Decluttering for older people

By Cynthia Salter and Claire Lincoln

If you’ve lived in your home for a long time, the thought of decluttering can be overwhelming. But for many older people decluttering is an important issue: they may be moving to a smaller place or just worried about safety hazards.

Here are some tips for older people, and for their friends and families:

•  Start the decluttering process well in advance of any deadline – it always takes longer than you think, and deadlines make everything more stressful.

•  If you are helping a relative or friend, allow them to retain control and make the decisions.

• Don't plan too long a session – the physical side of decluttering and the thought processes involved can be very tiring as you get older.

• Keep your work area clear and safe; identify areas where you are going to store items for sorting, keeping and disposal.

•  Concentrate on one cupboard or one room at a time.

• Think about the effect you are trying to achieve in your current or new property – think forwards not backwards when deciding what to keep and what to re-home.

• Allow time for reminiscing – you'll come across all sorts of things that will prompt memories. (It can be a very emotional process.)

• Be sensitive – one person’s clutter is another person’s treasure.

• Make sure you leave everything safe – nothing to fall or trip over.

• Put furniture back to its usual position

Cynthia Salter and Claire Lincoln are professional declutterers who specialise in working with older people and their families. Go to www.cynclaire.co.uk for more information.