Whether your parents are dealing with the end-of-life period or downsizing, there are scenarios where you might need to help sort through your parents’ home. Obviously, this is an overwhelming task. But you can take charge of this milestone by planning beforehand. Find out more with these tips for cleaning out your elderly parents’ home.
Create a Sorting System
If you create a sorting system from the beginning, the entire process will be less stressful. You should have ways to identify what to throw away, keep, donate, or sell. Developing a system can expedite the process. Depending on the number of belongings your parents’ have, you could consider renting a dumpster to make the cleanup easier.
Divide the Labor
Sorting through a lifetime’s worth of possessions is a big job. Don’t wait for someone else to make decisions. Divide the labor, either by task or area, among other family members and friends. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. And for homes that are bigger or have more things, you might want to hire a professional to help.
Find Financial and Legal Documents
As you’re sorting, tell everyone helping to set aside any financial or legal documents they might come across. Usually, you’ll find them in places like desk drawers and filing cabinets. However, you never know where they could end up for certain. You might also want to look for important documents before the cleaning process begins.
Preserve Keepsakes and Photos
You’ll come across photos and other keepsakes while you clean and organize. These are irreplaceable, and you should put them in a safe place to prevent them from becoming misplaced or damaged. Use materials like bubble wrap or waterproof storage items to store them.
Even though this situation isn’t one anyone looks forward to, using these tips for cleaning out your elderly parents’ home can help make the process a bit easier.
