Our Approach
Working with seniors takes patience and kindness while still getting the work done. It has been my experience when working with my senior, that they need more time and more support when clearing clutter and downsizing.
Downsizing, whether you are a senior or not, can be a tremendously emotional process. It is important to have someone who is non judgmental, supportive and kind. One of the biggest complaints I have heard during my professional organizing career is that people felt judged. Sometimes children or family aren’t close by and they need to be able to trust someone to be kind and patient with their loved one. I am compassionate, caring and understand this can be very difficult. I listen to what you say and will always suggest my best solution, but ultimately it is your decision.
One of the mistakes people often make is overwhelming seniors or those with disabilities.
They usually need more time and I suggest not rushing. I usually work in four-hour blocks when working with professional organizing clients. However, with seniors and those with disabilities, I try and work in two-hour blocks so they are less overwhelmed. It has been my experience to be as pro active as I can and not overwhelm with decisions. For example, with permission, I will declutter cleaners and pantries and make decisions that most people are comfortable with. With things that are more complicated, I help make decisions easier. For example if we are working on a closet, I may say to a client, “How about we pick two dresses for church, two for everyday and two for social events.” That way I have narrowed down the decision-making and made it easier instead of having to go through every item.
Our Senior Organization Services Include:
- Create a step by step plan for you to follow independently or with us at your side
- Help you with de-cluttering and moving objects around your home
- Help you sort objects and determine what must go
- Pay bills, track expenses and file paperwork
- Create a space plan for your new location
- Help you sell items in the classifieds, online, yard sales, and in consignment shops
- Transport items out of your home and to donation sites
- Connect you with our long list of trusted local resources to complete any repairs, build shelving, manage home health care, clean or provide materials to complete your organizing goals.
Seniors, their families, and assisted living centers can benefit greatly from senior organization. With more of the population reaching retirement age and their families and adult children scattered, extra preparation and organization can go a long way. There are many ways that the Sorted Out team can help seniors get organized.
Whether you are thinking about moving and downsizing, having trouble doing the physical activities needed to keep your space organized, or overwhelmed by managing paperwork, we can help!
Many of the seniors we work with are either getting ready to move to a smaller space, or just feeling overwhelmed by the activities they once found easy to do. Many have trouble keeping up with the paperwork flowing into their home, paying bills and balancing checkbooks. Others can no longer move and lift items to decorate their Christmas trees or clean out a closet. A lifetime of objects may also be holding seniors back from simplifying their home and managing their day to day activities efficiently.
Always Compassionate
TIPS FOR SENIORS: Be patient and follow their lead. What seems old and useless to you may be a source of comfort and joy and worth moving or keeping. Don’t go by what is newest or the “best”; go by what they use and love.
TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: Make things easier by adjusting to their disability. For example, create an area for sorting that they can comfortably do from a wheelchair or set up higher on furniture if it is easier for them to stand.