Angelo: Declutter to boost safety, independence

The goal is not a picture-perfect home or getting rid of everything. It’s creating a space that better supports your life today and can adapt to your needs over time.”

Dr. Steven Angelo is the chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare & Retirement of Delaware.

For many people, aging in place means more than staying at the same address. It means having the choice to live safely and independently in a familiar home and community for as long as possible. Preparing for that next chapter does not always require a major renovation or big investment. Sometimes, it starts with something simpler: clearing what gets in the way.

After years of birthdays, holidays, hobbies and everyday life, belongings can add up. Deciding what to keep can also bring emotional questions: Is this valuable? Will someone in my family want it? Am I ready to let it go? The goal is not a picture-perfect home or getting rid of everything. It’s creating a space that better supports your life today and can adapt to your needs over time.

Why decluttering matters

Clutter can make it harder to move safely through a home, especially when walkways get narrower, stairs become blocked, or uneven surfaces and cords become hidden. Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older, and more than 1 in 4 older adults report falling each year. Items such as throw rugs and clutter are among the things that can contribute to falls.

A clearer home can also make frequently used items easier to reach, can reduce the need to stretch or bend and can create room for a cane, walker or other mobility support if one is needed later. It may also make it easier to welcome family, friends and neighbors into your home, helping you stay more connected and engaged.

To get started, focus on the spaces you use most and remember: Progress matters more than perfection.

Here’s some steps to take:

• Begin with one small zone. Choose a drawer, countertop, entryway or section of a room. Completing a manageable area can build momentum without feeling overwhelming.
• Prioritize clear paths. Remove or secure loose rugs, move cords out of walkways and keep stairs and frequently traveled routes free of boxes, shoes and other obstacles.
• Put everyday items within easy reach. In the kitchen and bathroom, place frequently used items between waist and shoulder height when possible. This may reduce unnecessary bending, stretching or the use of step stools.
• Sort with a simple system. Use four categories: keep, give to family or friends, donate/recycle and discard. Create a “decide later” box for sentimental items but commit to revisiting it.
• Preserve the memory, not always the object. Photograph meaningful collections, digitize recipes and documents or repurpose favorite fabrics into a smaller keepsake. Ask family members what they’d truly like to keep, rather than guessing.
• Stop new clutter at the door. Recycle unwanted mail promptly, pause subscriptions you no longer use and designate one place for incoming papers.
• Ask for help with heavy or hazardous tasks. A friend, family member or professional can help move furniture, reach high shelves, dispose of medications appropriately or evaluate items that may be valuable. Avoid lifting or climbing if it doesn’t feel safe.

Look beyond clutter

Decluttering is one part of creating a home that can adapt as needs change. As you work through each room, keep an eye out for other improvements that may support safety and ease, such as brighter lighting, sturdy handrails, nonslip surfaces, accessible storage, grab bars installed correctly and a place to set packages near the door. The National Institute on Aging offers a room-by-room home safety checklist to identify potential hazards and repairs.

Also, consider talking with your healthcare provider about changes in mobility, balance, vision or medications that may affect safety at home. Family, caregivers and community organizations can also identify practical support, from transportation and meal delivery to home maintenance and regular check-ins.

Make room for what matters

Letting go of a lifetime’s worth of belongings can take patience. Be kind to yourself, especially when an item carries a memory or family history. The point is not to erase the past. It is to shape a home that makes space for the routines, relationships and independence you want to carry forward.

A few thoughtful changes today can create a home that is easier to navigate, better supports independence and is ready to adapt as needs change.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.