New Year’s Resolutions: Where Did The Time Go?

Happy New Year – Part 4! Wait! What? Where did the time go!

In January, I started writing a blog each week about organizing and decluttering the house.  We started with the master closet, getting rid of what we don’t, won’t or can’t wear.  Next, we attacked the pantry, getting rid of food that had expired, bottles that had just tiny bits remaining, stale chips and crackers.  The third week, we moved to the desk in the home office, getting papers filed, shredding old records, establishing systems to maintain order.  The fourth installment was to be tying it all together and why we should get our house in order.

Here it is April.  No fourth installment.  So much for New Year’s Resolutions.

I was telling a friend about my January blogs and knowing what we do, she asked, “what does that have to do with older adults, aging and its issues, or moving?”  Actually, quite a lot.

Jon and I work with individuals and families who are moving through some type of home transition.  Our focus is older adults, seniors, if you will.  That transition very often involves a move, which usually involves decluttering and downsizing, which involves parting with clothes that don’t fit, food that doesn’t get eaten and papers that need to be filed or shredded.

Of course, there is more to it than just clothes, food and papers.  There is art work, furniture, tools, photographs, kitchen utensils, china, crystal, books, linens, flatware, thing-a-ma-jigs and what-you-may-call-its collected over a lifetime that make a home.

Through working with our clients, I have found that while there is no magic time to thin out, there are times that the task is easier.  It is easier when it is your call rather than life demanding it.  It is easier to do a little at a time and often – rather than a lot all at once.

I’ve also found that decluttering, downsizing and getting organized is a terrific gift you give your heirs.  It makes their ultimate task easier.  Most of us are sure to have our legal directives in order.  Let’s make sure our home is as well.