Cleaning & Decluttering
A simple
(& satisfying!)
downsizing strategy
What to do when you're not sure where to start
Whether you are planning to downsize in the future or simply embark on a serious deep clean, one thing that the Songbird Transitions team hears from older adults all the time is: "I don't know where to start."
We totally get it. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the things that can accumulate in a bedroom closet, basement or other areas of your home, especially if you've lived in the same place for many, many years.
If you're feeling stuck and not sure where to start cleaning and purging or feel paralyzed with indecision about sorting items with sentimental value, start with something relatively simple like the refrigerator.
START WITH THE REFRIGERATOR
When you start with the refrigerator, the decision-making process is straightforward: let the expiration dates guide you. If the item is expired, throw it out! No getting sentimental about expired soy sauce or mayonnaise!
After you've worked your way through the fridge, consider moving on to the pantry, bathroom cabinets and any other areas of your home that may have items with expiration dates.
DISPOSE EXPIRED & OUTDATED PRESCRIPTIONS
Dispose any drugs or other personal health care products that are expired or no longer used. Getting rid of unneeded medications not only help make for cleaner cabinets, it can help prevent medication misuse or getting into the wrong hands and inadvertently adding to the opioid epidemic.
Here's a little PSA about that:
Ready to keep going?
Ok, next up: time to tame the pile of papers!
DOWNSIZE UNNEEDED DOCUMENTS
It's not uncommon to have a sizeable pile (or 2 or 10!) of junk mail, old bills and catalogs mixed with personal documents clogging an entry table or office space. Most unwanted or unneeded papers (or most things more than 8 years old) can go straight into the recycling bin, but if you have documents that may contain sensitive or personal information, consider using a shredding service. There are local businesses that will shred papers for a fee and occasionally local banks will offer free use of a Shred-it® mobile shredding truck.
Downsizing --and spring cleaning-- is often more manageable if you start with the less sentimental stuff.
Once you have momentum, it's much easier to tackle closets and other storage areas.
The linen closet, for example, tends to be a place where we accumulate assorted towels and bedding year after year and rarely purge. The Humane Society LOVES towel donations for the furry friends they've rescued!
Once you work through a few of these other areas of your home, you may feel like you have the courage to tackle personal collections or furnishings you may be more sentimental about.
When you're ready to tackle the sentimental stuff, be sure to check out our Selective Sentimental Value resource!
If you or a loved one plan to downsize or relocate within Central Ohio, contact Songbird for a free initial consultation.
If you live elsewhere in the country, consider Downsizing Done Right, our step-by-step video-based guide & resource book. We are also available for personalized downsizing consulting, training and coaching services via Songbird Support.
Discover more downsizing resources from Songbird Transitions below.
Sorting Items with Sentimental Value
Strategies to avoid this catch phrase becoming a "catch all"
Learn moreDownsizing Done Right
A comprehensive kit to support your downsizing journey
Featuring step-by-step videos, a beautiful resource book plus an exclusive Q&A session with Songbird founder
Songbird Stories
A series of profiles & first-person essays on the joys of downsizing
The Stock Broker-turned Pastor
Moved from: 1,800 square foot, 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium
Downsized to: ~1,100 square foot, 2 bedroom, 2 bath senior living apartment
Read Jane's Songbird Story
The Gardener
Moved from: 2,300- square foot, 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home of 46 years
Downsized to: 1,200-square foot 2-bedroom, 2-bath ranch
The Teacher & Traveler
Moved from: 2,600-square foot, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home of 17 years
Downsized to: 1,500-square foot 2-bedroom, 2-bath villa
The Interior Designer
Moved from: 2,900 square foot, 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home of 56 years
Moved to: 813 square foot, 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment
The Apollo Engineer
Moved from: 2 bedroom, 2 bath, condominium with a full basement
Downsized to: 1 bedroom, 1 bath independent living apartment
Read Ed's Songbird Story
The Speech Pathologist
Moved from: 1,700 square foot, 3 bedroom, 3 bath home of 25+ years
Downsized to: 655 square foot, 1 bedroom apartment
The Landscape Architects
Moved from: 2,300 square foot, 2-story condo (after previous move from 4,000 square foot, 3-story house)
Downsized to: 1,300 square foot, 2-bedroom apartment
The Champions for Children
Moved from: 2,500 square foot, 3-story home of 5 years
Downsized to: 1,750 square foot, 1-story condominium
The Teacher & Engineer/Artist
Moved from: 3,300 square foot, 4 bedroom, 3 bath house with a large yard, woods & steep driveway
Downsized to: 1,100 square foot, 2 bedroom, 2 bath senior living apartment
Read Jane & Dave's Songbird Story"It's more than just a move."
Get expert support for your downsizing journey from Songbird
Contact usFree 3-part video series
Downsize your closet, basement or storage unit
Learn key skills to declutter and downsize your messiest spaces
Songbird Events & Webinars
See upcoming eventsSenior Downsizing Experts
Songbird Transitions Offers On-Site Downsizing Services in Central Ohio
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Nationwide Consulting & Support
Downsizing Done Right Toolkit
This toolkit includes downsizing video tutorials, a resource book plus a special Q&A session with Songbird. Downsizing Done Right is a comprehensive guide designed to help you or your loved one downsize with grace, dignity and ease.
Online Support & Consulting
In these personalized Zoom or FaceTime consulting sessions, Songbird can help you you navigate your specific downsizing situation, no matter where you live or where you're moving. Available in 1 hour, 2 hour & 3 hour packages.
On-Site Downsizing & Moving Services
If you live in Central Ohio, our Songbird team can help you (or your loved one) downsize and move into a senior living community or smaller home. We can manage your move from start to finish or you can choose from our menu of downsizing services.
Top 10 Downsizing Pro Tips
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