Clearing Away Clutter: Spring Cleaning Activities for Seniors

Spring cleaning is a wonderful way to shake off the winter blues and get a fresh start. Over time, little piles of belongings can begin to accumulate here and there, taking up space and becoming a tripping hazard. Dust can gather and kick up allergies or make drapes appear gray and drab. Spending time cleaning can help seniors feel more accomplished and maintain a safer living environment.

It can be a good idea to start small, focusing on one room or area at a time. Even within each room, if things seem too overwhelming, pick a closet or drawer to organize and go from there. As you get into the swing of things and begin to see results, it can keep you motivated to keep going.

Here are a few activities to get started:

• Get rid of anything that is broken, damaged, or expired.

If a device no longer works, has missing parts, or is otherwise damaged, there is no point in keeping it. When was the last time you used it? Buy a replacement or toss it in the trash if it is something you don’t use anymore.

Go through the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer and pull out expired foods. You don’t want to be eating things that are past their prime and could potentially make you sick. Plus, they are taking up valuable space. Reorganize so you can easily find things. The same applies to your medicine cabinet. Properly dispose of any expired medications or prescriptions you no longer take. You don’t want them to accidentally get into the wrong hands or confuse them with a medicine you do take.

• Wipe away dust and dirt.

Once you have cleaned up the clutter on various surfaces, wipe them down with a damp cloth. If you have trouble bending or stretching, get a duster with an extendable handle. There are many lightweight mops and steamers as well to keep your floors clean.

While you’re vacuuming the floor, use attachments to clean the couch, along the baseboards, and underneath furniture. In addition to dusting, this can also help remove pollen and allergens that have settled throughout your home.

• Replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.

A good rule of thumb is that when you change the clocks back or ahead, to also check the batteries in your detectors. Make sure you replace them at least once a year. If they are too high to reach, ask someone to help so you don’t have to climb on a ladder or stepstool. It is a good idea to change your air filters as well.

• Donate old clothing and home goods.

Go through your closet and try everything on. Does it still fit? Do you still like it and wear it? If not, donate it to those in need. This will free up some space and give you a better idea of what clothing you actually have and where you could add to your wardrobe.

You can also go through other belongings and donate things that you no longer want, need, or use. This could be anything from kitchenware to home décor to books. Pass down meaningful items to other family members and ask if they want anything else. Make sure that everything you do keep has a space to cut down on clutter and eliminate piles scattered throughout your home. Staying organized can help reduce fall risk, boost your mood, and make it easier to find things. An in-home caregiver can help you maintain a safer, cleaner living space by assisting with light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and more. Contact Always Best Care at (630) 345-3584 to learn more and schedule a free consultation.