Decluttering at 70: 6 Items That Transformed My Home for the Better

After years of helping others tackle their clutter as a home organizer, I decided it was time to apply my advice to my own life. Turning 70 prompted me to reflect on what truly matters and to eliminate unnecessary items that no longer brought joy.

Here are six areas where I focused my decluttering efforts at 70, the clarity it brought me, and how you can achieve similar results.

6 Items I Decluttered at 70

1. Worn Linens

First up was my linen closet. I found aging blankets, mismatched pillowcases, and sheets that no longer fit. Over the years, these items had accumulated and were taking up essential space.

Using the ODT Decluttering Method, I decided to keep only the linens that were comfortable and in good condition for use, plus a couple of spare sets for guests. Everything else was sent to textile recycling.

Clearing that out felt amazing, providing an immediate sense of achievement and relief.

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2. Kitchen Items

Next was the kitchen, which often sees the most traffic. I started with mismatched cups, plates, and glasses that had accumulated over the years. However, I also discovered two old toasters, an extra coffee machine, serving dishes, and various accessories that were no longer needed.

The 'Didn't Know' decluttering method worked perfectly here. If I didn't even remember having it, it was time to let it go.

I enjoy garage and estate sales, so I either sold or donated these items, ensuring they found new homes. Clearing out those cabinets was incredibly freeing while also benefiting others.

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3. Hall Closet

Next, I tackled the hall closet, which was overflowing with old coats, hats, and scarves from my children's younger days. While I had maintained my personal closet, I had overlooked this one, which had become a time capsule.

The golden decluttering rule suggests that if you didn't wear it last summer, it's likely time to part with it. Most of these items hadn't been used in years! With my kids now grown, I needed to reclaim the space.

After boxing up truly sentimental pieces, I donated the rest. To make quick decisions, I used the Toddler Decluttering Method to avoid decision fatigue.

Letting go of those items was a relief, and now the closet serves its true purpose—storing current coats and guest items.

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4. My Office Space

Then, I focused on my office. Not yet retired, maintaining this space efficiently is still crucial. Years of working as a home stager and organizer led to a mountain of outdated client folders and receipts taking up space.

The clutter in my drawer, filled with dried-out pens and stray paperclips, drained my mental energy. I knew I had to be ruthless with my decluttering.

By establishing an 'active project' area and a 'digital archive', I shredded old client files and scanned important documents for digital storage. I emptied the drawers, keeping only what I needed for current projects.

After this process, I felt a calm sense of joy as I approached my work.

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5. Important Papers

This task was perhaps the most vital. As I age, the thought of leaving a disorganized mess for my loved ones became a strong motivator. I knew I needed a filing system to avoid overwhelm.

I began by organizing financial documents, compiling a spreadsheet of important accounts to share with my family. Next was my health information, including my will and medical records. I gathered everything into a booklet and walked my family through it.

Helping your family understand your affairs while you're still around is both responsible and fulfilling. Of all my decluttering tasks at 70, this brought me the most peace of mind.

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6. Old Photos

Lastly, I tackled the long-avoided task of sorting through my boxes of photos and albums. These spanned decades, even containing negatives from the pre-digital age!

For years, I intended to edit this collection, adding dates and names, but it always felt overwhelming. Now, at 70, it was time to take action.

With a 'lessting' mindset, I curated the best images, discarding duplicates and blurry shots. I also began digitizing my collection. For the cherished physical prints, I invested in archival-safe albums. This process has been emotional but rewarding.

And I'm not done yet; it's a gradual project, giving me daily doses of nostalgia as I work through my family photos.

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There you have it—six items I decluttered at 70.

Decluttering at this age was not just about making space; it was about honoring my journey while creating a serene environment.

This process brought a sense of control and the peace of mind that comes from knowing everything is organized.

If you're finding decluttering challenging, explore our decluttering methods library for over 70 effective strategies suited for various needs.