When thinking about what to keep, sell or throw away when you finish your working life, it’s helpful to organize the process so you keep everything that’s necessary to help you in retirement. Let’s look at six categories you can sort objects into that you should get rid of and then a detailed list of items in those categories. To start your declutter, break things down into these general categories:
You should categorize all movable electronics on your property into one list, which you can break into two columns — keep or get rid of. Put any obsolete electronics, such as broken computers, unknown chargers and cords, and damaged kitchen appliances, into the throw away category.
We collect a lot of big and small furniture over our lives. Categorize what furniture is essential for each room and eliminate pieces you won’t have space for in your new home.
If you are holding onto obsolete forms of media that you may not be able to play anymore, get rid of them. The same goes for old books, files, magazines and board games.
You should donate or sell any sports equipment you have around that you know you won’t use again. The same goes for bulky exercise equipment or lawn maintenance equipment. You should also purge your tool collection and create a small household kit of tools you still have to use.
Clothes, bags and linens take up a lot of space. Look through your old clothes every few years and sell or donate what you don’t wear to keep your closet in order. However, if you enjoy hanging onto clothes, remember retirement is a new beginning in life, and you can reinvent yourself! So, if you don’t wear it or use it, get rid of it to make room for the new you.
There are various items you can classify as “other” that often live in the deeper recesses of our homes — old spices in the kitchen, holiday decorations covered in cobwebs, even the fine china you hardly use. Anything that you would consider putting into a storage unit should be classified under this category, and think hard about if it will have any use in your new home. Remember there’s a reason why it’s out of sight.
Beginning Your Retirement
Entering retirement is an opportunity to reevaluate what matters most to you. Decluttering and downsizing your lifestyle allows you to focus on priorities like your family, friends and passions. You can also save money and spend less time cleaning. Sounds pretty good, right? See how easy it can be with our list provided below.
Use this list to help you start decluttering and downsizing your life.
Moving is an emotional decision, but you likely have unused space in your house if you’re an empty nester. Plus, selling your home can save you significant amounts of money.
In your new retired life, you won’t have much use for your old work clothes. That collection of suits, blouses and other professional gear will only take up room in your closet. Unless you genuinely plan to wear some of the pieces again, it’s best to donate or sell your work wardrobe.
Over the years, you’ve probably collected quite a few kitchen gadgets. But how often do you use them? Inventory your kitchen collection and only keep the essentials. If an item has collected dust or has been sitting in the back of a cabinet for years, it’s time for it to go.
Downsizing your home means you can only take some of your furniture with you. Sell or donate extra guest bedroom furniture and anything else that does not have an intentional place in your new home.
Unless you have a sentimental connection with them, there’s no need to bring a collection of books you’ve already read to your new home. Even if you haven’t read your entire library, ask yourself if you’ll ever get around to doing so. If your books have sat untouched for years, they’ll likely do the same in your new home.
If you review your files, you’ll probably notice a lot of this paperwork is no longer relevant or necessary. If you want to keep copies, digitize the documents so you can always access them without having piles of untouched paperwork in your home.
You don’t need to become a Scrooge, but you can winnow down your holiday decoration collection to the most nostalgic items. In a downsized home, you’ll have less space to display your holiday décor. Plus, over the years, you’ve probably collected some things you don’t care for anymore.
Unless you’re actively and frequently using your sports equipment, there’s no need for the old baseball and soccer gear to move with you. If you ever want to get back into a sport in the future, you can rent or buy inexpensive used equipment.
All you need to travel is one suitcase and one duffle bag or carry-on per person. As for purses, keep one for everyday use and a backup for special occasions.
When looking through your knickknacks, ask yourself whether these items add value, or if they merely occupy space. Only keep the items you see having a valuable place in your new home.
Technology continues to advance, and those old computer monitors and answering machines are no longer necessary. You’re likely not using these items, so they’ll just collect dust at your new home.
Survey your magazine, CD, DVD and VHS tape selection. While you do not have to get rid of the entire collection if you still prefer to watch DVDs or read physical magazines, remember that most of your favorite media are available digitally.
After years of use, many of your board games have seen better days. It’s time to throw away games with missing pieces and damaged parts.
If you currently live in a multi-bedroom home, you probably have linens and towels galore. One spare linen set and a couple of extra guest towels are all you’ll need in your downsized home.
Save money by saying goodbye to your storage unit — or at least moving to a smaller, more affordable one. Take a long look at the items in your storage unit and only keep what you genuinely need.
Spend an afternoon reminiscing and sorting through your children’s things. You don’t need to hold on to every school art project your child completed, but you can save some of the most meaningful pieces.
If you live with a spouse or partner, do you both need a car, or can you share one? Downsizing to one car or switching to a more financially friendly option is an excellent way to minimize your monthly expenses.
Moving into a new home is a perfect reason to change your home décor. Get rid of those decades-old throw pillows and accent pieces and treat yourself to a fresh look.
Depending on where you move, some townhomes or condos may come with lawn care services included. Even if you’re still responsible for your lawn care, you can find a landscaping company to take care of it for you. If you enjoy doing yard work, downsize your equipment to only what is necessary for a small lawn.
Say goodbye to everything in the junk drawer. The name says it all — it’s junk! There’s no reason to bring it into your new home. You’ll probably find yourself with a brand-new junk drawer right away, but at least you can make a clean start.
Have you checked your spice cabinet recently? There are likely a lot of expired or duplicated seasonings. Take inventory and keep one fresh container of each spice.
While some office essentials are always good to have, you don’t need several boxes of pens and pencils or piles of notepads. All the supplies you keep should easily fit inside one drawer.
There’s no reason to keep an untouched or mysterious charger or cord. If you haven’t used it yet, you’re unlikely to need it in the future.
Unless you’re hosting weekly parties, your fancy tableware will only occupy valuable space in your cabinets. Pass your collection to your children, or sell it for some extra cash.
From socks to food storage containers, leave behind anything that does not have a match. After all, you won’t find its mate in your new home.
While being active is essential in retirement, you don’t need equipment to stay in shape. Remember, getting fit can be as simple as taking daily walks around the block.
Are you passionate about collecting specific items? If you’re not still actively building your collection or it no longer brings you joy, it might be time to say goodbye. Give other collectors a chance to enjoy the products and make some good money along the way.
Sure, a hammer and screwdriver are always good to have around, but do those power tools still need a place in your home? Probably not!
Jewelry can be valuable and hold a lot of sentimental value, so it’s understandable you would struggle to part with it. However, if you have pieces that never seem to leave the jewelry box, it’s time for them to go.
Downsizing your home helps you save more money per month. Put some of these extra savings toward paying off any debt.
If you’re ready to make the most out of your retirement, contact Garden Spot Village today. We offer various home styles and an active community full of retirees like you. We look forward to welcoming you to your new home soon.