Purge the Clutter

Maybe you’re hooked on Marie Kondo’s 2019 Netflix series “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” binge-watching it.

Perhaps you’re part of the Silver Tsunami of aging boomers reshaping the housing market by moving to an independent living situation that’s a mixed generational development or an over-55 setting with more activities than just a golf course.

Maybe you’re staying put in your family home by making improvements that let you enjoy your space more effectively and safely over time.

According to a 2016 Harvard report on senior housing, only 1 percent of the country’s current housing stock includes features like zero-step home entrances, single-level floorplans, and wide wheelchair accessible hallways and doorways.

Making way for changes to your existing home or a move to a new one means sorting through the memorabilia you’ve collected over the years.

The art of decluttering requires looking at your storage objectively. Clues: Set goals to achieve within a specific time frame. For example, plan to sort through one side of a closet one day, the second side a second day when you can approach with a fresh perspective and energy.

Don’t just pile discards in the center of the room. Instead set 3 boxes out and fill them as you sort: Goodwill, discards your kids might want, and absolute trash. Don’t go back through the boxes or guaranteed you’ll be pulling from them and defeating your purpose.