when decluttering a young person's space, start with easy stuff like clothing.

How to Move on and Declutter Your Child’s Items

when decluttering a young person's space, start with easy stuff like clothing.You might feel conflicted between your desire for a clear home and your sentimental wish to hold onto memories of your children’s early years. Who said you have to go all or nothing? It’s perfectly possible to declutter and improve your overall aesthetic while still preserving precious memories. 

You need the right plan of attack and a clear thought process for why and how to tackle the job to avoid falling into the procrastination trap. What’s your motivation? Dig deep and let it inspire you. Then follow this plan to move on and declutter your child’s items, creating a clear home while holding onto select mementos. 

The Many Benefits of a Clear Home 

Why should you move on and declutter your child’s items, anyway? There are pragmatic reasons, of course: 

  • Creating more space.
  • Readjusting your decor to reflect your current needs — for example, nursery to sewing room.
  • Protecting your safety — too much stuff can trip you. 

However, those are rarely enough to motivate you to take action, and not because you are lazy. Many people need an extra push. 

Consider this — living in a cluttered, untidy home is stressful. Looking at all that stuff is like a never-ending to-do list, feeding the anxiety and depression cycle. Unburden yourself from the psychological weight. 

While you want to preserve memories of your babies, you don’t need a constant visual reminder of yesterday. Decluttering and refreshing your decor after your kids leave for college or adult life can be a healing, nurturing way to honor life-cycle changes, helping you look forward to the next chapter instead of dwelling with ghosts. 

4 Steps to Decluttering 

Now it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. What’s your plan of attack? The following four steps don’t necessarily occur in order but are all a crucial part of the process, so review them all before beginning your clear home makeover. 

1. Make Several Piles 

Decluttering your child’s items is a decision-making game, one made easier by keeping things simple. You can invest in bins for this process or simply make separate piles for items:

  • To stay in their current location 
  • To keep but move or repurpose
  • To sell or donate
  • To recycle or compost 

It’s also helpful to create a fifth pile — your “maybe” pile. It can help you avoid paralysis from the fear of not knowing what to part with and what to keep. Set a reminder on your phone to look back at it in a week or two and move on to the next thing to declutter. 

organizing the clutter is recommended. a professional organizer suggests labeled boxes.

2. Go One Room at a Time

You might feel attached to your child’s teddy bear they loved when they were a toddler. That half-empty bottle of Johnson’s baby shampoo? Not so much. The moral of this example is to declutter your child’s items one room at a time — starting with those containing the least-sentimental pieces. 

On a positive note, this approach could mean tackling the worst of the mess first. Few people relish going through their basement, attic or crawlspace — it’s dusty and you might encounter bugs. However, you are probably better equipped to deal with things you don’t see every day than those items that spark nostalgia on sight, so roll up the sleeves of your most stained-up shirt and do the dirty work. 

Another plus? By the time you reach your child’s bedroom, you might have a unifying theme for what you hope to keep. For example, you could make a trophy case displaying your child’s sports awards and photographs to grace the wall of your living room. 

3. Take Everything Out 

Many people only go halfway when organizing, then wonder why their drawers and closets always look slightly cluttered. There is no in-between — take everything out. Imagine you are doing a move-out cleaning and have to get every last bit of dust from the corners, meaning you must do more than shuffle items. 

This step shows you exactly what you have to work with space-wise, which can help you decide what to keep and toss. Furthermore, it gives you a clearer picture of your home — you might choose to knock out walls or add cabinets, and a full clean-out shows you the best place to do so. You may even shift your piles to another room while you design a new layout. 

4. Invest in Organizers 

Once you decide what you want to keep, you need to rearrange your belongings in an aesthetically pleasing way. Start with big decisions — are you going to preserve a full room for your child’s memories? Most people lack sufficient space and decide to instead display their memories throughout their homes with the right organizers.

Shadow boxes and picture walls are only one option. Look to the following home areas for creative storage for your memories: 

  • Corners: You can hang corner shelves, open up the space beneath your stairs or use a curio cabinet or display case. 
  • Vertical storage: Including shadow boxes, shelves and basket hangers.
  • Hidden-space storage: For example, adding a shelf above walk-in closet doors to use vertical space, building drawers into stair risers and using slide-outs in cabinets and under beds to organize small items. 

an organizer will be able to find places in your home that the organized items can be placed to keep items organized

Where to Take the Items You Declutter 

Parting with your decluttered items the right way can ease any discomfort you might feel. One time-tested idea is to donate your hand-me-downs to other family members. You’ll still get to see your child’s beloved items when you visit your favorite niece or nephew. 

Another idea is to donate. Some places that may take your belongings and even arrange to pick them up, saving you the trip:

  • Thrift and second hand stores
  • Churches
  • Homeless shelters 
  • Libraries
  • Community centers 
  • Animal shelters 

If you choose to donate somewhere other than a traditional thrift shop, call the organization beforehand. You want to ensure they can use your donation. 

What if some items, like your child’s clothing, are too stained or torn to donate? You can compost natural fabrics like cotton, but please read the label. You shouldn’t mix artificial materials, so avoid composting blends or synthetics. However, you can cut them into rags to reduce your paper towel use. 

Finally, remember the magic of the high-tech age. You can keep electronic photographs of those items you have no space to keep, even digitalizing cards and pictures your child made into a touching presentation. 

Dealing With Your Feelings 

In general, the feeling of relief you experience when viewing your new, clear home compensates for any nostalgia generated during decluttering. However, you should honor and validate your feelings about this life transition. How? 

Make decluttering a celebration. Consider it preparation for your next stage of life, just as you would prep for the holidays. If you need a little extra TLC during this time, ask for it. Communicate your needs with your partner and maybe schedule a small treat for yourself once you finish the job. 

How to Move on and Declutter Your Child’s Items 

You want a clear home but haven’t yet decluttered your child’s items. The right mindset and plan of attack get the job done. Follow this guide to move on and declutter your child’s items. Create the clear home you deserve while finding creative ways to preserve your precious memories. 

Pictures:
https://unsplash.com/https://unsplash.com/photos/assorted-color-apparels-oa7pqZmmhuA/
https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-cardboard-boxes-on-brown-wooden-table-66NaCdBrkCs
https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-and-white-wooden-cabinet-mi6-Sl4eGY0

Author Bio:
Evelyn Long is a home living writer passionate about providing practical organization and decluttering tips to make keeping a beautiful home that much easier. She is the founder of Renovated, an online home living magazine.

Closet Organization 101 : A Complete Guide to a More Functional Closet

Lots of reasons to clean out and organize closets. Using a professional organizer will help ease the stress.

Organizing a closet can be a chore, but a simple system to get you started is sorting through items you want to keep, donate, and throw away.  If you are cleaning out the closet in preparation for a move, contact your relocation specialist first to see if this is something to handle on your own, or if it is a service they provide. The Boomer downsize movement is happening nationwide and there are many resources available to help Seniors get through their move stress-free. Before you swing those closet doors open, this list of storage solutions will get you started creating a serene and beautiful closet:

  • Shoe racks
  • Hat racks
  • Belt and purse hangers
  • Shallow under the bed containers
  • Plastic sorting containers
  • Donate bin
  • Trash bin
  • Stick on LED lights

Set Up Sorting Containers

Shoebox sized containers that you can find at the container store are the best size. This will allow you to store knick-knacks in closets where storage is the main purpose. Make sure to get containers with lids so that you can stack them to make the most of the space. As you remove items, sort like with like. This means your phone chargers and batteries shouldn’t be in the same box as your cleaning products. Remember that the main purpose of getting organized is to know where to find everything. Professional Organizers call this “a home for every item.”  A large donate container and trash bin will help you eliminate those items you don’t utilize anymore. Getting organized before actually diving into the closet organizing helps tremendously. Now, once you’ve opened the closet doors, here’s where the following expert tips will come in handy.

organizing a closet is often a precursor to a full pack and unpack move. Best to use a Certified Senior Move managerTake it one closet at a time

It doesn’t matter if you’re tackling a hallway closet or a walk-in closet – take out smaller items and work your way up to larger items, one at a time, so that you can properly determine which stay-or-go pile it fits into. Start with the smallest closet and work your way up to the largest. This leaves space throughout your home to put items where they are best utilized. You will be happiest with your organizing result if you keep items close to the part of the house where you use them the most.

Thoroughly clean the empty space

A small handheld vacuum can get the dust and small stuff out of a small closet in a few minutes. Once every item has been removed, and the space is vacuumed, wipe down everything from shelves to rods, hooks, and hangers. Make sure you give your closet door a good wipe down as well. There is nothing worse than a beautifully organized closet that is full of dust and sticky messes that soil freshly washed clothes.       

Measure the space

There are a few reasons to measure the space in each closet. The first is to make sure everything that is returning to the closet will fit. Every professional organizer becomes an expert in space management because purging is an important part of getting home spaces usable and aesthetically pleasing. You also need to know how much space you have for storage products that you may need to purchase. You may even find that it makes sense to re-purpose a closet for different items than the ones that you’re taking out. Be disciplined in your purging. There are dozens of studies that show that people of all ages are happier with less stuff and more space. Remember that the less you have in your closet the larger it will seem.

Determine storage ratios

closet shelving will help to reorganize a closet which is a comment suggestion from professional organizers.How many of your items will need hanging space vs shelf space? Take this into account before purchasing hangers, shelves, and drawers. You will want to determine how much space you need once you’re done purging, so take this step once the closet is cleared and all items have been sorted, donated, or thrown out.  There are probably large items or things like dirty boots that may be better off in a garage or shed where they won’t dirty up your beautiful new closet. You can watch this quick video on file folding to help maximize drawer space

Incorporate helpful storage solutions

Make the most out of your closet space by implementing storage solutions like shoe racks, shelf dividers, and over-the-door storage. Start by examining how much you have of items in different categories. Don’t forget storage solutions for smaller items like hats and belts that tend to make your closet cluttered even after it’s organized. Remember that space under the bed is often underutilized and a shallow zip-up clothing container can help you better use the space. Closet contents don’t  always need to have labels, but if you’re storing things in your closet that are seldom used, be sure to label the bins that you’re keeping them in.

Upgrade lighting

Traditional closets have a tendency to be dim. Not surprisingly, lighting in these areas can give them a gloomy feel, and smaller closets may lack any type of lighting inside. To brighten up this space, invest in some inexpensive stick on LED lights. They are battery powered and will give your closet a completely different look. They can be placed on the ceiling, under shelves, really wherever you need the light. Ikea also has a large selection of excellent plug-in LED products.

Keep everyday items in plain view

Organizing and hiding are very different strategies. Consider storing seasonal items on the top or bottom of your closet, while everyday wear should be front and center and easy to access. If you work from home you probably don’t need that suit or other work clothes taking up prime real estate. Move these items to harder to reach spaces. If there are things in your bedroom closet you really don’t want to look at all the time, that is probably a good reason to find another home for them. If you really want a sleek look in your closet, a professional organizer can give it a boutique look that you never thought possible.

Plan to seasonally clean and reorganize

With different seasons come different wardrobes. A quarterly reminder to switch out everyday clothing and shoes, will if you are going to organize a closet, help from professional organizers can make this a very easy task.make your closet more usable throughout the year. Another rule that can help you with acquiring too many of the same clothes and keep your wardrobe fresh is the one in one out rule. Every time you buy something, find a similar size item you can do without to donate. Someone else will enjoy your clothes as much as you did!

The closet is a great place to start organizing as it is usually the space where all of those items that don’t have a home end up. Remember, staying organized is an ongoing process, so diligently re-organizing and eliminating unwanted items will keep your closet looking “Pinterest Perfect”. If you need professional home organization services, there are plenty of organizing services nationwide who can get your closet organized in a day or less.

This is a guest post by Kevin Connors. If you’re based in the Phoenix area, please contact inspiredorganizersaz@gmail.com for a free consultation. A Happy Closet is an Organized Closet!

 

Ways Decluttering and Organizing Can Benefit Those with ADHD

high fives for a job well done with the help of a professional orgainzer

If you’re living with ADHD, you’re probably no stranger to the challenges of keeping your living or working space organized. But did you know that decluttering and organizing can benefit those with ADHD in more ways than one? In this article, we’ll explore ADHD’s impact on organizational skills. We will also delve into the benefits of maintaining a tidy environment. Our goal is to shed light on how decluttering and organizing can enhance your quality of life. And our insights and practical tips will help you take control of your surroundings. So, whether you’re struggling with managing your daily tasks or simply seeking ways to improve your focus, read on to discover the transformative power of a clutter-free space for individuals with ADHD.

How ADHD Affects Organization Skills

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, can significantly impact an individual’s organizational skills, often leading to chronic disorganization. This disarray can manifest itself in various ways, making it difficult for those with ADHD to maintain a tidy environment.

Some common organization challenges faced by individuals with ADHD include:

  • Difficulty prioritizing tasks: People with ADHD often struggle to determine which tasks are most important, leading to an accumulation of unfinished projects and clutter.
  • Procrastination: The overwhelming nature of organizing can cause people with ADHD to put off tasks, exacerbating disorganization.
  • Easily distracted: ADHD can make it difficult for individuals to stay focused on a single task, resulting in clutter as items are left unfinished or out of place.
  • Forgetfulness: Forgetting to complete tasks or misplacing items is common for those with ADHD, further contributing to disorganization.

Understanding these challenges is the first step towards developing effective de-cluttering and organizing strategies tailored to the unique needs of individuals with ADHD.

de-cluttering-and-organizing-can-benefit-those-with-ADHD when supervised by an ADHD professional

People with ADHD may often find themselves frustrated that they cannot accomplish things in the way they want.

Ways decluttering and organizing can benefit those with ADHD

Now that we’ve explored how ADHD affects organization skills let’s dive into the ways decluttering and organizing can benefit those with ADHD. You might be surprised to learn just how transformative a tidy environment can be for individuals facing these challenges.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

One of the most significant ways that de-cluttering and organizing can benefit those with ADHD is by reducing stress and anxiety. A cluttered environment can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and unease, making it difficult to focus and complete tasks. By maintaining a tidy and organized space, you can alleviate some of the stressors that lessen ADHD symptoms. This is particularly important in situations like relocating, where packing clothes when moving can become a daunting task. By having an organized system in place, you can easily prepare your clothes for transport without feeling overwhelmed. Once you know where each item’s “home” is, it gets much easier to give it a new one. 

Improved Focus and Productivity

Decluttering and organizing can greatly improve focus and productivity for individuals with ADHD.

Some ways that an organized environment can enhance focus and productivity include:

  • Minimizing distractions: A clutter-free space reduces visual distractions, allowing you to maintain focus on your work.
  • Streamlining tasks: Organizing your belongings and creating designated areas for specific tasks can make it easier to complete them efficiently. Furthermore, you can utilize technology to help you stay even more productive and organized.
  • Promoting a sense of control: A well-organized environment gives you a sense of control over your surroundings, leading to improved focus and motivation.

Clearing things easily off your to-do list is one of the ways de-cluttering and organizing can benefit those with ADHD.

Better Time Management

Another way decluttering and organizing can benefit those with ADHD is by promoting better time management. Individuals with ADHD often struggle with managing their time effectively, which can lead to procrastination and missed deadlines. Therefore, clearing clutter from your environment can significantly improve time management by reducing the number of distractions and items that demand your attention. With less to worry about and think about, you can focus more on staying on schedule, meeting deadlines, and completing tasks in a timely manner. Overall, a clutter-free environment enables you to concentrate on what’s truly important, helping you better manage your time and stay on track with your responsibilities.

Enhanced Sleep

Decluttering and organizing your living space can positively impact sleep quality, which is essential for individuals with ADHD. A clean, organized bedroom creates a calming atmosphere, helping you relax and unwind more easily at day’s end. Clutter-free surroundings also minimize distractions and reduce your mind racing with thoughts about unfinished tasks or disorganized items. Moreover, by having an orderly space, you can establish a more consistent bedtime routine, further enhancing your sleep quality. And improved sleep contributes to better overall well-being, helping to regulate mood, increase focus, and reduce impulsivity, all of which are crucial for managing ADHD symptoms.

for a person with ADHD, getting things done such as decluttering can help the person get better sleep.Sleep quality benefits greatly from a tidy environment.

Increased Independence and Self-esteem

An organized space, particularly when combined with downsizing, can lead to increased independence and self-esteem for those with ADHD. A smaller, organized space is easier to manage and reduces the potential for overwhelm while also promoting a sense of control and mastery over your surroundings. With that in mind, it’s possible to organize your living space regardless of its size; however, individuals with larger homes may face greater challenges in achieving organization. And, as you become more adept at managing your environment, you’ll likely experience a boost in self-confidence and independence, knowing that you can effectively handle your day-to-day responsibilities. This newfound self-assurance can have a ripple effect, positively influencing various aspects of your life, including personal relationships, work performance, and overall well-being. Embracing organization and making thoughtful choices about your living space can be transformative in managing ADHD and fostering a greater sense of self-worth.

Practical Tips for Decluttering and Organizing with ADHD

In conclusion, decluttering and organizing can benefit those with ADHD in many ways, and implementing practical strategies can help make the process more manageable. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

  • Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps
  • Set specific goals and deadlines
  • Use labels and clear storage containers
  • Create designated spaces for frequently used items
  • Implement a daily and weekly cleaning schedule

By incorporating these strategies, you can create a more organized and functional living space. This will make it easier to navigate daily life with ADHD. However, if you, at any point, need help to create an environment you can thrive in, do not hesitate to ask for help. Lastly, remember that consistency is key, and with continued practice, you’ll find that maintaining a clutter-free environment becomes second nature.

Photos used:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/exited-diverse-couple-relocating-in-new-apartment-4246061/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-problematic-woman-lying-on-the-couch-with-her-hands-on-her-face-5234633/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-taking-notes-5582865/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-a-man-with-a-black-and-white-sleep-mask-7445322/

Top Benefits of Using Technology to Stay Organized at Home

technology can help keep one organized without the help of a professional organizer

We live in the age of technology. So, we can easily say that technology has become integral to our daily (and nightly) lives. We use it to ease our work, our studies, etc. But we can also use it to stay organized at home. Yes, you read that correctly! There are many benefits of using technology to stay organized at home, and today, we will share some of the most important (and beneficial) ones with you. Thus, keep reading if you want to know how to use some ‘technology’ and how your life and home can benefit from it.

Increased productivity

To increase your productivity around the house, you have several options – to start decluttering all the stuff you have accumulated around your home, to deep clean every inch of all of your rooms, to completely change your mindset, or to invest in smart home devices.

But how can smart home devices increase your productivity and help you stay organized at home? Well, with the help of technology, you can, for example, easily create to-do lists with reminders, schedule all the tasks that need to be done around the home, etc., and do all other things that can help you stay on top of your responsibilities and get more done in less time.

organizatoni can be simplified using youir phone and connected devices.

When your home is ‘smart,’ you’ll always be able to control it with your phone..

Your Smart Home Can Work for You

Speaking of getting more things done in less time, did you know that your smart home can actually work for you while you are gone and, thus, save you a lot of time and energy? Yes, it absolutely can!

Imagine this – you are at work, it is freezing outside, and you just don’t want to go home because you know that the inside of your home is going to be icy as well. But, if you invest in a smart heating system, you can turn on the heating using your phone before you get home. This way, once you arrive, you will be greeted by a warm home.

You can do this with your cooling system in the summer as well. And that is not all – you can also invest in smart appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, microwave ovens, etc., and control them all from your phone.

Greater Flexibility

If you work from home, using smart devices such as your phone, laptop, tablet, etc., is a must. But that is not the only way for you to be more flexible at home.

For example, if you have small children, you can always monitor them using smart cameras and even reheat their lunch in that smart microwave from afar. If you have pets, you can also get them one of those smart feeders and not worry whether they need to be fed while you are outside doing some work. All of these smart devices (as well as many more) can help you be more flexible and not worry much about what is happening at home.

Moreover, besides using technology to stay organized at home, you can also use it when moving out of your home, for instance. Of course, experts from Bravo Moving say that moving professionals can help you do all the tough moving-related tasks, but you can keep everything organized with your to-do lists, schedules, reminders, and all other things smart devices offer.

your phone is your gateway to better organization and a professional organizer can help find the bests apps

It would be a shame to have all these options to help you stay organized at home and not use them.

Your Home Can Finally Be More Eco-Friendly

Smart home devices are not there only to help you save time and energy; they are also there to help you save money and, most importantly, help you save our planet. We think that this is more than enough.

But how can smart devices save you money while saving the planet at the same time? Well, here are some examples:

  • Smart thermostats can help you save a lot of energy by learning your heating and cooling patterns and adjusting the temperature when necessary
  • Smart lighting systems can also help you save energy by turning off lights when they’re not needed
  • Smart appliances, such as washing and drying machines, can be more energy efficient than traditional models
  • Smart water systems can help you conserve water by alerting you if there is a leak or a burst pipe 

And when you save so much energy and water, you are actually saving the planet! Moreover, if you want to be even more eco-friendly, you can invest in solar panels, outside boilers, energy-efficient light bulbs, etc. Of course, these ‘green’ features can’t help you stay organized at home per se, but they can help you save the planet.

a professional organizer can help you use technology to organizer your life, save on energy usage and help save and heal the planet

With the right smart technology, you can save a lot of energy!

You can Upgrade Safety and Security Levels in Your Home

We cannot talk about the benefits of using technology to stay organized at home without mentioning the upgraded safety and security levels throughout your entire home. Nowadays, with smart cameras and alarms, you can monitor every inch of your home. And, if something does happen, the police are just one button away. This type of smart device is quite beneficial for the elderly who have problems walking, for example. With a smart security device, they won’t even have to get out of bed to see who is outside the door.

Security and safety smart home devices are also beneficial for parents who have to leave their little ones at home. However, with a strong security system, they will have nothing to worry about. And, with a good camera and a microphone, they can even interact with their children while away.

These are just some of the top benefits of using technology to stay organized at home. But be sure there are many more. So, if your budget allows it, don’t be afraid to invest in some smart pieces – they can only make your life easier.

Photos Used:
Round Grey Speaker On Brown Board · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)
Woman Wearing White V Neck Shirt Using Space Gray Iphone 6 · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)
Black Iphone 7 on Brown Table · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)
Woman Wearing a White Blazer Standing Beside a Kitchen Counter · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)

How Organizing Can Help Seniors’ Quality of Life

the elderly can increase their quality of life by having help organizing their lives and surroundings.

Changes in quality of life may often occur as individuals age. Reasons for this phenomenon include health worries and lack of social interaction. It’s important to take the initiative while looking for methods to help seniors’ quality of life, whether you are a senior yourself or you care for an aging loved one. In today’s article, we’ll focus on how organizing can help seniors’ quality of life.

Organizing Tips To Help Seniors’ Quality of Life

Caregivers may significantly improve the quality of life for their elderly family members by implementing a holistic approach to care. This implies that you should think about their physical health and mental and emotional stability. If you don’t know where to start in this approach, you should first try to make a senior’s environment as pleasant as possible. You can accomplish this with simple things like fresh flowers and some excellent music to get your loved one to relax for a bit and encourage them to think more clearly. Or maybe their house may need some home-organizing services as well. For the elderly, it’s crucial to have access to such resources. They may even need senior relocation services at some point. People who are struggling with serious health issues or traumatic life events like the death of a spouse benefit greatly from them.

 Organizing their living space can substantially help seniors' quality of life.

1. Raise all stored items to waist height

The first thing you should do to make the house of your elderly parents safer is to keep goods at a level that is no lower than the upper thigh. There may be a problem if they lean over too much. Take a look at the washing baskets and any other essential items that need one to go on their hands and knees. Make sure to keep all of their important stuff in the waist-height drawers.

2. Clear the clutter from the steps and add more lights in the hallways

It would also be beneficial to add more rails to the area of the stairs if there was just one. If the staircase and the hallways are not light enough, add a few more lights. You can get ones that light automatically when you walk in the area. There should be no clutter on the staircase to prevent any injuries. Make sure to declutter and organize all of the hallways and staircases. This can help seniors’ quality of life.

3. Buy a sturdy rolling cart for the kitchen

Suppose they have a bigger kitchen than average. In that case, you might consider giving them a compact, durable rolling cart to assist them in transporting things about the kitchen without carrying them. A rolling cart could also be helpful in other rooms if your elderly parent doesn’t go into the kitchen anymore.

simple items like a rolling cart can the organization and quality of a seniors life

4. Throw out any excess pieces of furniture

Take any furniture that isn’t utilized regularly anymore from the senior parent’s house. We are sure your loved one could use a little boomer downsize. Because we all know how much they loved collecting things that nobody needs. It is to their advantage to have as much room as possible. Instead of that big bulky dining table and 8 chairs they don’t use anymore, place a table that can serve more than one purpose. Have a smaller table that can also be used as storage for their paperwork instead.

You can call estate clearing services if you can’t get these items out of the house. For example, if your grandpa still has his big old piano in the house and only bumps into it all the time, it’s time for the piano to go. Of course, you might not be able to take it out yourself, so it’s better to let experts take care of it and move it safely with the assistance of professional piano movers in LA.

5. Make sure all essential documents are located in one place

Please keep all of their vital documents, in one location that is both safe and secure. There is plenty of space available for storing these. If it is at all feasible, place it in folders that are fire-resistant. If, at some point, they decide to relocate or they have to be transported to an elderly center facility, this will make their senior relocation so much easier. Here’s a list of some of the most important documents your senior friend will need: 

  • ID cards and passports
  • life insurance policies
  • wills and powers of attorney
  • social security cards
  • account statements.

6. Keep a copy of their current medication list posted on the kitchen refrigerator

Using a clear sheet protector is a good way to keep your list clean and visible while also keeping it from getting dirty. You might also write the specific location in the house, such as the medicine cabinet in the bathroom, where these medicines are kept. Create a medication schedule that they may hang on the wall of the bathroom or the refrigerator, depending on where they take their pills.

7. Organize a daily used items area

Seniors over the age of 65 will appreciate having a dedicated space where they can store all of their daily essentials. Get one of those  see-through boxes and label it “today’s necessities.” Your grandma or grandpa can keep their most used stuff here, like: 

If you put the necessary items out on the table or counter, kids are more likely to remember to take them with them. You may keep your medicine, vitamins, reading glasses, writing instruments (pencils, pens), and a notepad here. A pillbox, which is useful for keeping medications in order, may be stored there. But each week, someone will need to be in charge of doling out the pills.

Keeping their everyday items in one place is especially important for the elderly with memory issues and improves their quality of life.

8. Make sure every container has a label on it

Labeling each container will help the elderly person know what goes where. Labeling and organizing can significantly help seniors’ quality of life. They may ask you to pack up and store any home inventories they are uncomfortable discarding. This is especially true if the senior wants to keep many personal items. The safest location to store it is in a labeled and sealed plastic container in your garage or your home’s attic.

Images:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-embracing-her-grandmother-3768168/
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https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-low-angle-shot-of-an-elderly-man-reading-a-book-8899491/
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Consider 5 Renovations When Aging in Place

professional decluttering can help create space for a renovation

 There comes a time in everyone’s life when we have to start thinking about retirement. Some people decide to move to a senior’s home, some move to a smaller, more convenient home, and some decide to age in place. Aging in place is when you stay in the comfort of your home during the last chapter of your life. There are many benefits to doing this—you will not have to move, you will be close to everyone you love, etc. But, there, where there are pros, there are also cons.

Namely, aging in a home that was built for families is not going to be easy—you will have to deal with a lot of stairs, narrow doorways, multiple floors, and other things that you will start to look like obstacles. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider aging in place; it only means that you should make some adjustments before you do. And, that will be our topic of the day—5 renovations to consider when again place. So, keep on reading if you, or your senior loved ones, want to age in place.

1. Create a Room Downstairs

The home you want to continue living in is probably your family home. That means that you have a lot of floors and a lot of stairs. And, that also means that your bedroom is upstairs. If we are right, then one of the first renovations to consider when aging in place is creating a room for yourself downstairs. That doesn’t have to be anything big or complex. After all, all you need in there is a bed and closet. Everything else you already have on your first floor (bathroom, kitchen, living room).

However, if you have a lot of stuff that you typically keep upstairs, and if you plan on continuing to use all of that, it might be a good idea to consider investing in some innovative home storage options for your first floor on time too!

Caption: A bedroom downstairs is a must for all seniors.

baby boomers should continue to exercise

2. Modify the Bathroom

Next to your bedroom should be a bathroom, of course. There too, you should make some renovations when aging in place. The first thing you should do is replace your bathtub with a shower. Over time, getting in and out of the bath is going to become more and more complex, so be sure to do this before it comes to that. Then, it would also be a good idea to swap your current toilet for one that has a built-in bidet. And, don’t forget to add grab bars next to it.

If making these two changes (having a room downstairs and renovating the bathroom) is not an option, you should reconsider your decision to age in place. Getting up and down the stairs to sleep and using the bathroom may not be a problem now, but it will undoubtedly become a problem later. So, talk to your family about moving to a more convenient home. And, don’t worry about senior moving either—there are many moving companies that specialize in helping seniors move and do all other moving-related things.

3. Install Grab Bars and Handrails

But, we understand that it is still emotionally difficult to leave your home. If that is the case, you should consider renovating it so that it helps you move in a safe way. Going up and down the stairs is not only difficult, but it is also very dangerous. One wrong step and you can slip and fall. That will most likely result in a broken bone or two.

Prevent that from happening by installing grab bars and handrails everywhere around the house. You should install grab bars in your bathroom and maybe even next to your bed or sofa you like to sit in. Then, install handrails next to all staircases. Moreover, even if you are handy now, don’t tackle this (or any other) renovation alone. Learn to simplify it—hire a handyman or have your family member come and help you out. This will make renovation more convenient for everyone.

 

renovations and downsizing are better handled by professional organizers

4. Renovations to Consider when Aging in Place—Widen All the Doorways

Unfortunately, aging in place usually means having to use a wheelchair at a certain point. So, even if you are not using them now, you should be prepared for that possibility. The best way to do that is to, first, widen all the doorways. They must be 32 inches or wider to accommodate the wheelchair.

Moreover, when thinking about widening all the doorways, you should also consider leveling your floors. If you have just one step that is higher or lower than your floor, it will be impossible to use a wheelchair. So, talk to your contractor about this when talking about things you have to do to make your retirement property feel cozy and easy to use in your golden years.

 

making space, downsizing, renovations all of these cna be help iwht a professional organizer

5. Invest in Smart Technology

One of the last but certainly not least home renovations to consider when aging in place is investing in smart technology. You can age more practically and peacefully by letting technology work for you. Nowadays, there is not a thing that technology can’t do. For instance, it can help you:

  • Reach something
  • Check the fire
  • Control anything with your voice
  • Turn on the lights with a motion sensor

And maybe one of the best things about technology is that it can help you when there is a medical emergency. Namely, you can buy a sort of bracelet, the so-called PERS (a personal emergency response system), which has a button you can push whenever you feel something is wrong with your medical condition. 

As you have seen, there are many renovations to consider when aging in place. We mentioned just the most important ones, but there are many more. It is crucial to think about them before you start feeling difficulty moving or before you get sick. So, talk to your family members and hire a contractor or a senior move manager who will handle the renovation process so that you can age in place and age in peace. 

Photos Used:
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https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-sitting-on-wheelchair-4064549/

Making the Most of Your Garage Space

If your garage isn’t doing much apart from storing your cars and outdoor gear, it’s time to get organized and put it to better use. Making the most of your garage’s square footage could be as simple as updating your storage and organization solutions to allow more room for vehicles and yard tools. But, if you’re outgrowing your garage, have you considered transforming this space to entirely suit your lifestyle and interests? Check out how to get started and learn about some amazing garage upgrades that will give you the ability to make productive use of the space. 

remodelling a garage starts with decluttering to make space for what you need

How to Get Started 

First things first, it’s extremely important to declutter and organize before starting a project. But as we know, it can be overwhelming to prepare for decluttering knowing that you have a lot of work ahead. A tip that may help you get the decluttering process rolling is to sort your items into 3 different categories: keep, get rid of, and storage. This method is beneficial as it forces you to make a decision item-by-item and helps you avoid making a bigger mess than the one you started with. If you’re trying to tackle a space that needs a little extra focus, or the thought of decluttering in general seems overwhelming for you, it might be a good idea to look into home organizing services. Working with a decluttering professional can help you meet your goals which will take a lot of the stress off you. Once you have your belongings organized, you’re now able to take on any home project!

Garage Remodel Options to Consider 

Move the Mudroom into the Garage 

If you’re constantly overflowing the closet with jackets or tripping over shoes in your house, it may be a good idea to turn an unused corner of the garage into a mudroom. Putting a mudroom in the garage is a great way to start utilizing this space that otherwise would be filled with clutter. The garage is the ideal place for a mudroom especially if it’s usually the way you come into your home, providing you and the rest of your family a designated space to put your muddy shoes and wet jackets. Finally, you’ll have somewhere to put the vacuum and broom after decluttering the coat closet

A mudroom in the garage can create a transitional buffer space between the hustle and bustle of the messy world, to the calmness of your clean home. The best part about garage mudrooms is that they don’t need to be complex to be practical. They can actually be created very easily near the door leading to the house. A couple of wall hangers and storage options might be all you need to create your perfect garage mudroom. 

If you’re looking to keep things clean and neutral but want a little more warmth and personality, try adding a wood paneling shiplap accent wall. This design addition can be easily installed and is a quick way to add texture to a wall. Additionally, it’s a great way to hide previous wall imperfections that might have been in the garage. You can check out some shiplap accent wall inspiration to get a better idea of how to install and what your final product will look like. What’s more, shiplap wood can easily be stained or painted if you wanted to give the garage a bit of color. Whatever you decide, this space will help you and your family stay organized and know exactly where those everyday items are. 

Create an Indoor-Outdoor Entertainment Area 

If you think that your current home is feeling a bit small, turning your garage into an indoor-outdoor living space is a great way to give you and your family more room while making use of the square footage you already have. A simple living space can easily be designed with comfortable furniture, adequate lighting, and a source of garage heating. You can spruce the area up even more with finished walls, a TV, and a fireplace. Either way, creating this completely revamps the unutilized space in your garage to become the versatile living or entertainment space you’ve always wanted. 

Before diving in, assess the space you’re dealing with and figure out exactly what you want. It may be a good idea to ask yourself a few questions such as:

  • What are my goals for the space?
  • What will I use this space for?
  • How big is this space?
  • How much natural light does it get? 
  • Can I do this myself, or will I need to hire a professional?
  • What is my budget?

After assessing the space and answering these questions, you should now have a good idea of your vision as well as what it will take to turn this area into a comfortable living space. The next step is to design the space with the room’s primary purpose in mind. Thinking about the purpose of the room allows you to build in features that will increase the room’s functionality. 

When you’re planning your new indoor-outdoor space and how to take full advantage of it, there are some essential design elements to consider. Many of these elements you will be able to use from your existing garage, but others you may want to upgrade in order to improve the overall livability, organization, and balance of a hybrid space. Some of the design elements you may want to consider are:

  • Flooring
  • Furniture 
  • Windows and doors 
  • Lighting
  • Insulation

The best part of turning your garage into an indoor-outdoor living space is that you can turn it into anything you want. With new design elements, you can turn a dark, cold garage into a bright, warm living space perfect for guests and entertaining, a game night, or a cozy movie night in. 

Design Your Very Own Home Gym 

after professional decluttering plenty of space can be created to cnvert a part of your garage into a great small personal gymA garage can be a great place for working out if it has all the right features. Having a convenient home fitness space in your garage allows you to have intense workouts and throw weight around without scuffing or damaging the inside of your home. It also reduces the clutter and equipment storage in your home which frees up space for other hobbies. Creating a gym in your garage might also allow for larger and more organized fitness equipment, machines, and overall more space to move around in. You can even get creative with this project and complete your garage gym with built-in speakers, mirrors, and whatever elements that will inspire a motivational environment for you. 

Equipment and Storage

Equipment pieces don’t have to be bought within the first week, month, or even year of using your new space. Gym equipment isn’t particularly cheap and especially if you prefer to vary your workouts, it can add up quickly. Fortunately, equipment can be accumulated over time depending on your workout interests and abilities. Some basic essentials you may want to have for your new workout space include:

  • Dumbbells 
  • A cardio machine 
  • Mats
  • Mirror
  • Workout bands 

As far as equipment storage goes, there are many customizable options, meaning it’s completely up to your preference. It’s a good idea to have some racks or bins to keep your home gym organized while providing a quick clean-up after each session. Installing wall hooks or shelves might also be helpful to easily hang bands, jump ropes, or store yoga blocks and towels. As you accumulate more equipment, you can continue to shape your storage routine. However, remember, it’s a good idea to have some initial organization so things don’t get out of hand. 

Flooring 

A crucial part of creating your home gym is deciding on what type of flooring you want. Epoxy garage floors might just be a great solution to complete your home gym. Not only do they look more inviting than concrete floors, but they’re also extremely durable and long-lasting. You can help avoid scuffing up your floors in your home and finish your garage by learning how to paint your garage floor with epoxy.  The smooth and even surface is easy to maintain and can make your life a lot easier when it comes to cleaning up. Since not much debris sticks to this type of flooring, sweeping or cleaning up after your sessions will be a breeze. 

There’s no better feeling than turning a space that isn’t used effectively and tends to collect junk into a new, comfortable space that the whole family can enjoy. By combining these organization tips with these unique upgrading ideas, you can make the most of the square footage in your garage while freeing up some space in your home. By taking an organized approach to any of these projects you can have the look and feel of a completely new design that fits your lifestyle. 

https://unsplash.com/photos/-4rSZH4QRaI 

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6 Easy Steps to Create a Home Inventory

Creating a home inventory will help when you move or strat a de-cluttering of your home

These tools and tips can help you recoup thousands of dollars when disaster strikes. 

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), over 50 per cent of Americans don’t have a home inventory of their belongings putting them at a risk for inadequate insurance coverage in case a disaster strikes.

What Is a Home Inventory?

In simple words, a home inventory is an up-to-date record of all your possessions. It’s created so that in case of a disaster, you can easily and quickly get your claims settled.

Creating and updating your inventory of personal possessions is an excellent way to make the most of your renters or homeowners insurance and makes filing a claim efficient and easy.

Creating a home inventory is simple and can help you save a lot of money (and headache) in the longer run. 

Why Should I Create a Home Inventory?

It’s important to create a home inventory as:

#1. It helps you purchase the right kind of insurance

An accurate list of your personal possessions will enable you to have a better conversation with the insurance personnel when making decisions about renters or homeowners insurance coverage. It’s one of the best ways to get the best of your insurance. 

#2. It makes filing a claim super easy

Most of us can’t remember what we had for dinner last night, let alone recall everything that we possess. Disasters are stressful and scary that makes creating a list of damaged property for claims more challenging. A handy list of your belongings will prove to be a huge relief in such times.

#3. Aids in financial assistance

Following a disaster, you can only qualify for disaster assistance or a tax break is if you can substantiate your losses. An organized home inventory will prove to be useful during such a process.

Fires, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes and hurricanes: disasters can strike any time. And when that happens, most of us aren’t in a position to recall everything that we owned. 

Unless a proper account of everything that we owned is provided to the insurance professionals, you’ll not be entitled to a proper claim. 

Therefore, the key is to have a detailed home inventory. Here are 6 easy steps to create a home inventory:

#1. Choose the Right Storage Method and a Software

  • Taking a few pictures or scribbling in a notebook is okay but not the best options to create a list.
  • Choose a software program designed to create home inventories such as What You Own that’ll make the entire process easier. 
  • You can also opt for free options by creating a DIY list using free templates from Canva or by creating a spreadsheet.
  • Do a little research to determine the best option for you before getting started.

#2. List your Personal Belongings

  • The best way to get started is by starting with an easy spot— like your handbag shelf or kitchen appliance cabinet. 
  • Write down the name and value of everything you own in that contained space before proceeding to the next area. 
  • If you want, you can also group items falling in the same category or of the same types such as books or kitchen utensils. 
  • Make small notes of the condition and model number of each item and staple the receipts next to the item if you have any.

#3. Take Help of Technology

  • If you’ve been using a pen and paper until now, it’s time for a little upgrade.
  • Take pictures, record videos or use an app that’ll help you create a room-by-room record of all your belongings.

#4. Finish the Paperwork

  • Replacing identification, reports, legal and financial documents can be a hassle.
  • Take steps to protect and preserve such documents.

#5. Create a Separate List of Valuable Items

Valuable items such as electronics, collectables and jewelry require separate insurance and therefore, it’s wise to create a separate list for them. Be extremely thorough when creating this list and include:

  • Multiple photos of each item
  • Purchase location and date
  • Serial number
  • Model
  • Make
  • Receipts (if you have any)

Follow the golden rule: if you paid more, then document more.

#6. Keep Copies in Different Places

  • No matter how you chose to create a home inventory, always create a few copies away from home.
  • Don’t limit the storage of your list to a single place such as your computer or mobile or even a hardcopy in your house—they could all be destroyed in the disaster. 
  • Save your list in the cloud or send out a few physical copies to your friends and family for the sake of safekeeping. 

The Takeaway

  • Creating a home inventory can be daunting but not if you’re using our tools and tips. 
  • Easily verify losses for your insurance claim and income tax returns by creating a home inventory. 

Need help Starting your Home Inventory

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Shristi Patni is a content writer and owner of F and B Recipes. She enjoys creating a List of Citrus Fruits or a list of “Things That Make Happy” or coming up with creative Food Blog Names. Formerly the Chief Content Officer at Raletta, she is currently working on her second cookbook. 
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Best Places to Retire on the West Coast

One place for seniors to move to is a Florida coastal city with waterfront houses and boats.

Finding the best place to retire and spend your golden years can be an exciting prospect. There are many options to choose from, and the American West offers a lot of diversity. You’ll have an easy time finding entertainment options and medical facilities, and the coast has great weather. In this article, we will look at some of the best places to retire on the West Coast.

Determine any special needs

To focus your search and narrow down the list of options, you can start by making a list of any special needs you may have. Perhaps you have a medical condition that requires specific care. See if the place you want to relocate to has the facilities you require.

Do you have hobbies or interests?

Perhaps you like to go swimming, or it may be required as part of physical therapy. In that case, you should pick a place that is close to the beach or has access to a pool. Also, think about what kinds of entertainment options appeal to you. If you like watching movies you can pick a place with a theater.

Elderly couple hiking in the woods in one of the best places to retire on the West Coast.

Pick comfort and functionality

Small cities usually have tightly knit communities, and you can get to know all of the neighbors. On the other hand, you can pick a tourist destination you like and become a local. That way, you’ll have easy access to recreational facilities and enjoy the benefits of a permanent vacation hotspot. Whatever you end up deciding on, you must practice self-care in every step of the move. Always keep your best interest in mind and unload as much work as you can to professionals.

How to organize a senior relocation

Like with any move, you are going to need to do a lot of planning. Here is what you’ll need to do before the move:

  • Downsize. Organizing the move will be a lot easier if you have fewer items you’ll take with you. Here is a list of resources that will help you clear your home before the move.
  • Go scouting. Before you decide for sure that you will move somewhere, you can go for a visit first. Try to organize a short trip to get to know the area you’ll move to better.
  • Find the right movers. Moving across state lines can be complicated. So, for instance, if you are relocating from Nevada, you will have to find the right interstate movers. It will be a lot easier to leave Nevada with some help from experienced and reliable movers. Some moving companies offer additional services like packing or storage, which can make the whole ordeal much smoother.
  • Make a checklist. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and forget something. Put everything down in writing. That way, you won’t mix up any dates or telephone numbers.
  • Hire a senior move manager. If you find that everything is a bit much, there is no need to panic. There are professionals who can help you and take care of everything.

Downsizing and getting rid of clutter can make the move easier.

Our picks of the best places to retire on the West Coast

Moving to the West Coast can be the perfect change you need. Relocating to a more desirable location is the best way to spend your retirement years. There are many cities located in the coastal states of California, Oregon, and Washington for you to choose from. Here are some of our favorites.

  1. Sequim, Washington. With a population of just under 7,000, Sequim is a fast-growing community that is popular with retirees. It boasts having very little annual rainfall, making it one of the driest places in Washington’s west.
  2. Indian Wells, California. Located in a desert oasis, Indian Wells offers plenty of outdoor activities and is home to the sixth-largest tennis tournament in the world. The city boasts affordable housing and plenty of untouched desert beauty.
  3. Astoria, Oregon. This small coastal town is the first American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Astoria has a population of 10,000 and has plenty of parks and recreational areas. A popular standout is the Oregon Film Museum which holds memorabilia from the many movies filmed in Astoria.
  4. Palm Desert, California. Located near Palm Springs, this city has a population of 52,000. With multiple golf courses and country clubs, it offers numerous recreational options. Palm Desert also has urgent care and medical facilities that might be necessary for some seniors.

 

Palm Desert is a small community located near Palm Springs and is a fine place to retire..

  1. South Whidbey Island, Washington. It is an island community located just 35 miles from Seattle. South Whidbey has two airports and a community-run hospital. Year-round festivals and celebrations will make you feel like you are living in a permanent vacation spot.
  2. Del Mar, California. A beach city located in San Diego County. The place is famous for the race track event that is held there every summer. There are also plenty of other activities like hot air balloon rides, and antique shows held several times a year.

Things you need to do after the move

After you have finally moved, there are a few more things you will need to take care of:

  • Unpack. You can hire an unpacking service to help you sort everything out. Professional packers can assemble the furniture for you and clean up when they are done. This will take a massive load off your shoulders.
  • Stay decluttered. It’s important that you stay organized and clutter-free. The move can be exhausting, but it shouldn’t be an excuse to let your new home fall into disarray.

In this article, we have given you a list of the best places to retire on the West Coast, as well as some tips to help you organize everything. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to hire professionals. There are numerous services that you can find online, which can save you a lot of stress. Allow yourself to be excited and reap only the positive benefits of the move.

Meta description: Do you need a place for your senior relocation? Here are the best places to retire on the West Coast and tips for organizing services that you can use.

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