Decluttering is frequently the first step in the downsizing process. Get rid of useless and unwanted stuff immediately to kickstart moving preparations if you plan to relocate to a retirement home soon. Mental health professionals say that decluttering is uplifting and energizing, whether done before or after moving.

Clearing clutter has been shown to provide the following health advantages:

Reduced risk of falling:

Moving through clutter, such as piles of outdated clothing and old magazines, increases the risk of falling. Eliminating unnecessary items will provide you with more room to arrange your possessions and reduce the risk of falling.

Reduced allergens:

If you don't regularly clean your clutter, it probably contains dust and other allergens. You can improve the air quality and environment in your house by getting rid of it.

Better mental health:

Clutter may increase anxiety and inhibit relaxation, whether you realize it or not. Clutter may, depending on its intensity, even cause sleep issues. You can unwind and appreciate your house when it is clean and organized.

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We offer some advice if you're not sure where to begin.

Four tips for cleaning up your home

1. Walk through the house first

Grab a garbage bag and a few boxes to get started. Make a cursory sweep of the house to get rid of anything extra. You could be surprised by what you discover when you examine each space with an open mind.

Prepare two boxes: one for recyclables and the other for donations. Throw away everything else.

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2. Eliminate all paper

The paper contributes significantly to the clutter in our homes and lives, whether it is old credit card statements or out-of-date catalogs. Cleaning up is a lot simpler if you can minimize the amount of paper you have to manage.

Junk mail is a common source of conflict for many people.

Junk mail is a common source of conflict for many people. Join the National Do Not Mail List to reduce the quantity of junk mail you get. Additionally, you may email catalog firms to request removal from their mailing list.

Additionally, daily mail sorting is crucial. Don't wait until later to do it. Anything you don't need right away should be recycled or destroyed.

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3. Organize your closets

How much "stuff" can gather in closets in a short amount of time is remarkable. You're more likely to have a lot of clothing, shoes, and accessories you don't need the longer you've lived in the home.

Apply the 12-month guideline to every wardrobe in the house.

You might not need anything if you haven't worn it or used it in the past 12 months.

Make numerous journeys to donation drop-off locations while packing up the clothing you don't need. Delaying the drop-offs might lead to items finding their way back into your wardrobe. Apply the same strategy to goods kept in the basement, attic, and kitchen.

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4. Scale back on your Christmas décor

Holiday decorations gather over time. Many of us buy new and store our old possessions in boxes in the basement. Look through anything you don't use before taking down the decorations from this year. Remember that a lot of charities welcome gifts during the holidays. Among these are shelters for domestic abuse, veterans centers, and charitable preschools.

Reduce the size of residences for retirees to the correct size

When the time comes, simplifying your home's current state will make selling and relocating easier. You are not alone if the thought of downsizing seems daunting. Fortunately, experts may offer assistance.

Senior move managers may help with every aspect of relocation, including selecting a moving firm and managing an estate sale. The guide "How to Hire a Senior Move Manager" might direct you to a capable expert nearby.

Call (704) 704-2231 if you have inquiries about retirement communities or would like to schedule a visit to a Heritage Care Home Senior Living facility. A seasoned member of our staff would be pleased to assist you!