Not Sure Where To Start Decluttering For Retirement? We Can Help!

Many folks who retire don’t downsize as much as they should. When you entire your new lifestyle of being retired, you may not realize just how much you could actually give away, donate, or even sell. Not only does this bring extra income, but also more space and a sense of freedom with letting go. Here are some things that most retirees can and should remove from their possessions!

Your House

Sure, you need somewhere to live. But so many people retire and continue living in their large family home even after the kids move out, and the house is empty. This means a whole lot of maintenance, cleaning, and extra space that just isn’t necessary. Consider selling up and buying a smaller, more practical home so that you have more money to enjoy in your retired years.

Work Attire

You won’t need your work clothes anymore now that you won’t be working! No more meetings to attend! This means that you can hold onto a suit or two but no more than that. And that’s just in case you have to attend a formal event like a wedding or graduation, for example. You don’t need work clothes taking up space in your wardrobe. Consider selling them online, on thredUP or Poshmark, or donating them or even giving them away if need be. Whatever is most suitable to get them out of your closet!

Exercise Equipment

Lots of people have some kind of exercise equipment cluttering up their homes. Most people don’t even make use of the equipment, in which case it is a no-brainer as to why you need to get rid of it.

However, if you are fit and exercise regularly, your medical aid for retirement would cover a gym membership. If this is the case, there’s no need to own a treadmill at home. Instead, you can step out, workout, and socialize all at once on many different machines at a nearby gym facility!

Your Car

We aren’t saying there’s no need for private transport, but if you are retiring with a spouse and you both have cars, there’s no real need for two of them. Consider selling one of them so that you free up the money and headache of having to maintain two vehicles, fill gas in two tanks, and repair two engines. However, it would be smart to use public transport if you live in a good location with stores nearby, rather than pulling out your car. Have a look at the idea and see if it works out for you.

Books, Toys, Decorative items

Ornaments, books, and your kids’ old toys are simply taking up room. They may hold sentimental value, but if every single item has a sentimental value that you are likely becoming a hoarder. Choose a select few items to hold onto and let the rest go to other families or people who can make better use of them. There are other people out there who will read your books and other kids who will play with your kids’ old toys. Spread the love and free up space all at the same time!

Unused, Obsolete or Old Electronics

Many people tend to collect and almost hoard various electronics, spares, and the like. There’s no use keeping your old computer, old cellphones, broken stereos or unused home theatre system. Maybe you have an old TV or two or even a pair of walkie-talkies! Who knows what has accumulated in the electronic junk pile over the years – but it is time to throw it out!

If you haven’t used something in the last year, you won’t miss it if it’s gone. If you must, get somebody else to remove the items for you, if you have them kept aside. That way, you don’t even remember what was there, so you don’t have second thoughts!

Retiring is a great adventure. However, nobody wants to go on an adventure weighed down by a ton of luggage. That’s exactly what it will be like if you enter retirement with everything you own as you were before retiring. Life is going to change, and so should your possessions! Be selective. Don’t hoard, and enjoy the free room!