If you are helping a senior organize their space to increase the ease of independent living, consider these pointers from Gale Force Organizers.
- Put things where they make sense – keep things in places where they are used most often/easily.
- Keep things accessible – keys, wallet, medications, glasses, hearing aids, etc. Store in open sorting containers so they are easy to find and grab regularly.
- Make items easy to reach – vertical storage isn’t always the best or safest idea. Instead, raise or lower stored items to waist height for easy access that doesn’t require bending or getting on a step stool to reach.
- Use see-through labeled containers. That makes items easy to find and easy to put things back where they go.
- Store documents together – sorted/stored for easy access. Medical, Financial, Insurance, and Personal are good folders that are placed in a fireproof/waterproof container.
Tip: Keep a current medication list and important phone numbers on the front of the frig or next to the phone.
- Declutter – clear out duplicate items, get rid of old tech, sort through seldom worn clothes, and unused items in storage.
- Consult a professional organizer if the task is too large to tackle alone!
