Spring-Cleaning Tips for Seniors: Strategies for a Cleaner, Less Cluttered Home

Spring has sprung, and many of us have the itch to start cleaning and organizing our living spaces. We’ve been living with clutter all winter, and it’s time to do something about it! But for many seniors, tackling a messy house or apartment alone can be daunting. With so much to do, it’s difficult to know where to start. But don’t worry, the Southview Senior Communities team has your back. In today’s blog, we’ll share several spring-cleaning tips for seniors to make this season’s decluttering session a breeze! So, whether you’re downsizing, preparing to move into a senior living community, or just refreshing your house, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cleaning!

Tip 1: Make a Plan

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about the amount of cleaning that awaits you, the best first step is to make an action plan. Walk around your home and take inventory of every room, closet, and drawer that needs cleaning or organizing. Also make a note of any items you’ll need help with, such as hard-to-reach objects or heavy furniture. Once you have your list, feel free to check items off in the order that works best for you. You can even make a schedule with daily or weekly goals to make things feel more manageable. Try working in short sessions, between 15 minutes to an hour, to avoid wearing yourself out.

Tip 2: Ask for Help

As we mentioned above, you may need to hand clean your living space from top to bottom. Safety should always be your priority, and there’s no shame in asking for help. For instance, you may have trouble cleaning ceiling fans and light fixtures. Heavy couches, chests of drawers, and appliances are also difficult for anyone to move alone.

Even if you don’t have any particularly hard-to-reach or heavy objects, cleaning together with friends and family is a fun bonding opportunity and ensures your health and safety.

Tip 3: Keep what You Need, Pass on the Rest

One of the biggest issues facing seniors trying to clean out their homes is the large number of items they’ve accumulated over the years. These items may be spread all over the house, and many of them hold deep emotional significance. But you don’t have to choose between a cluttered house and throwing away all your possessions. This is where the all-important three-pile rule comes into play: keep, donate/sell, and trash.

It’s ok to keep things that are important to you. In fact, it’s vital to keep the items that make your living space feel like home. But you’ll also find that many of your possessions may be better used or appreciated by others. Passing things on to younger relatives and friends can bring great joy to both of you while clearing up space in your home. Donation centers such as Goodwill and The Salvation Army, antique shops, and yard sales are also fantastic options for finding new homes for your old clothes, furniture, and mementos.

And for the items that no longer hold any value, use, or significance, it’s alright to toss them. If you haven’t used something in a year or longer, it’s probably safe to part ways with it.

Final Checklist

Before you finish your cleaning spree, make sure these commonly overlooked items and places are taken care of.

• Medicine cabinet: Check the expiration dates and refills on all your medications, and make sure you have everything you need to stay healthy.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Press and hold the test button to ensure the alarm is functional. Replace the batteries if the sound is quiet. Ask for assistance if you’re not comfortable getting on a ladder to reach them.
• Kitchen: Sort through the food in your refrigerator and pantry, throw out expired items, and wipe down surfaces inside your appliances.
• Filing cabinet: Sort through your essential healthcare, financial, and legal documents, making sure they’re organized, easy to find, and up to date.
• Garage: The garage often becomes a dumping ground for old, unused items. Sift through these carefully and leave no stone unturned in your cleaning crusade.

Get a Fresh Start

We hope these spring-cleaning tips for seniors make your life a little bit easier this season! If you or a loved one is looking to downsize into a more manageable living space, contact the team at Southview Senior Communities. We offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care apartments along with à la carte service options, so you’re sure to find a plan suited to your needs and lifestyle. Our highly trained and compassionate staff are wholly dedicated to supporting the health and happiness of our community members. Schedule a tour to visit one of our 14 locations today!