Practical, Low-Stress Decluttering Strategies
When you have MCI, changing the surroundings you have lived with for years could affect how well you function day-to-day and end up working against you, which is why decluttering calls for a cautious approach, says Anmolsingh.
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“The focus should be safety, familiarity, and keeping things simple,” she says.
With those goals in mind, these strategies can help you get started.
Start small. Set small, manageable goals, build on them slowly, and begin with items you feel less attached to, says Anmolsingh.
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Give everyday items a set place. If your keys always go in the same dish by the door, you don’t have to remember where you put them each day, says Towns. The same idea works for other daily tasks, she says.
“Place task items where the task occurs,” says Anmolsingh. In the area you set aside for medications, she recommends using a pillbox to keep them secure.
Use labels and reminders. Labeling or color-coding drawers can remind you where to find the things you most often misplace, such as your glasses, keys, and phone, says Anmolsingh.
Keep lists and notes in places you go often so you will see them, she says. A large-print calendar, phone reminders, and a large clock kept in the same spot can help you stay oriented, says Anmolsingh.
Clear the walkways. Remove fall hazards such as mats and clutter in hallways, and make sure your home has adequate lighting, says Anmolsingh. She suggests transitioning to first-floor living if you’re not doing so already.
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Decide ahead of time how much input you want them to have, and let them know ahead of time.[2]
It helps to start when your impairment is mild and you still have a clear sense of your own needs, says Anmolsingh. Participate in the decisions about what to throw away, and keep in mind that a safer home can help you stay independent, she says.
“An occupational therapist, a professional who helps people manage everyday activities, can also do a home safety evaluation,” says Anmolsingh.
