it difficult to clean. In addition, reduced anxiety, improved mood and better ability to focus are among the psychological benefits of a clean space. Get started decluttering and organizing your home with these downsizing tips for seniors:
- Give Yourself Time
Trying to organize your entire home at once can be a daunting task. Decluttering your home isn’t something you’ll be able to get done in a few hours or even a few days. After all, it likely took you years to accumulate the belongings you have now. If you’re planning to downsize, start earlier than you think is necessary to make sure you don’t have to rush. Choose a room, or even one area of a room, to start with.
Allow yourself to reminisce, reflect and share stories that come to mind as you sort through your belongings. The things you own are tied to memories and special times in your life, and part of the fun of decluttering is remembering the significance of these items.
- Keep Important Items Within Reach
Store heavy appliances and items you use regularly on lower shelves or other easily accessible locations. You don’t want pots and pans in tall cabinets to fall on you and cause an injury.
- Clear Wider Paths
If you use a walker or wheelchair, it’s especially important to space furniture so that you have room to navigate through your home with ease. Even if you don’t have mobility issues, tripping or bumping into furniture can be a hazard if you’ve accumulated unnecessary clutter. Consider relocating or donating end tables and chairs you don’t use.
- Clear Off Surfaces
Surfaces like tables, counters and desks are fast to pile up with papers, photos, dust and other knick-knacks that don’t have any other home. Decide if you want to keep these items, and if not, throw them out. If you are keeping them, find a drawer or bin to store them in, or install additional storage like shelves or hooks to keep them out of the way.
- Label Drawers and Bins
As you begin to declutter and organize your shelves, surfaces and floors, you’ll likely begin putting some of these belongings into drawers and bins. The problem with this is that once they’re out of sight, you might forget where you stored them. The solution: clearly label every drawer or bin with its contents.
- Donate the Clothes You Don’t Wear
How many articles of clothing do you have that no longer fit, aren’t in style anymore, or you simply don’t wear? Clear out your closet by donating items you haven’t worn in the last year. Some pieces of clothing may have sentimental value, and even though you don’t wear them, you can’t bear to part with them. These items can go into storage.
- Throw Out Expired Products
Check your bathroom for products such as dried up sunscreen, empty bottles and expired medications. Gather the items you do use regularly and organize them in an easy-to-reach cabinet or shelf. Next, go through your refrigerator and toss foods that are past their prime, such as expired condiments or freezer-burned meats. Make a list of the foods you need to repurchase next time you’re at the store.
- Don’t Be Afraid To Ask for Help
There’s nothing wrong with asking for assistance. Recruit the help of a family member to make the work go twice as fast. You can also hire decluttering services for seniors. These services will send a professional to streamline the process of downsizing and help you declutter and organize.
- Review Your Life Insurance Policy
While you’re getting your living space in order, it’s also a good idea to get your finances in order. Do you have an up-to-date life insurance policy? If not, contact an Americo Financial Life and Annuity Insurance Company (AFL) representative today for a quote!