Age with Grace: Thoughts on Decluttering

Let’s face it. Most of us hold on to more stuff than we should. If you want to make life a little easier for you and for your family, consider doing some decluttering now and adopting a more streamlined lifestyle going forward. You will be well prepared if you decide to downsize your home. And, when it is time for your loved ones to go through your things after you have passed away, you will have made that job as easy—and as painless—for them as possible. Here are thoughts on decluttering to consider.

Start Small and Slow
Look around for nonfunctional items. For example, how much “retired” stuff do you have around the house? Cell phones you will never use again. A TV that has not worked in 10 years. The dishwasher you replaced that is sitting in the garage. If it does not work, it should go.

Duplicates. Do you have two copies of the same book? More than one orbital sander? Multiples of the same kitchen gadget? Getting rid of spare items is another way to begin the process of decluttering. Consider donating the extras to your favorite charity, homeless shelter, or organization such as Avalon.

Now let us talk papers. While it is important to hold onto some papers, many can go. Some should be shredded to protect your privacy while others can be recycled. Papers take up a lot of space and are very heavy to move. Those paper piles may look ominous and overwhelming, but if you tackle a little bit each week, you will turn those mountains into mole hills in no time. Do not forget to join us at our yearly Shred It event and enjoy mouthwatering barbeque while you have your shredding done!

In fact, no matter where you start with the decluttering process, just set small goals. As I used to tell my students, small steps to success. One box, one closet shelf, one drawer at a time. Over time, you will make great progress in decluttering your home.

Take Your Time
With time on your side, you can find the right place for everything. Your family may want to sort through items and choose to keep any that hold sentimental value. Usable things can be donated. And while usable things can be easier to “rehome,” even those nonfunctional things may be useful if you take some time to find the right organization. For example, non-working electronics may be a welcome contribution to a technology school or club for parts or for tinkering. Another idea is to keep an eye out for free electronics disposal events in your community. Got outdated or somewhat worn furniture? While it may be difficult to sell, this kind of furniture can be donated. For example, a local theater may be interested in having it for their props department. Or see if you can find a “buy nothing” group online where you can post your things to give away.

Sometimes it takes a little time to find the right place to donate what you have but finding an organization that can put your items to good use is well worth the effort! When you take it upon yourself to declutter over time, your things are more likely to be used rather than ending up in a dumpster.

Make It a Lifestyle Choice
Once you have accomplished some decluttering, make it your lifestyle. Consider adopting a “one in – one out” policy. In other words, make room for something new by getting rid of something you no longer use.

Prepare for Downsizing
There are many reasons to downsize to a smaller home. Sometimes parents decide to downsize their home once the children are out on their own. Various people opt for a low-maintenance condominium in their senior years, so they are free to travel. Frequently moving to a house without stairs becomes important due to physical challenges or limitations. Possibly moving to a senior apartment community for companionship makes sense after losing a lifelong partner or for you and your partner as your children are grown and have moved out of the area. No matter the reason behind downsizing, the move will be a lot easier if you have already pared down your belongings.

Work with an experienced Virginia Estate Planning Attorney
While you are on a roll with decluttering, this is a great time to begin working with an estate planning attorney. Call Wilson Law PLC today at 866-603-5976 to set up a meeting or fill out our contact form and we’ll call you to schedule your meeting.