Help Your Parents to Declutter

 Now that you and your siblings have moved out of your parents home, does the family home seem cluttered? Have you parents decided to stay in the cluttered home or to downsize?Whatever situation they are in currently, downsizing, paring down or living in their clutter, letting go of their personal belongings can be a difficult process.Decades in one home can result in clutter piling up in cupboards, wardrobes, attics, garages and basements. Also parents becoming emotionally attached to the items owned by you and caregivers in the past. You may be frustrated by them keeping your old schoolbooks, clothes and photos, but this is their way of holding memories from the past.If you have struggled with persuading your parents to remove the clutter in their home, these tips may help your parents to declutter.

a. Declutter Your StuffYes you read this correctly. To help inspire your parents and see the value of decluttering, you need to declutter your stuff.  Start with your old bedroom. I am sure you have left a lot of childhood items at the family home as you do not have room or want to keep them in your home.  Go through your items and see if you really need to keep these items. If you are not using the items, then donate or throw them away. They may have meant something years ago, but if they have no value in your life now, except memories, store your memories and remove the items.When removing these items out of your home, do not allow your parents to open the bags and inspect the items. Most parents will berate you for getting rid of these items and return them to their place in the home. 

b. Remove the Large Furniture Review the furniture in the home. Anything that is not used, broken or just horrible should be donated, upcycled or thrown away.If your parents are downsizing, ask them to consider removing furniture which will not fit in their new home such as beds, cupboards and sofa sets.

c. Review the Kitchen ItemsFirst start with the out of date food. If there are protestations from your parents, advise them that keeping it can be a health and safety issue. I find that decluttering food increases cupboard and coutertop space immediately.Next ask your parents to throw away broken crockery and cutlery. If there are incomplete crockery sets, ask them to get rid of these sets. If they want to buy a new set, I recommend buying a simple set such as the Ikea 365+ set below or from Home Centre:

d. Remember It's Their StuffLet them declutter the items in their home. It is their stuff and holds memories for them. You may think there is nothing sentimental about an old book, but it could hold some special meaning to your parents. It does take time and patience to declutter. It can also be emotional draining for all parties and you will be too close to help. Hiring a professional organizer such as DeCluttr Me might be more effective at navigating the emotional terrain.If you would like to hire DeCluttr Me to help your parents declutter, contact us by completing the form.     

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© Rob and DeCluttr Me

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