Expert Tips to Make Decluttering A Breeze

As the planning and moving consultant at Fox Run, an Erickson Senior Living community in Novi, Mich., I've worked with retirees at all different stages--those exploring their senior living options, those who just reserved their new home, and those who've already begun planning for their future move. 

Regardless of what stage you're in, it's never too early to start thinking about downsizing. 

Many prospective residents have lived in their houses for years--or even decades. Once they start sifting through boxes, they quickly realize they've accumulated much more than they originally thought. As a result, the most common question I hear is, "Where do I begin?" 

Expert guidance

My first suggestion is to schedule a meeting with the planning and moving consultant at your local Erickson Senior Living community. One of my responsibilities is to help you sort through your belongings and find a new home for items you no longer need.

This meeting can take place in your current house, or, if you don't feel ready for that just yet, we can schedule a phone conversation or video chat. It's a great opportunity for us to get to know you while explaining our role and what support we can offer. 

One way I offer support is by providing recommendations on a wide variety of resources, from senior move management companies to estate sale services and charitable organizations, all designed to help with downsizing. Plus, all of these resources are preferred vendors, which means they have been vetted for quality customer service. 

Start small

Some people want to handle the downsizing process themselves, using it as an opportunity to reflect on the memories associated with keepsakes and photos. 

If you're one of these people, I usually offer this piece of advice: Don't put off decluttering. The sooner you start, the easier it will be! Begin by allotting some time on your calendar to begin your first small downsizing project. 

Rather than thinking about the downsizing process as a whole, view it as a list of manageable tasks. As you accomplish each task, you'll gain a feeling of accomplishment and establish momentum. I often suggest that people start with a small space, such as a linen closet, kitchen cabinet, junk drawer, or bookshelf.

As you begin looking at items, it's helpful to organize them into three categories--keep, throw away, and donate. If you are uncertain as to which category an item should go in, ask yourself questions such as:

• "Do I use this item now?" If your answer is yes, keep it.
• "Is it broken?" If the answer is yes, throw it away.
• "Can someone else benefit from having this?" If your answer is yes, donate it to a family member or a charitable organization.

If having time blocked on your calendar for your first project was helpful, consider creating a downsizing schedule by allotting time in a cadence that feels right for you. Maybe every other week is a good timeframe for you!

It can also be helpful to enlist a friend or family member to assist you with your efforts. Not only will they keep you on schedule, they will help you make decisions and make the process much more enjoyable.

Here to help

Regardless of which way you'd like to downsize, I'm here to help! I can offer guidance that is tailored to your preferences. Everyone and every house is unique, which is why creating a personalized plan can make all the difference in helping you start and stick with a program. 

And, by starting the process early, you'll have all the time you need to adequately downsize without feeling rushed!

Find an Erickson Senior Living community near you to learn more about the planning and moving resources available.