What To Do With All That Stuff

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Downsizing is often tinged with sadness, particularly if you have to sort through decades of belongings.  At the same time, it can be thrilling to free yourself of so much accumulated clutter.

Start off easy by sorting through items with little emotional attachment.  Clear the bathroom, laundry room, and linen closet of things like expired medications, nearly empty bottles of detergent, and frayed towels.

Same goes for the kitchen, which tends to be overstocked with unused spatulas, cookie sheets, and pots and pans.

Color-code items for quick identification. Experts recommend placing a colored tag or sticker — green for save, blue for donate, and red for discard, for example — on large items and boxes. Immediately get rid of things marked for donation or trash. Remember — out of sight, out of mind.

Be honest with yourself to narrow down options.  Ask yourself these questions:

  • When was the last time I used this?
  • Does the item have sentimental value that can’t be replaced?
  • Is it in good shape?
  • Will I need it again?
  • Do I know someone who would love to have this?

If you’re liquidating a loved one’s estate or moving to senior living, would it be easier to hire an estate sale company?   We’ve got the facts you need to consider, starting on page 173 of The Joy of Independent Living for Seniors.

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  • FC&A Staff Writer