It can start simply enough, retaining this item or that, but over time, the amount of stuff we have with us in our living space can be substantial and even rival us for a place to be in our homes.
Slimming down our stuff
Trimming down could mean that we are talking about becoming more fit, and this certainly is a great topic. Today, however, we are talking about having a more slim dwelling space in terms of what we retain and store in it,
There is a similarity between how we gain or lose weight and how our homes gain or lose stuff we bring into them or retain.
Generally, it’s a little at a time. We keep this item because we like it, this one because we might want it again some day, this one because we don’t feel like discarding it right now, this one because it’s easier to keep it than make a decision about its future, and this one for other reasons. Before long, we have way more than we started with or than we intended to have.
We might want it again
One of the recurring concerns with keeping our memories or items that no longer are meaningful or serviceable is that they could be useful in the future. Maybe we want to check an experience that we had years ago – an award, an event, competition, or something similar – and the photos, ribbons, trophies, brochures, uniforms, or equipment – were the tangible connection to this history. Of course, our memories of these events or a few photographs may take us back to that time.
Maybe we have clothes that we no longer wear but are still in good condition. We might never wear them again, but they could be worn. They are too large, too small, out of style, or just more than we need in our closet. Someone else could benefit from them, and we would help to clear our space.
Old magazines, articles, books, or newspapers may have had a meaningful article or feature in them so we held onto them. Maybe we didn’t have time to read them when they were current so we put them aside until later.
Coming to terms with what we have
If we are honest with ourselves, we know or will discover that we have many items – some broken or requiring repair, some brand new, and some gently used – that are taking up space somewhere in our home or storage facility that we really can let go of and move on. It may be a difficult or emotional decision, but our lives will be less complicated with less clutter and unnecessary items.
Part of healthy aging in place is making sure that what we have with us in our living space is relevant and useful. If we are distracted by so much stuff or find that it is hampering the safe or comfortable use of our space, it’s time to make some adjustments.