16 Best De-cluttering Tips


In the Comfort Life Spotlight


Decluttering as part of downsizing is a big job. Here, we’ve compiled some of our favourite tips from the experts: Susan Borax of Good Riddance, Pat Irwin of ElderCareCanada, Margo Salnek of Move Seniors Lovingly, Vicky Keyes of Red Coats Moving Solutions, and the experts at Gordon’s Moving Services. These tips will apply to the process of reducing your belongings in a careful, well-considered process.

Find seniors' moving services advice and how to's, with a list of mving companies

2. Downsize in good health and a good frame of mind

Start downsizing while you are still in good health, one room or area at a time. Work through the process when you have  a clear mind. Quit for the day or take breaks when you get tired. Remain aware of your mental state. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by tiredness or by emotion.

For some people, it may make sense to break decluttering into a long process. If you have lots of time before now and a possible move (months or years), create a schedule.

3. Planning your new space?

If your decluttering process is part of a move and you know what size place you are moving to, then planning for that new space an important part of your process:

4. Understand the market value of your possessions

5. Get appraisals and set fair pricing for items you want to sell

6. Collections

If you have a collection, don’t take every piece with you; take a subset—a few pieces that are representative of the set.

7. Great places to donate

8. Labels and note taking

Try to label things for their destination (new house, family/friends, sale, donation or recycle/dispose). Ask family and friends if they can take notes on where things have been sent (auction, Goodwill, a friend etc.). That way, if you are wondering where an item went later on, you will be able to check.

9. Make sure items are in good working order

Make sure your things are clean and in good working order. Before you sell or give them away plug them in and make sure they’re completely operational.

10. Know your schedule

Decluttering or downsizing is different for everybody. In many cases, the move happens on a tight, restricted schedule. For some people, though, the decluttering is planned ahead and there is a slow, languorous process that allows for planning, care and deliberation. Of course, the latter is ideal, but the former is more likely the case.

If you have to move quickly, you still want to break it down into steps:

Start by estimating how long it will take you to work through all your items. To do this, you need to assess how many different things you have to move. You also need to have a good idea how much time you want to spend downsizing and decluttering. You may want to simply dispose of things as quickly as possible, or you may want to ruminate over specific items, rooms, collections, etc.

Make an estimate of how long you think it will take, then double that time, to be realistic.

11. Stick to deadlines and decisions

12. Moving? Hire the right senior moving company

If you are moving, note that Senior Move Management is a relatively new industry. Be sure you are hiring a qualified company to move your things. Services they may be able to provide may include everything from preparing the home for the real estate market, to finding the right real estate professional, to unpacking and setting up the new home (to everything in between).

Read our full look at finding the right seniors' moving service

13. Get a second opinion and ask for help

Get someone else to help you make decisions so that you have another pair of eyes. Downsizing can be an emotional minefield because you have too many memories attached to your things; you need someone who has no association with them.

14. Declutter regularly

Set aside 15 minutes once a week (schedule it on your calendar) to do some de-cluttering—a drawer, a shoe closet—and make it a general part of your routine. Then if you do decide to move in two years, you’ll be much better prepared physically and mentally.

15. Understand the value of storage lockers

If your house is being staged, make use of storage lockers for your things but don’t make it a permanent solution. Storage lockers can become expensive and having things there only delays the work you’ll have to do later on.

16. Read more advice on ComfortLife.ca

16. Read all our advice on how to downsize, from conception to completion. You can also download our full e-book

Resources:
ElderCareCanada
goodriddance.ca
redcoatsmoving.com

IN-DEPTH REPORTS
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Edgewood Suites  

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Chartwell McConnell Retirement Residence  

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Bilingual retirement community in Cornwall offering the social and supportive lifestyle you deserve.

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Hygate Active Senior Living  

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Resort-style retirement living in Waterloo. Hygate promotes active senior living with modern décor and amenities. Enjoy daily fitness, activity programs and fine dining. It's next level senior living.

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Chartwell Montgomery Village Retirement Residence  

155 Riddell Road, Orangeville, Ontario, L9W 6R4

Welcome to Orangeville’s premier choice for independent and worry-free retirement living.

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Orchard Gardens Seniors Community  

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Promenade Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence  

110 & 150 Rossignol Drive, Orleans, Ontario, K4A 0N2

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Chartwell Ridgepointe Retirement Residence  

1789 Primrose Court, Kamloops, British Columbia, V1S 0B7

Enjoy a flexible, independent retirement lifestyle surrounded by nature with the convenience of Downtown Kamloops."

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Chartwell Stonehaven Retirement Residence  

70 Stonehaven Drive, Kanata, Ontario, K2M 3B4

Combining personalized service, beautiful natural surroundings and an engaging lifestyle in South Kanata.

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Astoria Luxury Apartments & Seniors’ Suites  

130 & 136 Central Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2C 4G3

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The Village of Tansley Woods  

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Delmanor Aurora  

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Scarborough Retirement Residence  

148 Markham Road, Scarborough, Ontario, M1M 2Z8

A family owned and managed residence that offers seniors the opportunity to maintain their independence. Enjoy healthy Chef-prepared meals, daily life enrichment programs. We also offer short-term trial or respite stays.

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St. Elizabeth Village  

1 Yates Gate, Hamilton, Ontario, L9B 1T8

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Parkland on Eglinton West  

4650 Eglinton Ave. W., Etobicoke, Ontario, M9A 0E3

Parkland on Eglinton West offers Lifestyle Apartments, All-Inclusive Lifestyle and Supportive Lifestyle options for seniors. Parkland makes it easy for you to do more of what you love!

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Wintergreene Estates - Verve Senior Living  

4950 Pasqua Street, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 7L2

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Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Shores of Port Credit - Verve Senior Living  

280 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga, Ontario, L5H 0A5

The Shores is designed for vibrant living with the highest quality of personal care. Amenities include pool, fitness & exercise club, restaurant, bistro & cafe, a golf simulator lounge & wine cellar.

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Sunstone Apartments  

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Sunstone Rentals is the newest retirement community located in North Delta. A 70 unit independent living facility for those 55+, offers retirement community living for those downsizing.

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Park Place Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence  

110 & 120 Central Park Dr, Ottawa, Ontario, K2C 4G3

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Parkland Ancaster  

558 Golf Links Rd., Hamilton, Ontario, L9G 4W9

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Parkland on the Glen  

1665 The Collegeway, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 0A9

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The Village of Erin Meadows  

2930 Erin Centre Boulevard, Mississauga, Ontario, L5M 7M4

Mississauga's unique continuum of care featuring a vibrant Main Street with Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care.

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Ravines Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence  

626 & 636 Prado Private, Ottawa, Ontario, K2E 0B3

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Heritage Place Retirement Residence  

4151 Kilmer Drive, Burlington, Ontario, L7M 5A9

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The Village of Taunton Mills  

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Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Parkland Ajax  

3 Rossland Road West, Ajax, Ontario, L1Z 0V1

Parkland Ajax offers independent and supportive options! Beautifully designed spacious suites, exceptional on site amenities and professional staff on site 24/7, Parkland is where you can live your best life!

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Harmony Hill Retirement Community  

1335 Benson Street, Oshawa, Ontario, L1K 0W6

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The Village of Glendale Crossing  

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The Village of Wentworth Heights  

1620 Upper Wentworth St., Hamilton, Ontario, L9B 2W3

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Livita Queens Avenue Retirement Residence  

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WaterView Estates by Estates of Niagara  

518 Queenston St, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 7K6

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Stoneridge Estates by Estates of Niagara  

2626 Mewburn Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2J 0G4

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Royal Heights Inc.  

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