As a boomer, I was raised with National Geographic magazine. It was the voice of authority and as a city girl, it took me to faraway places, enlightened me and exposed me to new exciting possibilities. Now, with information accessible at the touch of a button and more than a half a century under my belt, the glossy photos of a magazine don’t hold the same wonder. Nevertheless, National Geographic is still an iconic and time weathered source of knowledge in my mind.
I guess that’s why an online article in the August issue of National Geographic caught my eye, “Why pandemic stress breeds clutter—and how to break the cycle. “ Well, my respect for the publication is one reason I was attracted to the article and another reason is that I own a move management business and this is the work that my team of 12 and I do every day. The article discusses the science behind why clutter causes stress, the increase in cortisol, the overwhelming feeling of being in over your head when clutter surrounds you and the concept that reducing clutter can be gratifying and even euphoric. We see this played out frequently. When we have completed a move to a new tidy, organized space or rightsized a home to make a space safe and comfortable, we hear “I can’t believe how much better I feel.” It is palpable.
- We know that the pandemic and time spent at home has seen people responding in two different extremes. There has been a flurry of clearing out: sorting and thinning family photos, donating clothing that doesn’t fit, shipping heirlooms to remote family members. If you are in this category, congratulations! We know you are feeling lighter and satisfied with yourself. The other extreme has been the increase in online ordering, the pulling out and not putting back of rarely used items, and the sea of items we have collected and are now living among 24/7. Spending more time in the house has meant spending more time seeing how much STUFF we have and don’t need but not knowing where to begin. Do Not Despair! Today is a new day.
While hiring an organizational professional is always an option, here are some of the tips we suggest to jump start the downsizing process:
- Start small. One drawer. The utensil drawer in the kitchen might be a great place to start. How many spoons, potato peelers, one use items (melon baller?) do you need and use? Lay all of the utensils out on the kitchen table or counter and thin out, leaving behind only those that you really need. Wipe out the crumbs in the drawer and return only those items you need. Put a post it note on the outside of the drawer. Done! Box up items you don’t need. Put a date on the calendar (next month?) that you will schedule a pick up from your favorite charity or plan a drop off. Tomorrow or next week, tackle the kitchen junk drawer.
- Books. We love them. They have brought us joy. But do we reread them? Sort out books, letting go of those that we know someone else will enjoy reading and you will never pick up again. Have you seen those little libraries in neighborhood all around town. Help populate a little library or add them to your pile of items to be picked up by a charity.
- Pantry. We all have items in our pantry that are expired. Dump them. Items we bought and no longer desire? If unexpired and unopened, drop them at your local food pantry or church. Now is the time to share your bounty. How many jars of cinnamon on your shelf? Keep the most current. Dispose of the half used other one or combine into one.
- Bathroom cabinet. Bring all like things together. Bottles of shampoo. Nail polish. Cold medicine. What is expired? Dispose of it. (Responsible disposal of prescription drugs: bring to CVS where they have a medicine disposal drop off box.) What has just a little bit left in the bottle? Combine or dispose? Donate, unopened and unneeded items. Many people have excessive duplication but because items are separated into various areas they don’t realize they have five bottles of rubbing alcohol. Guilty as charged!
- Towels and linens. What color towels are you using? Keep 2-3 sets maximum of only those. You will not use more than that. Do you have sheets for size beds you no longer own? Again, three sets of sheets (one on the bed, two on shelf) for the beds you currently own is adequate. We like to bring unneeded sheets and towels to humane societies for their use in caring for homeless animals.
Caregivers, we know caring for your loved one is exhausting. And if you find the suggestions to jumpstart downsizing to be onerous, we understand. When someone asks if she can help you and organization is her thing, let her help you with your pantry. She would love to do it and you will feel amazing when you see progress made around you.
If you would like to hire a professional to assist you, we are here to help and we, like others, charge hourly so you can hire for as few or as many hours as needed. The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) is a great resource as you explore the field and determine if hiring help is right for you. We are proud to be an NASMM A+ accredited senior move management company and a team of NASMM@ Home Specialists. Keeping our Customers safe is our utmost priority whether moving them to a new space or helping them to age in place.
As we spend more time in our homes, safety and comfort is becoming increasingly important. Wishing you peace and calm in your surroundings and in your hearts. You are not alone.