Over time, homes can become filled with years of accumulated items and possessions. This clutter takes up physical space, and being around untidy surroundings can negatively impact our mental well-being. That’s why it’s important to take the time to declutter and organize living spaces.
Spring is the perfect time for some much-needed cleaning and decluttering.
This article will provide simple and practical tips for older adults and loved ones to tackle spring cleaning and decluttering.
Decluttering an entire home can seem like a daunting and overwhelming task. That’s why starting small and focusing on one area at a time is important. Begin with a single room or a specific section, such as a closet or shelf. Doing so will help with motivation and prevent feeling overwhelmed.
Designate specific areas for common items, such as a key holder for house keys or a designated basket for mail. Having items in a particular place will help keep these items organized, help with remembering where things are, and prevent clutter from accumulating in other areas of a home.
During the decluttering process, make three piles: keep, donate/sell, and throw away. Be honest with what’s needed and only keep truly necessary items or hold sentimental value. Consider donating or selling items in good condition that are no longer needed or used.
Expired or unused products, such as old medications or beauty products, take up unnecessary space and may even pose health hazards. Check and dispose of these items to keep living spaces tidy and safe.
Storage solutions, such as bins, baskets, and shelves, can help keep items organized and easily accessible. Utilize vertical space by installing shelves or using hanging organizers to save space. Consider also repurposing items (for example, using a shoe organizer to store cleaning supplies).
Cherished family photos and important documents take up physical space. Consider digitizing these items to save storage space. For photos, you’ll still preserve their sentimental value, and digitization makes them easily accessible for sharing with friends and family.
As you declutter and organize, consider taking the time to clean your home. Cleaning makes living spaces more visually appealing while improving air quality and reducing allergens.
Prioritize cleaning appliances, as they’ll have accumulated the most dirt and grime.
Here’s a checklist of what you can do for each appliance:
Having the right cleaning tools is crucial.
Tools like extendable dusters and cobweb removers allow for easy reach in high corners and behind furniture, minimizing strain on the body.
Cordless vacuum cleaners are an excellent choice to reduce the risks associated with cords and increase mobility. Their lightweight and portable design lessens the chances of falls.
Decluttering, organizing, and cleaning can be physically and mentally taxing. Breaking up key tasks over multiple days can help, but don’t hesitate to ask for help from other family members or hire a professional organizer if needed.
Assistance is especially important for older adults for anything requiring heavy lifting or climbing on ladders.
Once you’ve successfully decluttered, organized, and cleaned a home, it’s important to maintain it. Make a habit of regularly tidying up and going through belongings to get rid of anything no longer needed. Taking these steps in between will prevent clutter from accumulating again.
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your loved one’s living space by decluttering and organizing. With these simple tips, you can make the task more manageable and create a more comfortable and welcoming home.
If you want to ensure your loved one never has to worry about cleaning again, consider moving them into a retirement living community. At Seasons Retirement Communities, your parent or grandparent can focus on enjoying their retirement while we handle the cleaning and maintenance of their living space.
Our communities are designed to provide a comfortable and safe environment for older adults, with amenities and services that cater to their needs.
Contact us today for more information!