Practical Tips for Organizing and Decluttering for Seniors
As we age, maintaining a clean and tidy home becomes more than just a preference. Clutter can increase the risk of falls, putting older adults in harm’s way. Falls among seniors are one of the top contributors to a loss of independence. Keep yourself or your senior loved one safe from this risk by taking proactive steps to reduce the clutter and keep your home organized.
Where to Start When Tidying Up for a Safer Environment
Here are some practical tips Scranton seniors can use to declutter their homes, along with local resources that can make the process easier.
Take Baby Steps
It may feel overwhelming to tackle all of the clutter in your home. It will be much more manageable if you start small. This isn’t going to be a one-day job, and it might not even be a weekend project. Instead of thinking about completing the entire task, take one space at a time, starting with a drawer, a closet, or, at most, one room. Once you complete that smaller task, you can move on to the next space.
Label Bins or Bags and Start Sorting
Before you even begin sorting, find some boxes, bins, or trash bags and keep them in separate piles for things to keep, discard, or donate. As you start going through your belongings, consider each item and decide which pile you want to put it in. If you find yourself adding a lot to the keep pile, take a break and remind yourself why you are doing this. While sentimental items can bring happy memories and joy, things that have no meaning, are broken, or badly worn will serve you better in the trash or given away.
Focus on Areas You Use Regularly
Prioritize spaces with high-foot traffic or rooms you use daily, including hallways, stairways, the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom. This drastically reduces the risk of tripping and allows you to access and use these areas safely.
Take Advantage of Vertical Space
One of the first places clutter often accumulates is on the floor. Rather than collecting things on the floor, use the space you have along your walls for storage. You can use bookcases, over-the-door organizers, stackable bins, or wall shelves to house all sorts of collectibles.
Label Your Items
It can be hard to find items you need if they’re all in unmarked boxes. Use labels to help you quickly find items you use regularly, such as cleaning supplies or cooking ingredients.
Ask for Help
Decluttering and organizing your entire home takes extra assistance. Seniors can reach out to friends, family, or local organizations that provide cleaning and decluttering services. This is especially important when moving large and heavy items.
Local Resources for Scranton Seniors
These resources offer a few of the available options for decluttering assistance or donating your gently-used items in the area:
(570) 878-6007
The Salvation Army Thrift Store & Donation Center
(570) 346-0711
430 Pittston Ave, Scranton, PA 18505
(570) 342-1342
The Marketplace at Steamtown - 300 Lackawanna Avenue, #204
Scranton, Pennsylvania
(570) 941-0339
Goodwill Industries of Northeastern PA
1766 North Keyser Avenue
Scranton, PA 18508
(570) 341-9912
Visiting Angels Helps Keep Senior’s Homes Neat and Tidy
In-home caregivers from Visiting Angels of Scranton can help seniors maintain their homes with light housekeeping and organizational solutions, including dusting, vacuuming, washing the dishes, and so much more.
Contact us today at (570) 800-5270 to learn how we can help you or your elderly loved one keep their house organized and safe.