On November 18, 2024, Annette Reynolds from AARP MA, led a session on Decluttering & Downsizing for seniors at Burlington COA.
Ms. Reynolds offered a detailed explanation of why decluttering is vital, especially for seniors who are planning to age in place or move to a smaller residence. She highlighted that decluttering can greatly improve safety and make the home more manageable. This is particularly important for seniors, as a clutter-free environment can lower the risk of accidents and enhance daily comfort.
The presentation introduced a simple decluttering strategy, advising participants to tackle one section of one room at a time. This approach not only makes the process less daunting but also allows for a more careful assessment of belongings.
Ms. Reynolds recommended that individuals decide what to do with surplus items—whether to donate, give away, or discard them—based on their personal needs and situations.
To aid in decision-making, she presented four crucial questions to consider when assessing each item:
Do you need it or want it?
Does it have sentimental value?
Do you use it often?
Do you have another item that performs the same function?
These questions act as a useful guide to help sort through possessions and identify what truly enhances one’s life. The session was well-received, with many attendees expressing their enthusiasm to begin decluttering their own homes. It was inspiring to see such dedication to applying these strategies.
I believe the insights shared in this presentation can be highly beneficial to our community, and I encourage everyone to consider how they can incorporate these principles into their own lives.
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