DeCluttering For the Next Phase in Life

https://www.redfin.com/blog/organizing-tips-for-a-tidy-home-in-2021/

January 12, 2021 by Emily Huddleston

In 2020, many of us used our homes like we never had before. We converted them into home offices, schools for our children, gyms, and much more. Unfortunately, with all these activities going on inside one space, keeping our homes tidy may have become quite the challenge. 

So while we continue to spend much of our time inside until things get back to normal, it’s important we declutter our homes and start the new year fresh. 

To help you get started tidying up, we reached out to organizing experts across the country – from Dallas, TX to Boston, MA. They shared their favorite home decluttering projects for the new year, along with a few quick tips to help you purge, create more space, and set yourself and your home up for a clean start in 2021.

colorful tidy living room

Decluttering Projects for a Tidy Home

These home organizing projects are guaranteed to help freshen up your home and create more space. Give one or all of them a try! 

The neglected basement

My favorite home organizing project for the new year will definitely be our basement. Our storage room is so disorganized, I’m intimidated to even start, but I know how rewarding it will be to see everything categorized in labeled bins. It’s going to be worth the time and energy. – Oh So Lovely

The grimy garage

If your car is not in the garage, you really should start here. Do you really want your expensive vehicle outside, exposed to the elements, while unneeded belongings enjoy the prime square footage of your garage? Besides, a garage organizing project is encouraging and satisfying as most of the items are large and progress is swift. – Ideal Organizing + Design

tidy home kitchen

The unkempt kitchen 

My favorite home organizing project of the year is always the kitchen and pantry. After the beating it takes during the holidays, my kitchen and pantry are one of the first things I reset in the New Year. Step 1: Take everything out, sort, purge, and clean the entire space. Step 2: Donate what wasn’t used in the past year. Step 3: Add bins and drawer organizers and only put back what you absolutely use and love. A fresh start for the heart of the home. – Neat Freak McKinney

2020 was tough, so this year especially my favorite project for the New Year would be getting your kitchen and pantry in check! No doubt the MOST used space for most families in general, but last year was on another level. Don’t let the clutter of last year stop you from making a fresh start in 2021. – Project Neat

Countertops.  To achieve a more clutter-free and open feeling in your kitchen, consider “batching” your counters or kitchen surfaces. Designate half of the counters in your kitchen as “clutter-free zones” where you cannot keep clutter, and consolidate the appliances you use regularly and wish to keep out on the other half. – Abundantly Minimal

Appliances. If you have a gadget or small kitchen appliance that you have NOT used during the pandemic it is time to set it free! Do not clog up your kitchen real estate with the nonsense that you never use. You do not have to feel guilty about it either. Great Aunt Joan gave you that bread maker for your wedding gift ten years ago so you feel tied to it for life? No thank you. Donate it and feel satisfaction in knowing that the new owner will be so happy making bread. – The Home Sanctuary

kitchen appliances

Dry goods and spices. Alphabetize and check the expiration date of your spices as you take them out of their home base so you can easily see what can be consolidated, thrown away, or needs to be purchased.  Return the spices in alphabetical order so you can quickly grab them while cooking. Check dry goods for expiration and intruders then consolidate, throw away or purchase replacements. – DeClutter By Deirdre

Want to keep your pantry dry goods fresher longer? Transfer opened boxes/packages to clear plastic or glass airtight containers. Not only does it save you money in the long run, but it also looks very nice and uniform. – Neatly Nic

Fridge. Decanting my condiments into squeeze bottles has created more space in my fridge and the bottles can even be refilled from bulk/zero waste stores or you can make your own condiments. Don’t forget to write expiry dates on a piece of masking tape with a sharpie and stick it on the bottom of the bottle. – Tiny and Tidy Co

Let your fridge get really empty every two or three months. This makes it easier to take everything out and clean the inside. Get rid of anything expired or unidentifiable. – The Betty Brigade

bright home office

The overrun home office

Personally, the first thing I tackle every New Year is my desk and/or home office and all things in it. I don’t just mean cleaning out the drawers. I’m talking about prepping the first few months in my planner (yes, I even bought one for 2021) and re-evaluating our budget to make sure we are on track with where we want to be by the end of the year. – The Fun Sized Life

Disorganized photos

Still finding boxes of photos you don’t know what to do with? I am taking the remaining physical photos I have and scanning and editing them to preserve and share with my family and friends. I am also soliciting family members for older photos to scan and post in a shared family album. – Sayess Photo Organizers

Digital frames let you declutter by organizing and displaying many treasured photos at once in a single slideshow. You won’t need to disassemble multiple frames to change your images. Visit Picture This Organized for recommended frames, how to set them up, and update photos with family members using a Cloud application. – Picture This Organized

Print photos should never be stored in a basement, attic, or garage – the extreme temperature fluctuations and dampness in each area can permanently damage photos. Loose prints can be stored in acid-free, archival, photo-safe boxes and kept in closets or other cool, dry places out of direct sunlight. Consider scanning the vintage contents of old photo albums to add to your digital family archive (and old albums can be stored in the aforementioned photo-safe boxes as well). – Past Present Pix

tidy home closet

The crowded closet

Let’s all concentrate on making 2021 a healthier year than 2020. A good closet design can not only make it easier to keep things organized, but it can also go a long way towards making our homes healthier by getting rid of the germs and dust bunnies that lurk in the corners of our closets. Use tight-fitting cabinet doors to cover hanging and shelving sections inside your walk-in closet when possible to keep out the dust — and maximize closet corner storage with a good rotating shelving system. – Closets.com

Organizing Tips to keep in mind for a Tidy Home

These quick decluttering tips can go a long way while you’re clearing the chaos in your home. Keep them top of mind and you’ll be well on your way to a more organized and peaceful home in 2021. 

Before you start organizing, set your intention 

What do you want to accomplish? What’s your vision? How will it make you feel? Where will you store the overflow? Who can you donate it to?  – Savvy Zen Organizer

Try a ‘regret reflection’ exercise

Get a piece of paper and walk around your house, listing anything you want to declutter but you’re scared you’ll regret. Then, be brave and declutter something you’re scared to regret throwing away. Our brains make us hold onto the strangest stuff because it’s trying to protect us. Is there something like a skirt you haven’t worn in years or a box that could be useful? Be bold and declutter one thing you are worried you’ll regret. In a month’s time when you’ve realized that nothing bad happened – you’ll be amazed by how free you feel. – Suzy Kell

clean entryway

Create a drop off station

Everyone needs a drop-off station in their home – preferably near the front door. This is where your cell, keys, mask, and purse/wallet will stay until you’re ready to grab them again on your way out. Having this space and creating the habit of using it for its purposes allows for stress-free exits. – Organize With Lia

Organize with a three-tier cart

Carts are popular and for good reason: they can tuck into small spaces, they’re mobile, and they make smart use of vertical space. Use a cart in a kitchen to add storage, in kids’ rooms to corral books or craft supplies, or even in the bathroom for towels and toiletries. – That’s Neat! Organizing

Create negative space

The new year brings so many opportunities to start fresh. As a Professional Organizer, creating negative space for my clients is my top priority.  Decluttering your home and introducing negative space will not only give your eyes a place to rest, but it will immediately bring your stress level down. Give it a try! – Home Method Co@homemethodco

Get rid of gifts you are only keeping out of guilt

They don’t reflect your personal taste, style, values. Your only obligation to the giver is a sincerely expressed “thank you”. –  Anne Lyons, Step1Organizing.comShare on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin Share on pinterest

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Emily Huddleston

Emily is part of the content marketing team and enjoys writing about real estate trends and home improvement. Her dream home would be a charming Tudor-style house with large windows to let in lots of natural light. Email Emily

https://magnificentaging.libsyn.com/appreciating-peoples-journeys

“When you open yourself up to the possibility of things that could be, and the moments that they appear, there’s great joy that comes from that.” ~Tim Bailey

Tim explains:

  • how empowered he felt doing relief work
  • what discoveries he learning from others 
  • the many facets to the term social work
  • the importance of focusing on community efforts in needed areas of the world
  • how to open yourself up to things that could be
  • appreciate how fate can provide you with opportunities

Understanding a deeper meaning of community, humanity and true connection with others.

Laughter is the universal language

The Power of the Unexpected

Take important risks, not poor ones.

The joy of being open to what could happen instead of sticking to a rigid plan

“The most amazing experiences come from taking a risk.”

I feel your experiences make you the perfect person to work with seniors, they too have had the most amazing experiences!!!

Favorite ice cream: pumpkin

Song that reminds you of your youth and why: anything 90’s, Counting Crows, Smashing Pumpkins

What do you do with your leisure time?  Gardening, being with the dogs, Anything on Candlewood Lake. Dream trip: Drive through Canada and down through Maine

Dream: To own The Dapper Dachshund Inn

To get in touch with Tim Bailey or to visit Church Hill Village:

Tim Bailey

tbailey@seniorlifestyle.com

Church Hill Village Premiere Newtown Senior Living

2 The Boulevard

Newtown, CT 06470

This episode is sponsored by DeClutter By Deirdre, A Senior Move Management and DeCluttering for Aging In Place Company. Helping You and Your Loved Ones DeClutter, Move & Live a Fuller Life. Look at my website and contact me to work together at DeClutterByDeirdre@gmail.com  www.DeClutterByDeirdre.com 

**Download~Like~Positive Review Magnificent Aging**

Call Today: 203-733-1073

Deirdre Speaks to Certified Elder Law Attorney Ann Fowler-Cruz about Wills and Trusts

“This is a gift to your loved ones…to do it the right way.”

“Inheritance is a gift, not a right.”  ~Ann Fowler-Cruz, Attorney

In this episode Deirdre and Attorney Ann Fowler-Cruz discuss:

How to find the courage to create a will

How Ann chose her Elder Law career

Certified Elder Law Attorney explained

Why people resist created a will

The reasons you need a will

Which age you should create a will?

Intestate explained

The importance of title on asset

Ways to inform beneficiaries who gets what

Who holds the will?

Legal requirements for a will

Can you appoint someone to be your executor without them knowing?

If you are the executor of a will is this written in stone?

Nomination vs appointment

The importance of a backup

Creditor period, what is it?

Do you need just a will or a will and a trust?

Living Will vs Healthcare Directive vs Power of Attorney vs Trusts explained

The important reason you need a will or a trust if you have children under the age of 18 years.

Check your state laws

Will contests explained

The reason you should engage a Certified Elder Law Attorney

What is probate? Delay and cost avoidance.

What is a creditor period?

Favorite ice cream: Maple Pecan

Leisure time activity: Any water activities, Kayaking

Song that reminds Ann of her youth and why:  Nothing But A House Party, J Geils

Contact Attorney Ann Fowler-Cruz 203-749-5570 or email afowler-cruz@cohenandwolf.com

“Ann has been a staunch advocate for the elderly and the disabled for more than a decade.  She has the distinction of being a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation* and is accredited to practice before the Department of Veterans Affairs. Her extensive knowledge in the area of elder law enables her to assist the elderly and the disabled in realizing the very best quality of life.  Her elder law practice focuses on long-term care planning, asset preservation strategies, Medicaid applications, disability planning, utilizing conservatorships/guardianship and special needs trusts. Her estate planning practice includes the creation of wills, trusts, and advance directives. Ann also handles probate administration. ” Copied from Cohenandwolf.com

This episode is sponsored by DeClutter By Deirdre, A Senior Move Management and DeCluttering for Aging In Place Company. Helping You and Your Loved Ones DeClutter, Move & Live a Fuller Life. Look at my website and contact me to work together at DeClutterByDeirdre@gmail.com  www.DeClutterByDeirdre.com 

**Download~Like~Positive Review Magnificent Aging**

Thank you for listening, I appreciate you!

“You want to get the (Long Term Care) insurance when you don’t need it so you have it when you do need it.”

“Helping people live life on their terms.” ~Norman Shaffer

In this podcast I interview C. Norman Shaffer an Agent with New York Life helping individuals and business owners to create, build, and preserve wealth who educated me on Long Term Care Insurance and its primary benefits:

Peace of mind for you and loved ones

Benefits to your family

Allows you to manage risk

Alleviates burden of care

People don’t want to think about what they will do if they are no longer to live independently without help to perform Activities of Daily Living.

C. Norman explains:

Who determines when benefits begin

At what age should you explore Long Term Care Insurance

Everyone has a Long Term Care Plan

The average length of Long Term Care event

If there are age limits to acquiring Long Term Care Insurance

Eligibility requirements

Favorite ice cream: chocolate

The song that conjures up the best childhood memories:  Help by the Beatles

Leisure time activities:  Family time, biking

As a licensed Agent of New York Life Insurance Company, Norman offers a variety of products that can help you meet a number of insurance and financial needs, including, but not limited to college funding, retirement, managing costs for extended periods of care and lifetime income strategies. Please contact Norman at CNSHAFFER@ft.NewYorkLife.com to help you fully analyze your needs and recommend appropriate solutions.

Neither DeClutter By Deirdre or New York Life Insurance Company, nor its agents, provides tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, or accounting professionals before making any decisions. Any testimonial on this site is based on an individual’s experience and may not be representative of the experience of other customers. These testimonials are no guarantee of future performance or success. C. Norman Shaffer is not licensed in all jurisdictions. 10885 NE 4th Street, Bellevue, WA 98003, 206-550-2667.  C Norman Shaffer California Insurance license number is 0M50311. 

This episode is sponsored by DeClutter By Deirdre, A Senior Move management. Helping You and Your Loved Ones DeClutter, Move & Live a Fuller Life. Take a look at my website and contact me to work together.www.DeClutterByDeirdre.com 

**Download~Like~Positive Review Magnificent Aging**

Thank you for listening, I appreciate you!

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#seniormovepodcast

“We are satisfied when we send someone to a client’s home that we would want in our home” ~Isaac Schwartz

Have you ever wondered if you should use an agency or a registry when exploring in-home care?  When should you reach out? What impacts the success of in-home care?  Do you need medical or non-medical personnel to help you or your loved one? 

Isaac Schwartz from Emerest Health explains the differences between the options available to you or a loved one and tells us how a care coordinator can help so you have a successful experience.

You will learn:

  • The difference between medical and non-medical in-home care
  • Agency and Registry explained
  • When to contact an agency
  • What a care coordinator does
  • How the newer Connecticut 24 Hour Care Law impacts you
  • The ONE important thing that impacts the success of in-home care

Calling Isaac at Emerest Health, 203-941-1700, can answer your questions and put your mind at ease. 

Off-hours interest: commercial plane spotting

Song: whatever is current

Ice cream: vanilla/chocolate twist

Contact info:

Isaac Schwartz

lschwartz@emerest.com

cell: 203-666-6844

office: 203-941-1700

http://emerest.com/

Bi-lingual-Spanish Speakers Available

This episode is sponsored by DeClutter By Deirdre, A Senior Move management. Helping You and Your Loved Ones DeClutter, Move & Live a Fuller Life. Take a look at my website and contact me to work together.www.DeClutterByDeirdre.com 

**Download~Like~Positive Review Magnificent Aging**

Thank you for listening, I appreciate you!

“I was a search angel for a little while…It gave me a new purpose and makes me feel good to be able to help other people…I learned a new skill so let’s spread the job a little bit.”~Julie Dixon Jackson

Have you ever wondered what consumer DNA testing can do for you- beyond telling you your ethnicity? Are you an adoptee- or someone who has an unknown parent or relative? Do you love Genealogy? You’re in the right place. Join Julie Dixon Jackson @joolesjackson and Richard Castle as they attempt to guide you through what it takes to use DNA to break down brick walls, solve mysteries- or find your “people”!

  • How Julie transferred from theater actor to Gen Genie
  • An advocate for adoptees
  • What made Julie decide to help adoptees find their birth parents
  • What’s happening globally with adoptees
  • The business of babies
  • The Baby Scoop Era

“The truth is in your genes” ~Julie Dixon Jackson

Favorite Ice Cream: Rocky Road

Downtime: Quiltmaker

Song: Beach Baby by First Class

Julie’s fabulous podcast: https://cutoffgenes.libsyn.com/  Cutoff Genes Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cutoff-genes-episode-49-free-queso/id1380962366?i=1000436005546&fbclid=IwAR2TP84QeKvETXBIZ6sKnWMCMHfSh22RLRxXl7Tdgj4wkiI1kIiwaEV3lZU

Follow her @joolsjackson and join the Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1882608928721974/

This episode is sponsored by DeClutter By Deirdre, A Senior Move Management Company. Helping You and Your Loved Ones DeClutter, Move & Live a Fuller Life. Look at my website and contact me to work together www.DeClutterByDeirdre.com 

Download~Like~Positive Review Magnificent Aging

“It’s really important to start having conversations before a crisis occurs” Amber Chapman

Brandywine is located in the Litchfield Hills of CT in the heart of Litchfield

  • What to look for as you look at a community to live in
  • What type of questions should you ask when exploring a community?
  • Advantages of assisted living community
  • Lots and lots of events welcoming family, friends and communities
  • They have great food!
  • Individualized opportunities to engage or decompress alone.
  • A Transition Team helps you to adjust and feel comfortable quickly in your new home.
  • Assisted living community and memory care explained
  • Brandywine at Litchfield-a luxury living community
  • “Activities of Daily Life” explained
  • They have a chauffeur!!
  • What you should expect on your first day
  • “Aging in place and assisted living are not at all at odds with each other” Amber Chapman
  • “Escapades for Life”
  • How to pay for assisted living
  • Volunteering opportunities for residents
  • They are close to Arethusa Farm Dairy
  • Welcoming Captain’s Dinner

Testimonial for DeClutter By Deirdre

Ice cream:  vanilla

Outside interests: 4 kids & volunteering

Call Brandywine (860) 567-9500

Take a look at their website:  www.Brandycare.com to better understand their services and activities

This episode is sponsored by DeClutter By Deirdre, A Senior Move Management and DeCluttering for Aging In Place Company. Helping You and Your Loved Ones DeClutter, Move & Live a Fuller Life. Look at my website and contact me to work together at DeClutterByDeirdre@gmail.com  www.DeClutterByDeirdre.com 

**Download~Like~Positive Review Magnificent Aging**

Thank you for listening, I appreciate you!

“Are you ready to discover how to get the confidence you crave with a look that shows off your talent and personality?  If your answer is yes, let’s set up a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation.” ~Scarlett DeBease

At almost 50 Scarlett decided she wanted to do something specific to help women so she started Scarlett Image.  Deirdre and Scarlett discuss: 

  • Tips no one tells you
  • How to figure out what’s right for your dressing style
  • The process of letting go and keeping what looks incredible on you
  • Scarlett helps people create great outfits and get rid of items that no longer work for you.
  • Her BIG secret to shopping and releasing emotion regarding what to wear as we age
  • Who are you dressing for?
  • Are color charts still relevant?
  • Trends-why be part of a pack?
  • Lots and lots of ideas including money-saving tips.

Song: Bohemian Rhapsody

Ice Cream: Coffee Chip

Are you ready to discover how to get the confidence you crave with a look that shows off your talent and personality?
If your answer is yes, call or text Scarlett to set up a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation, 914-441-0756. 

Connect with Scarlett Image at https://www.scarlettimage.com/contact/ and sign up for her blog!

For all other questions, speaker inquiries, scheduling an appointment, and Gift Certificates, please contact Scarlett at phone: 914-441-0756 or email at Scarlett@ScarlettImage.com

This episode is sponsored by DeClutter By Deirdre, A Senior Move Management and DeCluttering for Aging In Place Company. Helping You and Your Loved Ones DeClutter, Move & Live a Fuller Life. Look at my website and contact me to work together at DeClutterByDeirdre@gmail.com  www.DeClutterByDeirdre.com 

**Download~Like~Positive Review Magnificent Aging**

Thank you for listening, I appreciate you!

Every home is a dream of its owner

If you’re a Baby Boomer, or older, your dream was to own your home.  Owning a home meant so much! 

It meant you were mature, and you could take care of yourself, 

It was a symbol of coming into your own,

That you were serious about a long-term relationship,

That you were ready to settle down and have children,

That you were committed to your job and wouldn’t be looking elsewhere for work.

You lovingly filled it with items you were given by friends and family, mostly big, brown furniture.  You cleaned it at least weekly and took pride in that.  It was “sparse”, but it was yours. 

Now, after the trials and tribulations life has thrown it’s looking a little not-so-clean.  The rooms are bursting with items collected but never passed on to those in need.  Most of your children or grandchildren are not so interested in the brown furniture and all the other treasures you hold.  It’s hard to maneuver around all the furniture and collections with a walker or wheelchair. Your eyesight isn’t what it used to be, and the unseen dust bunnies are gathered in the corner.  Suddenly, your dream is a nightmare and a burden. 

You can change that!  Get someone to help you whether you hire a team of people like we have at DeClutter By Deirdre or family and friends. In an afternoon your dream home will be changed for the better! You will feel lighter and that pride of home ownership will creep back in.

Imagine having friends and family over for dinner (that they bring, of course),

Imagine having more lighting in your home so you can see in dark corners,

Imagine furniture being weeded out so you can walk safely,

Imagine regaining pride in your dream home!

Contact me at DeClutterByDeirdre@gmail.com, we will resurrect that dream.

My client’s mom said as she was going through her items: “I have no idea why I bought so many of the same items when I don’t remember having bought them”.

Has that happened to you?

Are you even aware of this type of purchasing behavior?

This comment was a result of our DeClutterer realizing that she had over purchased slips throughout the years.  Instead of culling through and getting rid of the ones that no longer fit, had dried out elastic waistbands and were discolored from years of washing she pushed them to the back of the drawer.  Now, she was rightsizing her home, getting rid of the larger home 2 to 3 hours away from her daughter (depending on traffic) and she needed to downsize her prized possessions and necessities.

Mindless spending and purchasing happen to all of us at some point.  We don’t want to run out of an item or we know we have an event coming up but the fear of looking for and trying on that item tells our brain we need to buy another one and perhaps another one, “just in case”.  OR, we’ve been lulled into a purchase via the advertising of BOGO, buy one get one free.  There is no freedom if it’s taking up space in your closet or drawer or mind!

Take inventory before you purchase something that might be hidden in a drawer, try it on, look for signs of wear or age and get rid of it BEFORE purchasing one to replace it.  You might not need to spend money at all!

Take a quick peek at my website www.DeClutterByDeirdre.com for more.