16: Aging Parents With Too Much Stuff? Help Them Declutter Without A Power Struggle or Hurting Their Feelings

The garage that’s filled with so many things that a car hasn’t parked there since 1992. Collections from hobbies that haven't been touched in over a decade in the room no one is allowed to touch. Box upon box upon box of old photos and papers… If you've ever walked into your parents' home and felt your chest tighten a little at the sheer amount of stuff while hoping and praying an additional storage unit doesn’t also exist somewhere, this episode is for you. And if you've tried to talk to them about decluttering, downsizing, or organizing their home and it turned into an argument, or they shut down completely, or they agreed just to get you to stop talking but never followed through, you know that this can be tricky. But it is possible to help your parents declutter in a way that respects their autonomy, protects your relationship, and maybe (just maybe) make progress so you won’t have to tackle all of their belongings later in life. In This Episode: Approach the decluttering conversation with how it will benefit them. Because while your reasons for wanting to help your parents declutter are probably very well meaning and  practical, leading with them can make your parents super defensive.  Why not asking for permission before you start touching their things will probably backfire.  What research shows is the most effective way to declutter with your aging parents.  The importance of letting them tell the stories behind the clutter (even if you don’t want to hear them).  Resources Mentioned: Free Decluttering and Decorating Guides: www.simplifiedhomedesign.com/free 1-1 Clear the Clutter session: www.simplifiedhomedesign.com/clear-the-clutter Next Steps: Grab the Decluttering and Organizing Quick Wins Guide or Home Clarity Guide at www.simplifiedhomedesign.com/free and get weekly tips, new ideas, updates, and more delivered to your inbox every Thursday. If you are loving the podcast, I would really appreciate it if you would leave a review. It helps other women who are overwhelmed or frustrated in their homes find the show so they can start creating homes they love. Thank you so much!  Looking for 1-1 help? Clutter is a pain. Let's make decluttering easier. You can book a Clear the Clutter session at www.simplifiedhomedesign.com/clear-the-clutter Related Episodes: EP 5: Create a Decluttering Routine That Won't Make You Lose Your Mind Ep 7: Decluttering Routines That Continue Working Even When Your Life Changes