Decluttering your living space Decluttering is the act of getting rid of stuff - the excess, the things that you no longer need, want, appreciate or serve a purpose to you in some way. It is a way of simplifying your home, time and life by keeping what’s important and getting rid off or letting go of the rest. There are so many benefits of decluttering your home and life. Your family will thank you for doing it and saving them the job! Decluttering our homes, for example, creates space and calm. We have less stuff to look after and more free time for other things. With more space and more time comes less stress, more ease and more freedom for the things that we most value. There are other benefits of a decluttered home including it functioning better, it’s easier to find and put away things and it often encourages us to take pride in and look after our homes better. As we get older, it is important to have a home that is safe to live in. A cluttered home and yard can be a minefield for older people. Nearly one third of people over 65 years fall each year, with most falls occurring at home, many resulting in hospitalisation or an early entry into an aged care home. Often it is the sentimental things that are the most difficult to let go off or sometimes duty keeps us holding onto things even when we are not that fond of them. Keep the things that bring you joy or things that you can use. Try to find a good home for other possessions that are meaningful to your family. Remembering the past and honouring those who have gone before us is important and valuable. There is a place for the richness of family history in our homes and families. Decluttering sentimental items does not mean erasing the memories of our past. Rather, it is finding ways to remember the past without being burdened by unwanted things. Local history groups or museums might like to have things of interest to the local community. Hints for successful decluttering • Start early – don’t leave it until you have to do it. • One room at a time or one corner or one drawer at a time. • Choose the easiest things first. • Decide if each item is keep, give to family member, donate, sell or discard. • How long have a used the item or worn the item and when am I likely to use or wear it again. • Be honest and practical – when are you going to cook a dinner party for 10 people again or am I really going to repair/renovate all those items in the shed. If you have a lot of clutter in your home, yard and shed and are overwhelmed with the enormity of the decluttering task, you may be able to get some assistance through your home care package. Discuss with you Home Care Coordinator. “I don’t mind getting older, but my body is having a hissy fit about it” Quote of the Day 5
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