There's No Place Like Home

Make Room For New Possibilities

For many of us, decluttering can be an emotional experience. It’s not always easy to part with possessions we have an emotional connection to, making a real clean-out challenging.

“Home is not just a place we live, but a reminder of memories, with each item telling a unique story,” says professional organizer Alison Moulder of Simplicity and Style. “The difficulty comes in gently guiding clients through the process of letting go while respecting their emotional needs.”

Before you begin

If you’re ready to tackle some spring decluttering, prime your motivation by listing the benefits of having a more organized space:

• You can simplify your daily routine by making it easier to find what you need when you need it.

• It creates a safer living environment by reducing trip and fall hazards posed by clutter.

You can make some extra money by selling unwanted items or donating them to charity for a tax credit.

Making it manageable

Ashley White with The Love of Order says one of the biggest challenges she faces when helping older clients declutter is the sheer volume of items they’ve accumulated over a lifetime. “Many clients also hold onto family members’ belongings — some sentimental, others simply left behind in storage,” she says.

If the thought of cleaning out your whole house seems too daunting, break the process down by room, then by specific areas in each room such as a closet or drawer.

Tips to get you started:

• Set realistic goals, and give yourself a deadline.

• Start in one area, and when that’s complete, move on to the next.

• Keep a chart and check off each room and area as you go. Celebrate your accomplishments.

• Set an alarm for one hour and work diligently during that time.

• Sort items into three piles — keep, sell/donate, or trash.

Getting help

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Friends and family can help, or you may consider hiring a professional organizer like Alison or Ashley. A professional can help you sort through your items, provide guidance on storage options, and offer emotional support during the process. Family members should remember that it’s up to your older loved one to decide what stays and what goes. It’s important to prioritize their feelings and preferences during the process. Consider having a family meeting before you get started to discuss goals, a timeline, and the process for decluttering.

Dealing with emotions

It’s normal to feel a sense of loss when going through sentimental items. Acknowledge your feelings, then focus on the positive changes you’re making.

“Change often unfolds naturally as part of the process,” Ashley says. “Experiencing the freedom that comes from letting go often leads to a shift in mindset.”

If you find an item that’s hard to part with, consider whether you’ve used it or even thought about it over the past year. If not, it’s probably time to discard. If you still have trouble, store it, then check again in six months. If you haven’t used it, it’s time to get rid of it.

Oftentimes it’s not the item itself that trips us up, but the emotions and experiences we attach to it. A great way to stay connected is to take photos of the items and create a book of memories. “It’s important to remind [a loved one] that letting go doesn’t erase the memories attached to those items; rather, it creates room for new experiences,” Alison advises. “Eventually, the process becomes less about what they are giving up or getting rid of and more about making intentional choices for the next chapter of their lives.”

By Kym Voorhees Raque

Today's Transitions / Spring 2025