Over the years, it’s easy to let clutter build up in your home. From family keepsakes to random odds and ends you and your family have collected, it’s not uncommon to run out of places to store things. But now that you’re retired, you have plenty of time to focus on home improvement. A great place to start the process is by figuring out which of your belongings are necessary to keep, and which could use a better home.
Aside from the aesthetic benefits a decluttered home can provide, there are also several other great reasons for taking the time to streamline. Here are a few to consider.
A Decluttered Home Is a Safer Home
Excess clutter can increase the risk of trips and falls in your home. By eliminating clutter obstacles, you can immediately reduce fall risk. This is especially important if your clutter has accumulated in hallways. It might feel overwhelming when you first get started, but it’s well worth the effort to decrease your fall risk.
A Decluttered Home Is a Cleaner Home
Maintaining a clean home will be easier with fewer items to collect dust or take up space. You’ll be able to make your home a tidier and healthier place. This is especially important if you suffer from allergies and struggle to limit the dust mites in your home.
A Decluttered Home Is a Charitable Home
If you have belongings you no longer use and don’t anticipate using in the future, there’s no sense in hanging on to them—especially when someone in need could be putting them to good use. Donating items is a great way to give back to your community and those who are less fortunate. Plus, items that tend to be the biggest clutter-contributors—clothing, books and small appliances—also tend to be among the most appreciated donations.
A Decluttered Home Is a Loving Home
When you begin sorting through items, you may discover special mementos and belongings your loved ones might appreciate. Not only would your unused item go to a better home, but it might mean a lot to your family members to have certain special items passed down to them. That way, you’ll know those extra special belongings—the ones you don’t want to get rid of, but no longer need to keep in your home—are still in a place where they’ll be appreciated.
And, as one final bonus reason, we can say with almost absolute certainty that decluttering your home will provide a sense of fulfillment. You’ll be happy you took the steps to check this one important “to-do” off your list.
Interested in aging in place, but now sure about the expenses? Check out our free guide, Calculating the Real Cost of Aging in Place.
