Spring Clean 101: A Guide to Decluttering Your Home for Care

A clutter-free home isn’t just about keeping things tidy—it’s about safety, comfort, and making home care more manageable. Whether you’re preparing for in-home care, caring for a loved one, or making your home safer and more accessible, decluttering can create a space that supports caregivers and those receiving care.

By organizing and getting rid of things you don't need, you can reduce stress, improve mental health, prevent accidents, and make daily routines more manageable.

Why Decluttering Your Home Matters for Home Care

When a caregiver comes into the home, a well-organized space makes it easier to provide care. A cluttered home can lead to safety hazards, like tripping over loose rugs or struggling to access important medical equipment or supplies. Decluttering creates a safer and more functional space for everyone involved in home care, including seniors preparing their homes for aging in place.

An organized home can also improve well-being. When everything is in its place, it reduces stress and helps the caregiver and the person receiving care feel more comfortable and in control.

How to Start: Planning and Support

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but having a plan makes it easier. Set realistic goals and start small—one room or area at a time. If you’re preparing for in-home care, team up with your caregiver and develop a plan. You can also rope in friends and family members to do some of the heavy lifting or organize a yard sale.

Efficient Advice For Home Care Preparation

Here are a few easy-to-follow, actionable steps you can take to declutter your space for home care preparation:

1. Sort Items Into Categories: Keep, Donate, or Discard

Work your way through each room and sort items into three categories:

• Keep: Daily essentials, medical supplies, important documents, and frequently used items like mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers).

• Donate: Items in good condition that you no longer want or need can be donated. This could include clothes, furniture, or duplicate/redundant household goods.

• Discard: Safely discard expired medications, broken equipment, or anything that adds unnecessary clutter.

2. Organize: Make Essentials Accessible

Once you’ve gotten rid of unnecessary "stuff," focus on arranging the space for convenience:

• Arrange furniture to create open walkways for better balance and mobility.

• Keep everyday items within easy reach to reduce strain.

• Store medical supplies, medications, and important paperwork in clearly labeled containers.

3. Adapt: Create a Safe and Functional Space

Beyond tidying up, consider minor adjustments that improve safety and ease of care:

• Ensure pathways are clear and safe for caregivers to avoid injury and move around easily.

• Make the bathroom safe by installing grab bars for support.

• Use nightlights to improve visibility at night.

• Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs and cords.

More Tips for Successful Decluttering

• Ask caregivers for help, or consider hiring professional cleaning assistants for deep cleaning tasks.

• Break tasks into short, manageable sessions instead of trying to do everything at once.

• Choose non-toxic cleaning products to maintain a healthier home environment.

• Focus on high-traffic areas first to improve safety and accessibility.

• Use helpful tools like lightweight storage bins, rolling carts, and easy-to-move organizers.

Declutter Your Home for Safety and Comfort

A well-organized home makes caregiving smoother, safer, and less stressful. Whether you’re preparing for in-home care, assisting a loved one, or adapting your own space, decluttering is a simple but powerful way to create a comfortable and functional environment.