AboutJan Hayner Expertise I can answer any questions on Home organizing, file and paper management, organizing for parents, kids, senior citizens and on housekeeping and cleaning solutions.
Experience I have been a Professional Organizer for 9 years, I am considered an expert in my field on the internet and have written several informational books on organizing.
Organizations I am an active member of Faithful Organizers (An International Association of Christian based Professional Organizers, a past member of NAPO (the National Association of Professional Organizers)a member of an association called Women in Management, a member of Money Smart Wisconsin-Sheboygan and was a business owner for over 25 years.
Education/Credentials A high school graduated a the rest of my learning capablilities came from making a lot of mistakes in my lifetime and learning from all of them.
Question Hi! I live in two bed room apartment with my husband and his parents. they have been living in that house from last 11 years and they have so much stuff in my little apt. I m trying to organize the house but i don't know how to approach them to get rid of their old stuff. everyone in the house wants to keep their old stuff. I don't know what to do in this situation please help.
Answer You don't say the age of the parents, and that would help me answer your question a little better.
I will give you a few facts that I have come across, because older people don't like giving up their possessions for these reasons:
1. it is memories from their life
2. They don't think other people appreciate them as much as they do
3. It is something that they may want to use again...someday.
So, this is what I have done.
Sit down and ask their opinion of how it may be possible to condense things. There is a lack of storage space and it doesn't pay to have things in boxes that can't be used, so let's get rid of the things that we 'absolutely don't use' anymore.
Decide what can be given to someone else (a family member; son, daughter, sister, brother)and that it would mean a lot to them to own, so they can always remember the fun times or happy memories that the couple have always had.
OR to a friend that has always loved the piece and they would know would cherish owning it.
That way they can see for themselves that the piece isn't sitting in a box any more and out where someone enjoys it.
If they agree to do this; take a picture of them giving it to them so they can start a 'memories' scrapbook. This is something they can always look back on and it is like they still own the item. Just tell whoever gets the item that mom and dad get visitation rights when ever they get lonesome for it....it always brings a chuckle!
Then, get rid of all of the things that are just taking up space. Usually there are tons of things that people forget they own and can't figure out why they have kept it all these years.
If it is possible in the amount of room that you have, put up some shelving or a nice cabinet in their bedroom (or possibly a corner of the living room) so they can put a few things out to display and that can be changed with other things during fall and spring cleaning.
This way they too can enjoy their memories and when someone asks about a piece they will have something they can talk about.
Some things can be donated to girl scouts to make things out of; Good Will so that someone else, that can really use them, will benefit from them or things like magazines and old books can be used at a retirement or nursing home. There are always 'second uses' for everything.
You may also be able to make extra storage areas;
1. Shelving in the basement, using a curtain to hide the boxes
2. Space in the garage...look up..there are ways of putting in a ladder for walk up use, or shelving along the top of the garage walls etc.
3. Possibly renting a neighbors garage attic area.
4. Are there any other family or friends that have extra storage areas.
Usually you can condense boxes by putting one large thing in a box with several smalls, you would be surprised how much extra room you can get just by reboxing items.
I hope this helps you at least get a good start.
Just keep in mind that it is their life possesions and memories and I am sure that you will be able to handle it. For that matter, it would be a nice trip down memory lane for them.
You can start out by saying something like, "We just don't have enough storage space, why don't we start reboxing things and see if we can get rid of some empty boxes."
From there they will tell you, "I don't know why I have that any more". Then get rid of it!
When they tell you about a certain piece and the memory that goes with it, suggest they give it to ??? as a birthday gift and they could write down why they thought the person would like it and the memory that they have. Then bring up the part about taking a picture and making a 'Memory Book'.
I have cleaned out a lot of basements and attics for people using this technique and there are a lot of Memory Books...one lady has a 'Happy Times'Book, because she had such happy times giving her stuff away.
Good Luck, I hope that I helped.
Good Luck
