How to Downsize When You Retire

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downsize when you retire

More and more people are retiring or preparing for retirement as the population ages. As we start out in life, we purchase a small starter home and increase in size as our family grows. Most of us stay in this larger family home after the kids are gone to hold the family gatherings. Or maybe even to keep the space available for the returning kids.

It’s difficult to let go of the home that you have lived in for many years. There are many memories there too but at some time we need to downsize into a more manageable space. If you’re about to retire and are thinking about downsizing your home here are some tips to help you.

Define the reasons for downsizing

There are a variety of reasons why people want to downsize when they retire. You can free up cash or reduce mortgage payments allowing you to do the things you want to do in your retirement years. Maybe the stairs at home have become a bit of a challenge and you need to move into a bungalow or maybe you just want to move closer to the kids and the grandkids.

Let go of the clutter

downsize when you retireAfter living in your home all those years, you’ve surely accumulated a lot of items. There’s furniture and decorations to consider. Will all these fit into your new space? The sentimental items are the hardest to go through and decide what to keep. Emotions can sometimes take over and stop you from making the tough decisions. That is where a professional organizer like ClutterBGone can help. We are non-judgemental and don’t have the emotional attachment that you do.

How much space do you need?

When downsizing be realistic about the space you need. Do you need the four bedrooms, 3-bathroom home that you currently have? Do you need the two-car garage? Will you be hosting the family dinners that you use to? Will you be having company over as often? In most cases we have seen clients reduce the footprint of their kitchen and dining rooms drastically.

What will you do with the items not coming with you?

downsize when you retireNow that you’ve made the decisions on what comes with you and what doesn’t, what will you do with the items you no longer require? It’s an easy decision for the items that you’ve been storing for the kids. Call them up and have them pick it up. For the rest, determine what will be sold, what will be donated and what will be thrown out. Again, this is something that’s a lot easier with a professional.

So, if you’ve made the decision to downsize when you retire, follow these tips to make the transition go smoother. And, if you need the assistance of a professional, ClutterBGone has helped many others in the same situation that you are about to find yourself in. Contact us here to find out more.

theZoomer – Spring Cleaning Begins by Springing the Clutter from your Home

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May 2018 – With the weather warming up, many of us are parting the curtains, opening up our windows, and allowing the sun and fresh spring air to whip through the household.
Read more…

Clutter And Seniors

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clutter and seniors

We recently received a request from a person who wanted to discuss the effects of clutter on seniors, specifically Diogenes syndrome.  Diogenes syndrome, also known as senile squalor syndrome, is a disorder characterized by extreme self-neglect, domestic squalor, social withdrawal, apathy, compulsive hoarding of garbage or animals, and lack of shame. Clutter can have a dramatic impact on the lives of seniors with 1 in 20 seniors having tendencies consistent with hoarding. I think you will find her blog to be interesting, especially if you have a senior in your life.

Watching Out for Diogenes Syndrome in Seniors

It can be very hard to part with things we think we may need in the future, yet learning to let go of what we don’t have room for, is one of the first steps to a neat, tidy and hygienic home. If you have an elderly relative and you notice that they tend to hoard things, it’s important to understand that this can be very common; studies show that around one in 20 seniors have hoarding tendencies. Sometimes hoarding behavior can be extreme, or be accompanied by self-neglect, social withdrawal, and squalor. If so, your loved one may need specialist help, often a combination of pharmacological and psychological treatments, closely related to treatment for obsessive-compulsive treatment.

When does Hoarding Amount to Diogenes Syndrome?

Diogenes syndrome is characterized by the above-mentioned behaviors, in addition to a lack of ‘shame’ or sense of embarrassment about these extreme behaviors. clutter and seniorsIt was coined after Greek philosopher, Diogenes, a Greek philosopher (412-323 BC) who expressed contempt for social organization and promulgated the advantages of a lack of shame. It can exist on its own, or be a secondary effect of mental illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia, dementia, or alcoholism. It is also commonly associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior (OCD)

Diogenes syndrome, which has an average onset age of 75, can be very hard to deal with for family members of affected seniors, since it is accompanied by an inability to attend to basic needs such as nutrition and hygiene. In very extreme cases, it can result in anemia, skin conditions and malnutrition. Seniors can also pose a fire risk for themselves and others, which is why it is important that seniors obtain professional help if extreme hoarding behaviors and other symptoms are noticed.

Hoarding can sadly involve animals; rescue organizations often find cats, dogs, and birds hoarded in homes, as well as dead animals buried beneath furniture and other hoarded items.

How to Help those with Diogenes Syndrome

Because seniors with extreme hoarding behaviors tend to be socially reclusive, it can be very difficult to convince them to see a doctor to obtain diagnosis and treatment, but efforts should be made in this sphere, since treatment can be life-saving. clutter and seniorsTests carried out when this syndrome is suspected include cognitive and malnutrition tests. Specialists will help set up a management plan, which may sometimes lead to institutionalization if the person is mentally ill or has dementia, legal interventions to determine competency, and the involvement of a public guardian or trustee. Experts always aim to balance the right to autonomy with responsibility for the affected senior. If possible, the person is sent home, but cognitive behavioral therapy and other treatments are usually prescribed, and affected seniors are encouraged to start making small changes that can increase in scope as time goes by. When hoarding is severe, family members should abstain from forcibly entering their loved one’s home and throwing things out, since Diogenes patients become increasingly depressed by this type of invasive action and begin hoarding new items in a short space of time.

Diogenes Syndrome involves much more than being untidy or collecting things; it is an extreme behavior which most often occurs in individuals aged 75 or above, and which can be accompanied by other illnesses, including dementia. The consequences of Diogenes Syndrome can be severe, but invasive action should be avoided, since it can worsen symptoms. Seniors should be gently referred to specialist services, so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.

Our guest blogger is Cassie Steele. Cassie lived through this with her parents and is now the content editor for a small senior care and information website. For more information, here is a link to her guide on this topic – https://www.shieldmysenior.com/diogenes-syndrome/

ClutterBGone has assisted many seniors with reducing clutter, downsizing and life transitions. Contact us here to see how we can help your loved ones.

5 Top Reasons Why You Want To Get Organized!

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This is something that I get around to asking all of my prospective clients when I meet them for the initial consultation. But it recently occurred to me to ask you – and everyone else – “Why do you want to get organized?”

There are many answers that I have received over the years and everyone does have their own specific reason(s). Here are the top 5 reasons that I have been given to date.  Check to see if your reasons made this list.

1) I’m tired of not being able to find things without sending out a search party.

looking for lost items

Sound familiar?

We spend so much time looking for things we know we have or we know should be in a particular place but are not. We waste a lot of time and end up stressing out when we can’t quickly put our hands on something we know we have, and it always happens at the most inopportune time. Cooking? “Where is that stupid spatula?” Bill due? “I know I put it here somewhere!”

Think of all the time you will get back and the reduction on your stress levels when you are organized and have a system in place to stay that way.

2) “I miss having people over”. “I’m too embarrassed”.

I hear this one a lot.

People who are chronically disorganized find themselves pulling away from friends and family out of embarrassment or fear of what they may think about you if they see the state of your living condition. You don’t realize that it is you they love and want to spend time with. Your embarrassment gets in the way.

Once you are organized you will find your social life opens up again and you are eager to have people over to entertain.

3) “There’s so much stuff it’s not safe”.

do you have too much stuff

Safety. Whether it is for the safety of yourself or for a loved one you want to be organized for these reasons too. Piles of “stuff” in the basement. Boxes and boxes of paper piles can light up a fire in no time flat. Too many things on the kitchen counter can be a fire hazard. Something falling out of a cupboard when it is opened can hit you or someone else. Tripping hazards on the floor can send someone to the hospital. Transform your fitness journey with an in-home personal trainer . Receive individualized attention, personalized workout plans, and expert guidance right in the comfort of your own space. Maximize your results and stay motivated as you work towards a healthier and stronger you.

Once organized your living area will not only look and feel better to you but will be a safer environment as well. This is especially important for the older ones in our lives.

4) “I need to reduce my stress and feel in control again”.

We touched on it above but being disorganized can put a lot of stress on you to the point where it can affect your health, your relationships and your job. We all know stress is hard on the heart. We should all be doing as much as we can to reduce or eliminate stress in our lives.

5) “It’s costing me money!”

piles of tools

Got your attention? How many times have you run out to purchase a tool, greeting card or wrapping paper, a grocery item or something else at the last minute (here’s that stress thing again) because you could not find it at home? You know you have it and you know it will turn up somewhere at some point but you just can’t put your finger on it right now.

So what do you do? You go out and buy another one. Eventually you may find the original, but in the meantime you have duplicates, even quadruplicates of items. When you get organized you will not need to waste your time and money on things you already have.

So, did your reason make this list? Get organized now and save time, stress and money AND improve your lifestyle. Let me know if you have any other reasons to get organized in your home or office. We would love to hear from you!

Helping Your Parents Downsize To A New Space

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Moving is widely recognized to be among the most stressful events in a person’s life.  Combining the practical challenges of sorting through years of clutter and the sense of loss that comes with letting go of treasured possessions, a move can be a physically and emotionally draining experience.

unhappy seniors

 

These difficulties are typically magnified in the case of aging parents, with the move often linked to an intimidating life transition. Here are a few tips for helping your parents downsize calmly and compassionately.

Start with the Clutter

It’s best to begin by organizing belongings that your parents have little emotional attachment to. Ease into the downsizing process by cleaning out junk drawers, storage closets, basements, and attics. These out-of-the-way spaces likely contain items that your parents don’t use or even think about very often.  Get rid of expired medications, broken items, and paper clutter, such as old magazines, newspapers, and mail. Your parents may even feel relieved to clear out certain unnecessary items that they’ve been meaning to get rid of for years.

Consider the New Space

Whether your parents are moving to an assisted-living facility or a smaller home, it’s a good idea to know the exact size of their new home. Assisted living facilities can provide this information or you may need to go and measure the dimensions yourself. Consider marking off a comparable amount of space in your parents’ current home, so they can start to envision how much they can realistically take with them and how their possessions will fit. This can help to rule out large pieces of furniture that would overcrowd the new home.

Focus on the Positive

Help your parents to research the names of local charities where they can donate some of their belongings. Particularly if your parents enjoy helping others, it may be easier for them to let go of certain possessions if they know that someone else can make use of them. Allow your parents to tell stories about when they bought these items, when they used them over the years, and talk about how much a new family could benefit from these items just as your parents have.

Take Your Time

It’s often tempting to just get the decluttering over with by trying to tackle it all at once; however, rushing this daunting process is likely to place a great deal of physical and emotional strain on both you and your parents. Instead, break the organization into short sessions, ideally spaced out over weeks and months. If it’s absolutely necessary to get your parents moved quickly, be sure to take frequent breaks. Take things slowly and give your parents time to say goodbye to various belongings. You may need to create an ‘undecided’ pile, and allow your parents to evaluate their possessions more than once as they gradually adjust to the process of letting go.

Have questions about downsizing to a new space?  Contact us here for more information on how we can help make the transition as seamless as possible.

How to Talk to Your Aging Parents About Downsizing

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When it’s time to talk to your aging parents about downsizing to a smaller living space or assisted living environment, the topic can often be intimidating to broach. Although the move may seem practical at this point in your mom or dad’s life, the idea of moving into a smaller space and getting rid of treasured possessions can provoke very strong emotions, particularly if the move is necessitated by aging or poor health. Here are a few tips for beginning the conversation on this challenging subject.

Start the Discussion Early

It’s never too early to start talking with your parents about how they imagine their future.  Your parents may believe that they will continue to manage in their current home as they age, and the transition will be easier if you begin talking about other options before a move is immediately necessary. The topic will likely require multiple discussions before you and your parents can reach a decision that you both feel comfortable with. Try bringing up an older friend or neighbor who has recently downsized, and talk to your parents about what decisions they would like to make if they faced a similar situation.

Share Your Concerns

Most parents respond well if you’re open and honest about why you think it’s time for them to downsize. Rather than being controlling and making choices for them, share your concerns about your parents’ current living situation.  Most parents don’t like the idea of their children worrying about them, and they’re less likely to feel defensive or upset if you express your fears and your desire for them to be as safe, comfortable and happy as possible.

Let Your Parents Stay in Control

Simply listening to your parents is far more important than figuring out what to say to them. Downsizing can be emotional for many older adults because the move makes them feel like they’re losing a certain amount of control over their lives.  Let your parents know that while you may make suggestions, the decision is ultimately theirs to make. Rather than imposing your assessment of their lives, ask gentle questions about their current living situation that will allow them to come to their own conclusions. If you’re discussing moving to an assisted living facility, your parents may have the option of living there for a short time, before making the final decision to sell their house. This way, your parents don’t have to let go of their current home and possessions until they feel certain that they can be content in this new living situation.

Talking to your parents about downsizing can be a sensitive subject.  Starting the discussion early and making the decision together can help your parent transition with dignity and with the confidence that they have your full support.  If you have any questions about downsizing, you can contact me at 905-642-5669.

To Keep or Not to Keep? Decisions To Make When Downsizing

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senior-downsizing-torontoWhen it comes to helping aging parents downsize, one of the hardest things is dealing with their emotional attachment to items and making decisions on what to keep, sell, donate, or discard.  There are fond memories attached to many of these belongings and it can be difficult emotionally to let them go.

In this post we’ll look at some tips for helping your parents determine which items will work in their new place. Here are five important questions to ask when deciding:

1)    Does it fit into the new space?

When it comes to furniture and other belongings that take up a significant amount of space, be sure to measure, measure, measure.  Sometimes your eyes can deceive you, take the time to measure the new space before bringing along your furniture.   If it doesn’t fit, that automatically eliminates the option of keeping the item. Now you can choose between selling, donating, or discarding the item.

2)    Is it appropriate for the new lifestyle?

Sure, an item might fit, but another important consideration is whether the item in question “appropriate” for the new space your parents are moving into. Moving to a new location is a good reason to start fresh with some new and updated furniture and accessories.  Larger items like a formal dining room table, may have no place in the new home.

3)    How often will it be used?

How often an item is used is another big factor in deciding whether to keep it or not. Ask your parents: “when was the last time you used this?” If it hasn’t been touched in over a year, that’s a sign that the item will probably not be missed and should go.

Of course, there are some exceptions– for example, maybe the item in question is a family heirloom that’s more of a showpiece rather than something that can be used on a daily basis. In that case, if the new place can accommodate it, there is no reason for your parents not to keep it. Another option is to store the item or collection at another family member’s home rather than selling or donating.

4)    Is it useful today?

When deciding if you should spend the time and effort to sell something, it’s important to gauge whether the item is useful today. Trying to sell a low value item can create more headaches than simply giving it away.  Check Kijiji or Ebay for similar items to get an idea on selling price and if it’s worth the effort.

5)    Is it in good condition?

 Evaluating the condition of an item is especially important when it comes to sorting through clothing and shoes. Downsizing to a new home is the ideal time to also help your aging parents downsize and de-clutter their wardrobes.  Some older items may not be worth the move and can be put to better use by donating it.  It’s also a great reason to treat your parents to a little shopping trip to celebrate the move!

small-condo-toronto

 No doubt, the downsizing process can be overwhelming. The most important thing to take away here is to be understanding that your parents may not want to get rid of certain sentimental things, but at the same time be realistic to ensure that they are not bringing unnecessary clutter to their new place.

If you have any questions about downsizing to a smaller space, feel free to contact me here or leave a comment below.

5 Practical Ways To Help Your Parents Downsize

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Downsizing for seniors having garage saleThink back to when you faced the challenge of moving out of your parents’ house and into your first college dorm room or apartment. Downsizing all of your possessions into this smaller space seemed overwhelming and impossible, right? Your parents most likely feel the same way now that they are about start the process of downsizing from the family home to a smaller apartment or assisted living facility.

Whether it is to save money, reduce cleaning and property maintenance time, or for safety and aging reasons, the fact remains that downsizing is easier said than done. To make the process less stressful on your parents, here are five practical ways that you can help them:

 

Pick up any items that you are storing at your parents’ house

Many of us are guilty of using our parents’ house for extra storage, but once they decide to move to a smaller place, this has to change. Your college textbooks and prom dress definitively have to go!

 

Help your parents determine which items will work in their new place

While this can get very sentimental and overwhelming, try your best to focus on being realistic about which items will a) fit into the new space (measure, measure, measure!) and b) are appropriate for their new lifestyle (a formal dining room table, for instance, is usually not necessary in a condo). Be understanding that your parents may not want to get rid of certain sentimental things, but at the same time be as realistic you can to ensure that they are not bringing unnecessary clutter to their new place.

Neatly organized and labeled moving boxes

Help your parents sell and donate items that will not work in their new place

Selling gently used furniture, cookware, clothes, and etc. will not only help prevent clutter in your parents new place, but will also generate some cash to spend on new items that will work better in the new property. If your parents’ street is garage sale friendly, that may be a great option. Otherwise, eBay and Craigslist are always a safe bet and parents that aren’t completely comfortable with technology would appreciate your help in setting up an account and listing items for sale. If you can, take the time to donate items you are unable to sell to a place such as Goodwill or a charity, rather than throwing them out.

Consider hiring a professional organizer

Hiring a professional organizer can be tremendously helpful at any point of the downsizing process. He or she can assist with the sorting process and determining which items should stay and which items should go, packing for the move, and preparing items for a garage sale or donation. A professional organizer can also assist with unpacking in the new place and ensuring that things are organized properly and easy to find right from the start.

Reassure your parents

Leaving behind a home where a family was raised and memories were made is very difficult and emotional for some folks. Reassure your parents that they are making the right decision and that this will be a wonderful new chapter in their life. Help your parents look at the move in a positive light and do not criticize them at any point in the process.
I hope these tips make the downsizing process a little easier on both you and your parents. Best of luck to your mom and dad with the move and settling into their new place! Let me know in the comments below if you have any other suggestions from your own experience.

 

Organizing And Downsizing With Seniors – A Case Study Part 3

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Organized_office_roundedIn my last post being Part 2 of this case study, I talked about how the organizing projects I do with my clients are like Disneyland for me.  I get quite excited going through the various spaces with my clients knowing that the changes we make will be transformational.

Continuing with the tour

Moving along with our tour of the issues of concern for my clients, the third room was a spare bedroom that had been taken over with a variety of household items. This room had become a dumping zone.  It’s not so unusual that, after getting home from busy day you drop items off wherever you happen to be and then forget about them.  The issue is that if this is done repeatedly over a long period of time, a space can slowly fill up to the point that you cannot even clean the room, dust or vacuum.  This then becomes a health issue.  This is especially true if you suffer from asthma or other respiratory issues. My clients wanted this room to be able to be used for grand children when they visited however it was absolutely impossible at the moment.  Clutter and dust littered every surface.

Safety issues are a real concern

Next up on the tour was the basement.  Going down the stairs we had to be careful because items had been placed on the sides of the stairs.  This is a real safety issue, particularly for older couples that may be challenged with mobility issues.  Tripping and slipping on items is a real concern.  Mrs. X. stayed upstairs while I toured the space with Mr. X.  There were pathways in which to make your way around the congested finished basement area however it was often necessary to step over items and manoeuvre.  It was evident that the basement project alone was a large undertaking, one that I was excited to dig into.

So the tour of the spaces was completed and we settled back up on the living room to talk about time estimates, costs and next steps.

Next steps

The scheduled session to begin the project focused on the closet space with the overflow pantry items.  During the consultation, in my mind I had estimated 3 hours to complete the organization of this space.  However when I returned for the actual session and opened the closet it seemed to me that there was at least another foot of items piled on top of what had already been there.  Either that or I had forgotten exactly what it looked like, which is entirely possible.  Often times I take photos of the space we are working on, not only for my own reminder purposes but also for education and training for my staff.  In this instance our client had asked that photos not be taken so we of course honored and respected that request.

Fast and furious to sort and categorize

I knew I had to work fast to completely empty the closet, sort and categorize all the contents and then work with the client to make decisions on what was to stay and what was to go. I worked crazy fast that day wanted to ensure I was out and finished in 3 hours as scheduled, but as I plowed through more and more items I discovered there was a bevy of alcohol bottles hidden on shelving so I had to move carefully.  When I reached the bottom of the closet several pop bottles and cans had leaked and burst so there was quite a sticky mess on the floor.

I’ll carry on with this case study in my next post and will talk about the final stages of the closet project and where we went from there. Stay tuned!

I wonder if any of you reading this post have every discovered a wet mess on the bottom of your closets?  Write in and let me know how you handled it.

 

Helping Older Adults & Seniors Downsize

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downsizingEvery year thousands of older adults and seniors face the decision of whether to downsize to smaller living accommodations or to stay in their existing homes.  For some the decision to downsize is made for them due to serious illness or perhaps the death of a loved one.  Sometimes the comfort and safety of people comes into play. But regardless of the reason, the upheaval and relocation can be traumatic.  My experience in this industry has clearly indicated that it is even more so for seniors.

I received a call from a gentleman whose mother was living alone and had recently injured her leg falling over piles of newspapers that she had collected.  He was concerned for her health and safety due to the amount of belongings and clutter that she had accumulated.  He wanted to move her into a condominium and was looking for assistance in helping to sort through a lifetime of her possessions.

Safety First

Safety is usually the first thought that comes into mind when considering downsizing.  Home location and its construction are very important issue to consider.  A few questions you may want to ask yourself are: (i) is the home easy to get around in? (ii) can the maintenance of the home be easily managed by the occupant? (iii) how close is the home to local shopping centres and banks?

Limitations regarding the physical abilities of the people in the home are also relevant and need to be considered.  Can basic personal hygiene be handled?  What about manoeuvrability in and out of the bathtub or shower?  What about memory issues as it relates to safety?  Leaving a burner lit on the stove or a pot boiling over can be a potentially dangerous situation.

Let the idea of downsizing marinate.

If you know an older adult or senior who should consider downsizing, it’s best that you introduce them to the idea slowly.  Many well-meaning family members may push too hard resulting in more resistance.   Sometimes it’s helpful to suggest  to your parents that they may wish to make the decision of moving to a smaller home when they still can.  Sometimes illness or injury, like that of my client, ends up making the decision for you and you are then forced to move when perhaps you don’t feel ready.

Emotions play a role.

Often times adult children don’t play an active role in the downsizing process due to other family and work obligations.  The stress and tension can be very high for all members of the family and often times it’s best to call and hire an experienced professional organizer to assist and make the process run smoothly and without trauma. In addition, adult children often feel a lot of turmoil when long time family possessions are sorted and pared down.  I have personally seen the upheaval of emotions cause conflicts among family when these conflicts could easily have been minimized by initiating a few simple organizing and downsizing strategies to be prepared.

For me, working with older adults and seniors is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.  I don’t just work for my clients, but with them, side by side, hands on coaching, motivating and encouraging.   Working collaboratively I have helped clients make decisions on what to keep, what to pass on to family or others, and what to be discarded.

Senior couple

One way I like to encourage and motivate my clients is to suggest that the preparation of a move to a smaller home is the first step of a fresh start, a new chapter in their lives and perhaps an even greater adventure!  Preparation is key to a successful downsize so that precious memories can still be treasured while streamlining for a simpler and more efficient lifestyle.