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to become your target and so clutter is increased as well as stress. When items have a defined space your stress decreases along with the responding anxiety and depression.
getting started, staying focused, and enjoying a job well done. Those that are more likely to build up piles rather than free up space are those that:
Truth be told, the older we get the more things we collect. Interestingly, after age 50, adults tend to gain fewer possessions, and many are less likely to give away unwanted items. Sometimes it’s more because of the reality that they do not have the strength to move the clutter any longer. If so, offer to help now before it leads to further safety risks. It is also possible that there is a hoarding disorder to consider. Even still there is help.
In addition to direct health benefits you might also find great joy from the added ease of movement making you feel less confined.
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Are the ‘givers.’ They spend more time helping others.
Are easily distracted or sidetracked. (And frankly it’s easy to do when you find a scrapbook from when you were in high school.)
So how does one actually get started?
Are challenged by task completion or tend to take on a bigger project than they should have. Consequently, the project hangs out there undone.
Start small but not too small. Maybe it’s a drawer or a chest of drawers. Maybe it’s a cabinet or a small closet. Not matter what, make sure you can complete the task. If it hangs there half done it could be more than discouraging; it could add to the clutter. The good news is that when you see your new well-organized space it will provide the encouragement you need to keep going. Don’t overdo it though. Give yourself time to plan the next task as well as time for your regular household duties.
Are a procrastinator. As a result, they live with what they’ve completed rather than taking the time needed
to be thoughtful about what they are doing.
Now is a great time to become reac- quainted with the items in your home that bring you joy and remove those that just add to the clutter. Decluttering is worth it for your health and peace of mind for loved ones. Not only do you regain space but there could be a benefit to your wallet as well as you are more thoughtful about what you buy. It re- duces stress, increases productivity, and success empowers you to keep working to maintain it every day.
Plan how you get rid of items. Plan to move items out as soon as you’ve chosen what treasures will go and what will stay. You don’t want anything to move back into a space you’ve already decluttered. You have many options: give to family or friends; donate to organizations; have a sale; or possibly toss. No matter what, move them out, or at the very least, box them up so you can’t get into them and label the outside of the box.
Are a dreaded perfectionist. It adds a lot of time to project completion. You may need to help them by scheduling short periods of time, or short projects to get going.
Order more help if you need it.
After going through my parent’s pos- sessions I can say without doubt that it is really, really hard to get rid of them. Having a conversation with yourself, your siblings, and your spouse and chil- dren can be helpful in being willing to let go. Sometimes it’s a realization that the items you thought were dear have been packed away under the stairs for 40 years never seeing the light of day. It’s likely they weren’t treasured posses- sions for them either... but they might be to someone else. It’s O.K. to let them go. You may need reinforcements to encourage you, but let them go.
We offer a variety of options for the most appropriate service, the most fitting farewell.
• Make your wishes known to your family
• Prepayment is not necessary.
• If you decide to prepay you will lock into certain costs.
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Your prepaid funds can be made irrevocable in order to become Medicaid eligible.
Your existing life insurance may be able to be protected if Medicaid becomes necessary.
269-962-5527 • www.farleyestesdowdle.com • 105 Capital Ave., NE BATTLE CREEK | AUGUSTA | RICHLAND
The key for me was to identify those items of greatest value to me as a must- keep. The rest was evaluated based on a thought process I mastered while choos- ing what to do with my parent’s items, “Would my children keep this after I’ve passed?” If not, out it goes.
Know the characteristics of clut- tering culprits. Some struggle more with decluttering than others, well at least until they really get going. These individuals are more likely to need help
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