7 Things I Got Rid of After 60
As someone over the age of 60, I’ve realized that many household items I’ve been holding onto aren’t worth keeping. Just because they have sentimental value doesn’t mean that they have actual value anymore. Lots of other items I hadn’t decluttered in so long, I didn’t even remember I had them.
Over the past few years, I’ve parted with a starter list of items, some to benefit my own psyche, and others from the urging of my children. I’ve definitely kept myself busy! Here are seven areas and items I’ve decluttered since turning 60 — and you should, too.
Photo Albums
I have more than 15 photo albums that just sat on shelves for years. Looking carefully through them, I sorted through photos that were worth keeping and transferred them to a box with the goal of digitizing them.
Then, the albums went straight into the trash, freeing up shelf space. It felt good donating the books themselves in hopes that another family can fill them up.
Aging Cookware and Containers
I wished the 40-year-old Farberware from my aunt and uncle goodbye and ordered some new Cuisinart cookware instead. Additionally, even though I had accumulated at least 50 old plastic bowls and lids for storage, I realized that their timeliness had passed. With kitchen items, it’s important to make sure the material is actually food-safe, and isn’t leaching into what you’re eating.
I found new food storage containers at HomeGoods for a few dollars, and my neighborhood discount store had nested bowls with lids.
Untouched Small Appliances
When my daughter convinced me to take off the cupboard doors above my stove that were falling off, it revealed old, unused electric fry pans and other items that were out of date.
I got rid of everything and put colorful vases and teapots there instead to have on display. I also got rid of my mom’s old blender that was just sitting under the sink, taking up space for more than a decade. Now, I can use this space to store cleaning supplies — what a difference!
Out-of-Date Clothing
I was beyond overdue to cast aside clothes from my professional singing days that included suits and dresses (with shoulder pads!). I couldn’t even hang up any new styles that I found. But I can now!
I went through my closet and discarded tons of clothes that are two sizes too small, matching tops and skirts in bright colors I never reach for, and long vests, just to name a few. Now the closet has plenty of room for my updated wardrobe of clothes I actually wear.
Old Media
I’ve done a lot of sifting and sorting, all with the purpose of reducing the pile of CDs, DVDs, and cassette and VHS tapes I’ve been collecting over the past few decades.
Since I still have the machinery to play all types of media, the only ones that remain serve a purpose or are loved too much to discard.
Unused Items Hiding in the Basement
My daughter spearheaded this venture in our attempt to downsize and make a dent in my home’s unnecessary contents.
We set the date with a junk removal company and prepared to get rid of tons of items I hadn’t touched or thought about in years: a 1970s chair from my parents’ house, a nonworking portable dishwasher, a 1950s blue plastic couch from my aunt, a large desk and chair, and an assortment of items that sat on shelving units (including 70 Barbies, craft supplies, binders, and more).
Any “Just in Case” Things
My penchant for keeping things “just in case” was evident in the linen closet. Threadbare sheets, rough old towels, and stringy washrags all went the way of the garbage bags and out to the cans. Everything that remains is neatly folded and easy to access. Now, there’s room for medicines, extra paper products, a hair dryer, and beauty products.
The process of heading down the path of decluttering over 60 makes me proud of my accomplishments and ready to add new goals to my list. Now that I’ve started the decluttering process, it’s hard to stop!