Commitment + Clinical Leadership = Better Outcomes

Retirement is an exciting time because it gives seniors the opportunity to pursue what they love now that their kids are grown and they will no longer be working full time.

However, with retirement comes the challenge of downsizing. Many seniors will move out of their homes and into smaller apartments, which creates the need to find ways to get rid of old, unwanted items.

It’s important for seniors to form a strategy for when they downsize after retirement. Here are some tips and tricks to successfully downsize after retirement.

Start Early

As retirement comes closer, it is wise for seniors to begin their downsizing journey early. This can make it easy for them to transition because they will feel less stressed about deciding what needs to be let go.

Seniors can start by going through their rooms one by one and making 3 categories:

• Keep
• Donate
• Sell

This can help ease the process and give them a chance to reflect on what they truly need and don’t

Create a Plan

Seniors can start the downsizing process by creating a plan. This plan should include sorting the rooms into categories, from drawers to closets, to help make going through different items more manageable.

Some things can help when creating a plan:

• Be realistic about expectations. Try to plan for extra time in case one room takes longer to sort through than expected.
• Set Goals. You could have various goals for sorting through clutter, such as “sort through items by the end of the month.” If goals are not met, reevaluate what might be working and not for reorganizing items.
• Think about future plans. Seniors should consider their future: are they going to live in the same house or downsize? They may need to evaluate their goals in order to plan for their future.

Use a Process To Eliminate Items

Using a sorting process can help seniors seamlessly clean out their living spaces. Here are a few ideas to help seniors get rid of items:

• Throw out any items that might be broken. This can help seniors downsize things that they don’t need, especially if they have no plans to repair items that they’ve kept over the years.
• Go through collections. Collections can be tough to sort through, especially if there is sentimental value attached to those items. However, downsizing collections can be a place to start in the decluttering process.
• Review wardrobe. Did you know that Americans buy an average of 53 clothing items a year? Over time, these articles can accumulate and take up space in a senior’s wardrobe. Helping seniors learn what they wear and what is clutter can help them better organize their space.
• Give Gifts Away. Some seniors will keep gifts to give away to their loved ones in the future. However, these items take up space. It’s time to give these items away at the next birthday party or Christmas celebration.

Get Rid of Old or Expired Items

Many seniors may have items that are past their expiration date. However, these items are no longer worth keeping, especially since they can cause rashes or skin problems if used.

Here are some old or expired items seniors should consider going through:

• Makeup
• Perfumes
• Toiletries
• Sunscreens
• Food in pantry
• Batteries
• Medications
• Cleaning products
• Art or Office Supplies

Items should have a sell by or use by date. If you’re unsure if an item is safe to use, when in doubt throw it out.

Take Inventory

Taking inventory can be a great way for seniors to know what they have and what they will need in the future. It can also be a strategy for seniors to avoid purchasing duplicate items that they may not use or need.

Some items that should be included in the inventory include:

• Clothes and shoes
• Furniture
• Decorations
• Food
• Office Supplies
• Movies, books, and DVDs

Create a Budget

Many seniors will live on a limited or fixed income after they retire. Seniors should focus on creating a current and future budget that will help them plan for expenses for now and the future.

Some things seniors should consider are:

• Bills (including water, electricity, heat, or other needs)
• Food
• Medical expenses
• Car payments

All of these expenses are important to think about to help seniors as they enjoy their retirement.

Consider Hiring a Professional

If a senior has a lot of items or finds it difficult to downsize on their own, a professional might be needed to help them get organized. Some benefits of hiring a professional organizer include:

• Save time. Many professional organizers have helped countless people clean out their homes. They can quickly help someone evaluate what items to keep and give away.
• Helpful tips and tricks. Many organizers have a bunch of helpful tips and tricks that they can teach you to help your family organize items. They can show you pictures of other homes they’ve worked on and present to you a few ideas on how you can effectively organize your own stuff.
• Teach sustainable organizing habits. A professional organizer can teach you organizational habits that you can easily implement into your routine to keep your place nice and tidy.

Make a Plan for Things You Don’t Want

Seniors should create a plan for the items that they do not plan on keeping. Here are a few ideas:

1. Consider selling unneeded valuables. For valuable items that seniors no longer need, they should consider selling those items. Things such as designer items, artwork, collectibles, and other items can be sold to people who would appreciate them. Flea markets can be great places for selling lower priced items.
2. Give Items To Friends. To things that you can’t sell, consider giving them away to friends who might be interested in them. Many friends might appreciate the items you no longer need and can work to give them new life.
3. If a senior can’t find someone to sell or give away their items to, consider donating them. There are local charity organizations that will accept donations, and their websites will usually list what they are currently looking for.
4. Some items that you no longer need may be able to be recycled. You can look up places that might accept some of your unwanted items, with many organizations looking to repurpose or reuse items that are no longer wanted.
5. Consider borrowing items you don’t use often. For items you might be on the fence on or use rarely, consider borrowing them. Books, video games, DVDs, and other commonly purchased items are often available for rent through libraries or local services.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.