As we age, we tend to collect treasures, a lot of them… clothes, shoes, kitchen gadgets, cat figurines, and so much more. Many items have sentimental value, especially for our aging loved ones who may not get as many visits from us as they did in the past. However, too many collectibles can lead to an unsafe home environment making downsizing for seniors an important project.
Decluttering and downsizing for seniors is an important way to help ensure their safety in their own home. With the assistance of your loved one, determine which items are no longer wanted or useful. Approach this task gently. It’s very easy for us to become attached to items, especially if it was a gift from a close loved one or has other significant meaning. Be patient. Losing patience will only shut your loved one down. It’s better to declutter one box at a time in a day, than nothing in a month.
But what do you do with the unwanted treasures?
Turn old treasures into cash
Sell the unwanted treasures! Luckily, you have several options for turning the old treasures into cash. Please note most online auctions will have listing fees. Please be sure to research that information prior to listing your items.
- eBay. List items on eBay. Be sure to take good photos and describe the item accurately.
- Local online auctions. Some online auctions are local. For example, 1 Bid in Bay City, allows you to drop your treasures off to be sold online. They will take care of taking pictures and posting the items online.
- Yard sale. Pick a weekend for a yard sale. Mark all your items and sell them for that price on day one. On the second or last day, sell the items for half off and clothes for $1 per bag.
- Yard sale groups on social media. Most cities or regions have groups on Facebook that are specifically for selling unwanted treasures. Similar to eBay, but there are no listing fees and you typically meet up with your buyer at a public location. Simply search “your city yard sale” on Facebook to find your yard sale group. It is highly recommended to meet up with your buyers in a safe location. Many police departments have established safe transaction locations in their parking lot or lobbies. Always practice safe sales and meet-ups.
Donate unwanted treasures
Many thrift stores are nonprofit organizations. The donations they accept are resold to help fund programs that benefit those in need. These organizations will also give receipts for items donated, allowing you to claim your donation on taxes. Thrift stores are also some of the first organizations to assist families who have lost homes to fires or other natural disasters.
- Goodwill
- Salvation Army
- Churches. Check with area churches to see if they have thrift stores.
For items that cannot be sold or donated, consider recycling before tossing them into the garbage.
Downsizing for seniors may seem like a daunting task, but it’s beneficial for improving safety so your loved one can enjoy an independent life at home.
Compassionate Care Home Health Services offers a full range of home care services, including companionship, preparing meals, errands, housekeeping, transportation, and personal care services. We’re here for whatever particular needs your loved one is facing. Contact us at 877.308.1212 to find out more about our home health care in Midland, MI and the surrounding communities and to arrange for a free in-home consultation.