20 Tips to Help You Get Rid of Junk

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almost 7 years, said...

I had the mammoth task of sorting through all of my mum's things. This is what I did. Collect all the clothes, I found clothes still with tags on and clothes I'd never seen her wear. They all went to the charity shop and some that were passed their best went to the dump. I collected all the books up and they went to the charity shop. Then I did the kitchen. I asked everyone I knew if they wanted anything or knew someone and I got rid of a lot of things, The rest went to the charity shop. I contacted the local charities and 2 of them came and took all the furniture. Some relatives took some pieces. I collected all the photographs and paperwork together boxed up to look at later. I collected all her jewellery and took it home. And it's true what others have said room by room or even cupboard by cupboard but it is hard and you have to be strong. For example I found stacks of greetings cards from years ago up to when she passed. I made a decision after reading a few that it was wasting time, she'd just kept them not looked at them since she put there so they all went in the recycling bin. Remove any valuables to either sell, give to relations or to get valuations. I knew my mum wanted certain things to go to some of her family and friends so I gave all those out. It's hard but be methodical and you'll get there.


about 7 years, said...

I forgot to mention another tactic, arising from a problem which is shared much earlier by another poster Keep one of those checkout bags, a 50cent Large opaque recyclable shopping bag in a strategic spot in your bedroom for clothing. And keep a wastebasket next to it. This is mental training for clothing sorting, (which I am utterly awful at) When getting dressed,w or folding laundry, problem with that piece? Hate those socks? It either gets tossed into that bag or the wastebasket, and STAYS there. YOU ARE NEVER PERMITTED to LOOK INTO the BIG BAG, even if just looking for a shirt to do a paint job. The minute you remove an item, you will find yourself torn over it, all over again, so the rule is, ONCE IT IS IN THAT BAG, IT HAS ALREADY LEFT THE HOUSE!!! And it's a handy catch all for other types of odd bits that must leave as well! When near full, take away and replace. Do not wait until you can see the top layers staring at you for days, get it out of the house before you undo your efforts!


about 7 years, said...

Although my mother moved numerous times, often downsizing of her own accord along the way, she also collected back into her life in her new homes! Downsizing for her, often meant packing up assorted items, such as the china which was missing too many pieces to be useful anymore BUT HAD BEEN HER MOTHER"S, her mother's pink depression glass, etc, etc, and dumping these boxes on me when my own kids were little with the express order, that I MUST keep them for the kids as they grow up. (Ignoring the fact that I loved my Art Deco collections from other relatives, and my cupboards were full of these items which we actually used) Usually, she would have the entire family history written on the box, along with whatever child she decided would want them. My kids, in their 30's now, do not want them, and never did. Unfortunately, I missed those peak prices on the pink elegant & depression, but this lot has moved on! I think one of the points I am trying to make is; When Mom passed 6 yrs ago, my brother and I both were so terrified to part with anything, with that ironclad law she used to put over us on her objects and possessions, that he came up with a fabulous solution (since he lived the other side of the country, and had traveled by jet plane!) Oh yes, he arrived in secret, rented the biggest vehicle he could find, and brought over to my house every box I had packed, plus all loose unpacked items, trip after trip, until I came home from work and found I had to climb over piles just to get in the front door. MY HOUSE HAS YET TO RECOVER. I had a broken arm & wrist at the time of my mother's passing, and recovering from surgery, yet still managed to pack boxes up for their intended charities, which my son would help disperse when I had loads ready. So, in fact, I had diligently been making great progress, but brother 'helping' threw all that into the air! What a tangled mess of stuff, covered every inch of my living rm in stacks and stacks and spilling piles. Unthinkable. Trust me, if it is an estate you are dealing with, you will know which 3-4 items you really yearn for, with your eyes closed. Everything else, should be left to a sale held, and cleared from the property. No one needs other people's households, just a couple items will be far more appreciated! Now, I'm 61, and must downsize. The age old story...you own the house, but the property taxes are too high for me to keep it. Kids are grown and gone, been here for 30 years, (and yes, am still tripping on the boxes of papers from Mom's, which brother says must be kept for 10 yrs though, think I'll cheat on that pretty soon here..!!.) I too, get overwhelmed at times, deciding what to part with, of my own items,.. quirky, antique, or just fun and pretty, memories, etc.. My own Rules thus far, if they should be of any help: (but let's face it, I've found this wonderful article in the first place, as I was hoping to find further guidance!) nonetheless, rules I find helpful for myself; 1) If you're really confused and overwhelmed but have a scrap of time you need to use efficiently, then just sort and clear 1 cupboard/drawer that doesn't seem too confusing, you can easily move through fairly quickly. Old make-up, that dusty-rusty tool box in the basement, whatever! (This inspires you, not only do you get results, but find it easier to tackle more, and then more, on that day which started out with feeling rather overwhelmed and was at risk of being wasted!) 2) If I have to wash it ONLY because it was dusty, then it goes. (Sell on Ebay, take to consignment, give to friend who wants it, donate to PBS auction if valuable, donate to charity, etc, but it GOES.) (Underlying rule here is, I cannot afford property taxes merely to continue housing every single symbol of my life) ..which brings us to the next rule.. 3) I agree, I use this too, JOY. Believe it or not, we have had some very treasured family heirlooms, which, if I stop to consider an item, I'm astonished to find have unconsciously been casting a pall, and make me sad. I may not know why they make me feel grim, but when I use this rule, and part with that item, it definitely lightens the space, (and I don't miss it!) and the happy JOY items are that much brighter! ONLY KEEP the things that make you smile inside. You cannot be joyous yourself, if you allow items to own you, (rather than you owning them!) 4) I suppose I use a few other tactics on myself which I cannot think of at the moment, but I do have a fun one, just one more to share ;) Pretend, Dream, BELIEVE...If I am moving to an far-0ff island paradise next week, or say a lovely mossy stone hut in the Faeroes, WILL THIS BE COMING WITH ME???? Almost everything gets a prompt and resounding "NO" .!! That little trick works beautifully, and gets you dreaming again, in the process! Especially at a time when it may seem like you are dispersing your life as though it had never existed, and have naught to look forward to (or so you think, anyway;) Re-Frame Brain. I use the major Earth relocation tactic a lot, it truly does help make the job at hand so much easier and happier, practically JOYOUS, one could say! Yeah, if you should be wondering what makes the grade, the one thing I think I could not part with, under this tactic, is my dearly beloved pelican sculpture, lol.. (It brings me so much JOY, total JOY factor) Now that's sensible, I can make do with dragging that along with my little dog and I !!


over 7 years, said...

Most auction houses will come out to your house and appraise the value of the belongings. If they like what they see they leave the house broom clean and put up the hopeful stuff for auction with a 15% buyer's premium. If the sale is greater than their costs they refund you the extra profit. If you have a lot of valuable stuff to clean out, it's a good way to go.


over 7 years, said...

Find a storage solution for your valuable memoirs/antiques from your ancestor to avoid clutter in your home.


almost 8 years, said...

Banishing the 'maybe' pile is a must. As soon as I have decided I am going to toss something, I get it right out of the house. I never remember what it was I tossed and don't feel any guilt about it but if it sits in a corner of the house waiting for a garage sale or some other event, inevitably it will find its way back into use somehow.


over 8 years, said...

Thanks everyone for your comments! @Anonymous who requested info about a free or low-cost agency who can help you with downsizing or moving. Your local Area Agency on Aging may be able to refer you to such an organization. Here's how to find and contact them: https://www.caring.com/local/area-agency-on-aging We also have a directory of Senior Move Managers that may be helpful: https://www.caring.com/articles/caregivers-guide-to-senior-move-managers Hope this helps!


over 8 years, said...

I lost my job at 62, I can't get a job so I have to downsize. So I can sell my home to have enough money to live on. And I don't have any family close enough to help. Does anyone know of a free or low cost agency that can help? Thank you


over 8 years, said...

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over 8 years, said...

There are some good tips here but the best thing I ever did - and taught my 80+ parents to do came from "The life changing magic of tidying" by Marie Kondo - her method and insight is remarkable - and super effective at not only downsizing but creating a home that reflects a person's NOW life - that changes with age! Her secrets are: Attack by CATEGORY not place or room, sort by 'JOY' - and treasure, (not just get rid of everything), have a visual of abundance first, and assign everything that gives 'joy' a place. She recommends 6 months - I took 4 - it was inspiring, stimulating and the results are truly 'life changing'. Her other insights are don't use your home for retail storage! We are spending thousands on 'square footage' (that property taxes are based on) for sheds, attics, basements, garage bays, storage units, totes and organizers when we can get the item instantly - with the click of a button the next day! We also tend to 'keep' what we spent a lot on - even though its taking up space, we're insuring it and never using it! If it no longer gives satisfaction - joy - pass it on - let it GO! and if you do follow her method - Goodwill is the best! They also take books! Hoarding however is a mental illness/disorder based on anxiety - her process could be effective - but true hoarding requires a team of professionals that may include medication, counseling, moving vans, dumpsters and exterminators. The person's anxiety and depression (apathy is a symptom - they don't care!) needs to be treated first and throughout. Just 'getting rid' of their possessions is not going to 'help' like you hope.


over 8 years, said...

I wish there were a printable version


about 9 years, said...

I would have loved this article about 6 months ago when we sold my dad's house, but now I'm trying to go through 'the papers' and the things he saved for over 60 years! He is still living, in a memory care facility, and has no recollection of most of his life any longer....that's sad enough. But to have to toss 'his life'...the things he saved....it's just tugging at my heart. I feel sorry for my sons when they have to try to wade through all MY stuff...and my dad's and my mom's! Ha...no I don't!


about 9 years, said...

There were so many helpful suggestions, which I need badly! I am trying to sort out my own house, and just get so terribly overwhelmed I don't know where to start! I will try some of these suggestions myself and see if I can stay on task a little better. Thanks for putting this together!!


about 9 years, said...

A suggestion for the yarn hoarder family. Ask if you can borrow yarn for a project. Then tell her you need a different color/colors... Just keep "borrowing" till you have the pile out of the house. The books might be valuable so get those to a book collector (You might ask mom if you can index them on the computer.) and make a list to send to book dealers to find out which they would be interested in. Put those into protected storage so they are not peed on by the dogs (condition is everything in book collecting). Have your Dad take your mom out for the day and then you and your siblings can come in and get rid of the piles of bottles, newspaper and jars (my mom's favorite collectable) except for one or two (so she won't know they are missing). Be sure to check with Dad as to what is okay to remove though, first. As for Auntie's old china? Look on e-bay... Some old china that is ugly as anything may go for a good price to the right buyer. (Heck, I sold Barbie Doll head - not bodies - heads! - for 25 cents each and made about $5 at a garage sale. There's a market for everything as long as it's CLEAN. Get started with the puppy piddle pads first and work from there. Good luck!


about 9 years, said...

I'm kinda appalled at some of the people attacking the author. I thought the suggestions were thoughtful and realistic. I just spent the last ten days at my parent's house, trying to help them get started on downsizing because my mother is a HOARDER. Not only that, but they have two schnauzers that they thought it would be a good idea to "piddle pad" train, but who now think it's perfectly okay to pee on the corners of cabinets, on carpets, and all over the tile floor. I am completely grossed out, and got physically ILL while trying to help them get rid of a few things. After purchasing a black light to try and locate the source of the appalling smell, I realized that it was EVERYWHERE and I was walking through the urine that was spread all over the floor. You folks who are nearing the age where you are totally dependent on others need to realize that in digging your heels in and refusing to get rid of anything, you really are causing a LOT of stress for your children and the people who will be taking care of you. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but unless you don't want any help at all, you should try to be considerate of our needs as well. My grandmother tried to hold inheritance over my dad's head, but the reality is that inheritance means nothing when you're faced with putting your life on hold for months while you sort through somebody's else's stuff. The considerate thing to do is start downsizing before the last minute...it will help EVERYONE involved. As a child of a hoarder, the amount of junk in my parent's house is scary...and I DREAD the day that I will have to go through all that stuff. It's nasty, and it's unhealthy. I'm tired of fighting my mother who is already experiencing dementia symptoms...trying to explain to her that her medications from the early 1990s should be thrown out for SAFETY reasons, and that her collection of disposable water bottles (from the kind you buy water for $1.49 at the convenience store) is not worth keeping and hiding under the bathroom sink. I'm trying to get them to start thinking about what they want to keep, and thankfully my dad is on board. But my mother's refusal to get rid of even the most basic of things is frustrating. And for my health, I CANNOT stay more than a day or so because of the smell of pet urine in their house. If a health department even walked in the door, they'd both be declared incompetent. I did take an entire carload of yarn—so full that I couldn't see out the windows—to a charity that knitted hats for cancer patients. At one time she agreed to get rid of it all when my father generously offered to buy her new yarn for any specific PROJECT she wanted to work on. He didn't do it right away, and last week we couldn't get her to agree. My recommendation is that when you get agreement, IMMEDIATELY remove the items...don't wait for them to change their minds. Anyway, she was left with three more floor-to-ceiling cabinets full of yarn, and we still have those to deal with. My only goal in sharing this is that aging parents...you need to be considerate of your children. If you are going to try and burden your children with your stuff, make sure that we really want it, and be prepared for the possibility that we may not want to lug that stuff around for the rest of our lives. I told my mother this...think about what I might do with the item when choosing whether to keep it or not. Vintage books? I'm going to take them to the vintage book seller. So you might as well go ahead and find a historical society to take them sooner than later, or they're going to be sold on Etsy as "home decor items." That's really the only market for most of those kinds of things now. Those little books of four-minute essays that your grandfather used to read? Our generation is not out looking for those books...the only people probably interested in them are people from YOUR generation who are also trying to downsize. Our generation might keep a few smaller, sentimental items. But don't be upset when we have no interest in Aunt Edna's ugly china!


about 9 years, said...

I want to downsize. Have too much stuff


about 9 years, said...

Gives direct keys to the whole approach and many suggestion for assistance in the process.


over 9 years, said...

This was a very helpful article. I just adapted it (deleting references to parent) and will print it out to orally share with my mother so we can follow the steps.


over 9 years, said...

For seniors that are unable to move items, without family in the area. Are there teams available, that could come out to the house and help remove unwanted items?. Some seniors can get around normally but lifting and bending, is impossible, trying to carry heavy items can still cause a problem, slipping and falling is a main problem I have, I fall at the drop of Hat.


over 9 years, said...

Why not install a chair lift instead of moving into a smaller and less convenient home? We had one installed when my 92 year old grandfather moved in (died at age 100) and we used it through the 13 years of my mother's dementia. Dad intends to use it in his old age and I use it to move laundry baskets and Christmas decorations up and down the stairs. If your house can accommodate it, it will make life easier and you won't have to move! Being in familiar surroundings is helpful for the elderly. We are fortunate that there is only one step up leading into my house so it is easily wheelchair accessible.


over 9 years, said...

Yes, this was very helpful. My mom is 82 but looks and acts like 62. Some cannot believe her age. But I know what it is and someday it's going to happen that I need to find a place without stairs, less storage and going through tons of precious items.


over 9 years, said...

On the OHIO Rule (Only Handle It Once)... Sometimes this creates more anxiety than it helps. Some things are yes, some are no, but there are some items that need to be revisited. Create a limited space, instead, for the maybe pile. That way you force them to decide by space, not by gut-wrenching anxiety. They can say no to something in the maybe pile to make room for something more important to them. Otherwise they just shut down. Sometimes gathering similar items together so they can pick the "best" one is the way to go.


over 9 years, said...

The previous given comment is right on track "If you are going to use a company to handle an estate sale, check their qualifications and experience." ALSO check if there have been any complaints to the BBB. "Some companies running these events can empty your house for you, but they may be operating more as organizational specialists, and not be up to date on identifying any potential antiques, collectibles or their current fair market value for your area." . BUT also look out for companies who are looking to sell your stuff cheaply to their buddies. My friend was heartbroken when she saw this was happening. She called her friends who came and bought her mom's stuff back to keep these losers from getting any of the pieces of antique furniture cheaply. The "company" had not placed any of the advertisements of the auction as they were supposed to do and they had priced pieces at ridiculously low amounts. Criminal charges are still pending.


over 9 years, said...

Toss my things when I am not looking? Really? Force me into yes or no situations? Here is a yes or no situation... do you think I will leave you in my will for more than a dollar? Hint, not likely.


over 9 years, said...

One of the readers suggested "The only thing I would suggest is that if there are any items that a family member really likes and the person who owns them would like to eventually give them, put their name on a sticker on the bottom of that item, so that when the time comes to distribute the items, it would be easier to know who really wanted an item." This doesn't work if you have family members like mine. There is an ongoing feud between my cousin (who was promised the good china) and my aunt (who took the good china when my grandpa died). He's been gone 35 years now and the bitterness is still there. If you want someone to have something special that may be contended, PUT IT IN YOUR WILL or give it to them before you die. This gives legal recourse if someone takes something promised to another and makes for less stress all around. The suggestion to write down something about the item and put it with it, is a very good one. It identifies who gave it, when it was given and creates "provenance" in the case of collector's items. We laugh about "The Demon Pin", found in mom's jewelry after she died, which is actually a Victorian period pin with a stylized Lion on the face of it, which belonged to my great-grandmother. Thank heavens mom wrote a note so we knew what time period it came from so we could research the piece (That is when we found out it was a Lion, not a Demon). My niece now has the piece from her Great-great-grandmother. We all think that is rather cool.


over 9 years, said...

When consolidating closets... Try on the clothing. If you haven't fit in it for two years, let it go. There are a few items (wedding dress, child clothing, honeymoon dress, or other items in this category) that should be kept even though they don't fit anymore. If you find clothing that is older than 1980s, consider taking them to a vintage shop and selling them on consignment. There is a market for this type of clothing.


over 9 years, said...

This is one of the big concerns in talking to Mom about considering moving to assisted living. She gets stressed trying to clean out one drawer so I was not sure how she would take to an overall declutter. Luckily I think we have time to do this slowly.


almost 10 years, said...

Nice tips! Selecting the items you should get rid of can be a difficult task! In addition once you do that you still have to think about where to take them! Luckily there are some professional companies like Junk Removal that will help you in this task, so you can relax and enjoy you new clean home :) What do you think?


almost 10 years, said...

Ohio rule is great for a lot of things but meaningless when going through things that have been in the family for many generations. Unless you just don't care


almost 10 years, said...

The OHIO rule, we haven't been good about doing that!


almost 10 years, said...

You must have parents with money. I don't want to get rid of their things but since I'm being forced to sell the house, I have to sell as many of their things as I can. Also, for my family recycling is a priority no matter what. I think most of your ideas are either for people with money or for people who don't care about their past.


almost 10 years, said...

This was a great article. I have a problem with one thing, though: "Get rid of it when the homeowner isn't looking." After years of experience dealing with older adults who have a hard time letting go, being sneaky is absolutely NOT the way to deal with it. I don't care if it's your family or a client, you don't toss their stuff without permission.


about 10 years, said...

Very helpful-thank you!


about 10 years, said...

I recently lost my Mom to ovarian cancer. Two weeks ago, Dad had to be moved to a dementia unit of an assisted living facility. To say I'm overwhelmed would minimize my situation. You're ideas for sorting and removing items are great. I know that because everything has happened so quickly, I have a sentimental attachment to almost everything in their home. I'm forced to have to sell the house now, and will keep this list handy as I go through the house, room by room. Thank you!


about 10 years, said...

Just pack 'them' up and get rid of them. That is what your list of ideas meant to me. Thankfully I'm not your mother, who you would be putting away somewhere and tossing anything not of material value - that didn't put a coin in your pocket.


over 10 years, said...

Info on junk removal.


over 10 years, said...

YES -- Caregivers' BEST tips for downsizing......... great help. I printed a copy to read again and again to keep the ideas fresh in mind. Thanks.


over 10 years, said...

I especially like the tips on what to toss without conferring with the parent. That can cut down on decision making and organizing time. All the items were realistic suggestions. If the parent objects after the fact, you can replace the items or rationalize why they were thrown away. That tip also helps me know how to clear my own clutter!


over 10 years, said...

very helpful article


over 10 years, said...

Very thorough explanations of what to do!


over 10 years, said...

It is easy to give this kind of advice when you are not the one faced with the decisions!


over 10 years, said...

Ideas on how to start and categorize things is a good idea plus less tabletop stuff helps to quickly dust and makes the apartment look much neater.


over 10 years, said...

the article has many good suggestions....BUT the one I question is throwing "replaceable" things without asking, like one would find in a junk draw. There's a reason we all seem to have a junk drawer in our kitchen...all those misc things that one needs every once in a while. And while "replaceable" (for the most part), will take time, effort and money to replace. Some apparently worthless items, are in fact, worth saving. Take those twist ties that USED to come with plastic bags, but now do not, do to ziploc and selt tieing bags. Toss away for old napkins, dried paint, out-of-date-food. Downsizing is tough enough...I would be devestated to find my junk drawer contents all gone.


almost 11 years, said...

I was reading for myself and plan to start working on the downsizing before the children have to do it for me.


almost 11 years, said...

Hello AGJ, Thank you for posting your question. What you may be looking for is a Senior Move Manager. You can locate one in your area using the following link: http://www.caring.com/local/senior-move-managers . Hope this helps as you prepare to move your family member/s.


almost 11 years, said...

can you recommend a professional I can retain to help me downsize in the Chicago area? I am a working mom and just don't have the time - I need help!!!


almost 11 years, said...

all of the article,s help me to relize that i have to get rid of this stuff(junk) i have so many magazines it,s terrible my husband passed two year,s ago and i still have his clothes ,just can,t seem to get it togeatherbut with god,s help i will thank you


about 11 years, said...

Everything. I'm looking ahead to when I need to leave my home.


about 11 years, said...

There are nonprofits or local schools that would happily take old magazines for art projects, and homeless shelters or abused women shelters that take unused toiletries. I know it takes time-but when something can be used by someone else, I hate to see it go to waste.


about 11 years, said...

To Brooklyn: My family attends the Latin Mass and I will take your Catholic Prayer books, especially is she had any missals. I'm in Colorado though. Maybe we can figure something out. Let me know.


about 11 years, said...

My mother had a bunch of OLD things such as Catholic prayerbooks, etc. What to do with them?


about 11 years, said...

So many good tips. Especially the freecycle, and the advice. to just toss some of it.


about 11 years, said...

There were a great many ideas that were and will be helpful in the future. The only thing I would also suggest is that if there are any items that a family member really likes and the person who owns them would like to eventually give them, put their name on a sticker on the bottom of that item, so that when the time comes to distribute the items, it would be easier to know who really wanted an item. This also makes for less stress all around. Also if time is available, maybe write something about the item and put it with it, ex. Uncle John gave it to me on our first date or anniversary, or it was Aunt Mary's cousin's who lived in Ireland or some type of story to make it more meaningful or sentimental. These things are always fun to remenise or thing about and pass down.


about 11 years, said...

This is the best article I have ever read on the topic. I am 66 and recently retired. The last 10 yrs have been difficult physically and emotionally. My husband is disabled, I have two elderly sisters, and we have challenging times with our daughters and I was working full time. The "stuff" has piled up and the deep cleaning is nonexistent. Something has to give as we prepare to downsize. Thanks for your insight and suggestions.


about 11 years, said...

Interesting article w/ several good pointers. My mother has decades of items and I will be looking into and probably hiring a senior move manager when the time comes for her to relocate. It'll be like getting a hermit crab out of it's shell!


over 11 years, said...

The article is useful but the presentation is patronizing. I am in the process of downsizing my possessions even tho I am not moving. I am doing it in the interest of a more tranquil environment. I am preparing a nest for myself in my own home of 43 years. One of the things I'm doing is arranging a room for a live in aide if such becomes necessary. And it will work for occasional visiting house guests. I also have arranged an upstairs "den" with couch, TV, bookshelves and a view of my pastoral back yard. People say we can age at home. Our families may prefer to place us so that they won't need to worry or even think about us.


over 11 years, said...

I'll get out a nice glass or dish of mine and muse out loud- "what's the sense of having it if I'm not going to use it?". This has finally sunk in with my Mom after 2 years of living with her and now it is ok to use a lot of her things she always called "lookers, not users". You would not believe the amount of dishes and towels she has that have NEVER been used.


over 11 years, said...

I T HOUGHT MY MOTHER WAS THE ONLY PERSON THAT WAS A COLLECTOR,THANK'S FOR THE INFO.


over 11 years, said...

Practical suggestions for downsizing but I would take exception to keeping the stained plastic glasses and would go for the beautiful item she was saving f or someday. Someday is now.


over 11 years, said...

As a daughter of lifelong hoarders I am painfully aware of the battles ensued when trying to downsize or cull things from my moms horrific stash of everything She buried herself out of her home and now lives with me She is 91 and I fear the only way to clean out her home will be when she passes Too much tug of war to get anything accomplished but I LOVE all the ideas here They are great and I may make one more effort using the Dvicr Thank you!!!


over 11 years, said...

thanks for the help...


over 11 years, said...

I have one comment - do your research. My Mom had a watch that she said was worth about $100. We sold it on Etsy and someone bought it and put it on eBay for $700. We were shocked. Get expert advice on the value of things - you would be surprised what ugly old pieces are worth a small fortune!


over 11 years, said...

Lately I have been purging a lot of my belongings. Now that I am living with my mother, I see all of the things that she has collected through the years. She has downsized her housing, but not her stuff. Just looking around at how much one can accumulate in a lifetime, I feel that I don't want to be a burden on my kids to have to sift through all my stuff, deciding what to keep, give away, donate, or throw away. Watching an episode of Hoarders gets me in the mood every time. I remind myself that it's just "stuff". If a tornado or earthquake came and took it all away, as long as I still had my family and pets, I couldn't care less. "You can't take it with you", so I wonder why we try to accumulate so much stuff in the first place.


over 11 years, said...

I am appauled at how manipulative Your comments are. No wonder I lock my gate and do not want any one visiting me. I will live and die in my own home no matter what you all think is good for me as I get older ---REMEMBER you to will be old one day with memory failing. Thank god I sat down with my daughter and Told her what I wanted and how it will be. In my home in my own bed.


over 11 years, said...

Even though moving is not an option, eliminating junk is a good alternative and will avoid leaving it to others.


over 11 years, said...

Eileen's comments reminds me of helping to clean up at a friend's aunt's home, in which there were also many cards stashed is dresser drawers and such. Some of these dated back to the 1940's, and it was a good thing my friend had a clue that there might be valuables hidden in the home from something the aunt had said, as there was several thousand dollars worth of cash that the aunt had saved just as she had received it, and never taken from the cards. Some of the cash was in silver certificate bills, so had more than face value to a coin dealer.


over 11 years, said...

My mother has every letter and card ever given to her. I am slowly getting her to get rid of some of her clutter. I was able to trash a bunch of empty Kleenex boxes, some plastic cookie containers (the flimsy disposable kind), and miscellaneous plastic lids ("they are good for paint and stuff") that she had piled around the house. She is very emotionally attached to "her things". She used to be a salesperson's dream customer. She thinks a lot of her things are "priceless". I am open to suggestions on how to get her to let go of some of her stuff. She is moved into a smaller house and has bought new things, but still has the old ones sitting around. Some in boxes, some in piles.(she is not a hoarder!) It's just so much clutter that she can't find things. With her having dementia, we play A LOT of Where's My........?!! HELP!!


over 11 years, said...

Blessed are those who live a simple sparse serene life.


over 11 years, said...

Just about every point was helpful to me on what to do with my "stuff" collected over many years (I'm 66).


over 11 years, said...

dumb


over 11 years, said...

The suggestion to try to ask just "yes"/"no" questions about keeping things was one I ha not thought of. I also like the suggestion to cull things such as duplicates, etc., before presenting the issue to the moving one is helpful.


over 11 years, said...

I second the request for a printable copy. It won't be too many years before we'll need to do this, and this article may be the nudge we need to get started now. When we cleaned out my MIL's house after she went to a nursing home, much went into the trash (three big bags of butter tubs!). We took what we wanted and set up the rest like a garage sale. The extended family was invited to come take whatever they wanted. The following day that invitation was extended to those who lived in her cul-de-sac. The rest went to Goodwill or the trash. It was an easy way to recycle that which was still useful.


over 11 years, said...

I went through this downsizing process 7 years ago. It's heartbreaking. I haven't felt so assaulted since I was the eldest of 4 children and had to watch my most beloved possessions given to younger siblings, broken by them, or just tossed into the garbage. It's PAINFUL!


over 11 years, said...

There is some good advice here. I'd like to add that If you are going to use a company to handle an estate sale, please check their qualifications and experience. Some companies running these events can empty your house for you, but they may be operating more as organizational specialists, and not be up to date on identifying any potential antiques, collectibles and their current fair market value for your area.


over 11 years, said...

A practical, nicely worded review to help get the down sizing process going.


over 11 years, said...

All suggestions are quite valuable.I liked No.8 and 10 the most.About taking photographs for a record and thinking twice before making-up mind what to do with any item.Thanks CARE, you do care


over 11 years, said...

Good


over 11 years, said...

The tips on how to reduce the stress to the parent. Making choices is hard! It is also mentally fatiguing. Getting the parent to downsize their home furnishings before talking about moving is good, if that is an option.


over 11 years, said...

Very helpful. We just need mother to be ready.


over 11 years, said...

I am at the point of downsizing since the loss of my husband. These suggestions have helped a lot and made me think of why I'm reluctant to get rid of all his stuff I will never ever use. Thank You


over 11 years, said...

National Geographic is available on DVD, but some are still valuable, like World War II issues, exercise caution.


over 11 years, said...

Do you have this in printable form? I have a sinior friend who is working on her home and I think it would be helpful for her to have some guide lines. The artical is great and I will soon be to the point in my life for needing to make these kinds of changes to help lift the burden from my children and their busy lives. Thanks


over 11 years, said...

This article is just stuffed with useful ideas and contacts. You don't even have to be contemplating a move to find it valuable. It's not only National Geographics that pile up; many people save nearly all of their magazines. If something is, say, 3 years old, ask yourself: is the information in here accurate enough to be useful? If the answer is no, take it to paper recycling! Similarly, ask the owner "Is there some article in here you particularly want?" If the answer is yes, tear it out and toss the rest. If the answer is no, get rid of the whole issue.