7 Things to Get 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.
The pile of binders from past jobs made their way to the trash bin, along with college textbooks and notebooks. The junk drawer in my kitchen ceded its stash and remains gloriously neat and useful. The mug collection I had was taking up way too much space, so away they went, unless they held special meaning.
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 I’ve decluttered after 60.
Photo albums that sit and collect dust
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 soon. Then the albums went straight into the trash, freeing up shelf space.
Aging cookware and storage containers
I wished the 40-year-old Farberware from my aunt and uncle goodbye and ordered Cuisinart cookware instead. Additionally, even though I had gathered at least 50 old plastic bowls and lids for storage, I realized that their timeliness had passed. I found new plasticware and glass oven-ready storage containers at HomeGoods. 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doors above my stove that were becoming unhinged, it revealed old, unused electric fry pans and other items that were out of date.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 10 years! Now, I can use this space to store cleaning supplies — what a difference!
Out-of-date clothing
It 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 cedar closet and discarded tons of clothes that are two sizes too small, matching tops and skirts in bright colors like purple, long vests, just to name a few. Now the closet has plenty of room for my switch to business casual to match my recent endeavors.
Piles of CDs, DVDs and cassette and VHS tapes
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. 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 last May 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 so many items: 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, stringy washrags (really, it’s not as bad as it sounds) 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 future 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!