“Clutter is not just the stuff on your floor – it’s anything that stands between you and the life you want to be living.”
-Peter Walsh
Having a simplified, uncluttered home is a form of self-care. Decluttering is infinitely easier when you think of it as deciding what to keep, rather than deciding what to throw away. It’s time to tidy up. The first step in creating the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t want.
June 22, 2022- This morning in the Independent Living Dining Room, we welcomed our four guest speakers to McGregor: Frank Ricci from Howard Hanna, Kathy Mocarski from Smooth Transitions, Lee-Ann Spacek from Northcoast Residential Relocation Services, and Jody Schweiger from Caring Transitions. These experts shared their knowledge with us about staging, decluttering, and other aspects of navigating the moving process while we snacked on breakfast bites and refreshments. Attendees were then able to ask the four panelists questions of their own to initiate the conversation.
If you couldn’t attend this event, here are a few of the main points we discussed.
We understand that moving is a difficult process, but sometimes the hardest part is getting started. When deciding whether or not moving is the right fit for you, it’s important to determine your current lifestyle and if your current residence is continuing to serve you. However, our homes contain valuable memories, which means that selling them sometimes seems too hard. If this is the case, consider decluttering to tidy things up a bit in the beginning. We realize that decluttering can be overwhelming, so start with that one small thing.Try to start off with spaces that have less of an emotional tether like the junk drawer. Cleaning out your junk drawers can lead to so many more beautiful things. Start there, and you’ll find yourself cleaning the whole rest of the house. Perhaps another way to look at it–is to decide what to keep! In the event that we are downsizing…or right-sizing as it is often referred to…is a more positive way to identify what is truly important.
If you have old photos, instead of getting rid of them, try making a scrapbook, reusing the frames or scan them so that you have digital copies! That way, you can keep your memories with you while leaving some open space. Overall, each person has their own personal preference when it comes to moving; there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Some even suggested giving your most treasured possessions as gifts among family members which will sustain memories and is a way to share your legacy!!
“Clutter is no more than post-poned decisions.” -Barbara Hemphill
There was much that was shared and so many scenarios that guests mentioned. All-in all, we determined that now is the time to begin the off-loading process. By placing that “stuff” in a closet doesn’t mean you are going to use it more. We actually gain independence when we eliminate the things that are bogging us down. Sometimes the stress of having so much is just as much of a drain on your independence. Think about how good you feel when you give unused clothing and items to others who will benefit from having them.
“Edit your life frequently and ruthlessly. It’s your masterpiece after all.” -Nathan W. Morris
McGregor partners with many professional resources that aid in our efforts to make that move to independent or assisted living as smooth and stress-free as possible. We recognize that we collect many possessions througout out our lives with infinite memories attached. Somehow, keeping those things close to our hearts rather than shoved in a closet is most beneficial. We also realize that not everything in your home will translate to a new lifestyle.
Here at McGregor, we support seniors at all stages of their lives and offer a variety of services to fit their needs.
To learn more, please visit, https://mcgregoramasa.org/.
McGregor, a name that greater Clevelanders have lived by for 145 years!