It is time for us to enjoy our second childhood and go back to the 'fun' things in life. We are pretty much set as far as paying our bills off, most of us own a home and we are looking forward to retirement.
We are getting ready to 'settle-in' as they call it. The senior years are just around the corner and then we can really enjoy life!
Are we ready? Have we made our homes as organized and stress-free as possible?
It is unlikely that we have even thought of that part of life.
We haven't gone through the attic, basement and garage and cleaned out all of the memories that we have stored; which actually gives us something to do during those long snowy winter months. I don't mean the cleaning part (we do that when the weather is nice) I mean the part about organizing those memories.
Every storage space has pictures- put those on the side for a winter project, purchase photo books and label them according to years or in five-year intervals. You can watch your family and friends grow up.
Inherited Items; why are they in the attic or basement? Chances are because you don't use them anymore, so now is a good time to give them to another family member and be able to see the joy and excitement that it gives to someone else. Don't forget to include a summary of who it is from, who you inherited it from and why and how old it is. I always include the sentimental reason that I have kept it too.
Things you haven't used in Years; this can be anything from Christmas Decorations, old clothes, wall hangings, vases etc. If it is stored, chances are that you have not dug it out and don't use it. Why keep it and only have 'junk' stored? Get rid of it! Donate it to a family member, charity or nursing home.
How about all of those tools out in the garage or basement that have been collecting dust for years. I bet there are some that you haven't used or oiled and service in that amount of time. Why not cash it in and sell it? Put the money towards that first retirement trip that you are going to take.
Sometimes we are so caught up in the feeling of 'guilt' for getting rid of our belongings and sentimental items that we hang on to them for that reason. Why not look at it that by selling it you are adding money for the 'fun' things in life that you deserve to do. After all, it is hidden cash!
Every time that you sell something, put the money into a jar or envelope that is designated for a particular trip or item you want to purchase. Don't keep looking in the envelope; just let the money keep adding up.
Once a year go into your envelopes, add up 'your little nest egg', and see what you have accumulated. You will be surprised at how much you have in there and how little you miss what was sold!
Just remember, when you are organizing all of these things, that it will give you open spaces and the feeling of freedom. You will know that everything is being put to good use and relieved of the guilty feeling of throwing it away.
Now you have the time to go out, enjoy life, and feel like a kid again. If you should decided to down size even more and move into a smaller home, all you have to do is pack what you really need…..but that is another article in the making.
Jan Hayner has more tips and hints for Baby Boomers and Senior Citizens at Easy Home Organizing. Get her pamphlets '50 Things to Organize in 10 Minutes' and 'Guiltbusters for Moms'.
Jan Hayner is a Professional Organizer, Easy Home Organizing offers tips and hints on home organizing and house cleaning shortcuts for men, women, parents, senior citizens and kids. Monthly newsletter, checklists and free pamphlets '50 Things to Organize in 10 Minutes or Less, GuiltBusters for Working Moms and 50 House Cleaning Shortcuts' are available to guide you. You can read more about her at her website http://www.organizingyourlifetheeasyway.com.
» left by JL from US (1 year 228 days ago.)
Good ideas, Jan. I have been organizing things lately and have realized that if there is something I really need to get rid of, but am dragging my feet, I can just take a picture of me with the item and keep the memories without taking up the space. Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(2,395) Judi Lake (1 year 201 days ago.)
Good article, Jan! I have to admit, I am a saver - EVERYTHING has sentimental value and it drives my husband crazy. I will have to re-read your article to get a little courage... Respond to this comment
Was this article helpful to you? Leave a Public Comment or
Question:
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
