As you go through the house you are leaving, here are some tips to help your senior loved one pack, sort and and get rid of things. The first thing to keep in mind is to start with rooms or areas that aren’t used as much, or that don’t contain many meaningful items. This could be storage areas, the basement, laundry room, spare room, etc. These are rooms with things in them that have less sentimental attachment, so it can be a less stressful place to begin your packing and sorting.

Next you should decide where your things are going to go: family, friends, charity, consignment, recycle, etc. You’re going to sort things into piles according to where they are going.

As you sort through things, here are some questions to ask yourself about each item:

• When was the last time it was used?
• How often do I use it?
• Do I own something else that can be used for the same purpose?
• Is this something I love? Does it have sentimental value?
• Could I get along without it? Would I have to replace it if I discarded it?
• Is it in good condition? How much longer will it last?
• Is it in need of repair?
• Do I know someone else who would get more use from it?
• Would it be necessary in the new assisted living facility I am moving into?

If you can’t make a decision on an object, just remember that it can go into storage until you are ready to decide.

Be kind to yourself and your loved ones as you go through this process. It can be a very emotional time for everyone involved. Give yourselves time to adjust and work through the feelings. At A Caring Heart we can help you with this transition. Give us a call: A Caring Heart.