The art of mindfulness has seen a rise in popularity over the last few years. Combine that with the popularity of minimalism, and it’s easy to see why more people are understanding the benefits of being mindful with their possessions.
As you get older, mindful possession management can help you streamline your living space, reduce stress, and keep things safe, uncluttered, and accessible.
It’s not always easy to “get rid” of things or even declutter, especially after a lifetime of storing up memories in the form of objects. But, being mindful with your possessions will help you determine what’s really important to you. You can clear away the clutter to live more simply and calmly, while holding onto the sentimental items that bring you comfort and happiness.
Let’s dive into some practical ideas on how you can make more informed decisions about your possessions and be more mindful of what you have. Doing so can kickstart other mindfulness practices, and can make it easier to remain focused on the present.
One of the biggest issues people tend to have when they’re trying to downsize, organize, or even be more mindful of what they own is letting go of things. You might know you need to declutter, but you’re not sure what you want to part with. Almost everything has at least one memory attached to it, and that can lead to complicated emotions when you’re considering what to get rid of.
If you’re having a hard time knowing what to part with, start by hanging onto things with the most sentimental value. You might want to pass them on to other family members as heirlooms. Things like watches, books, furniture, jewelry, and coins are all great examples of things that can be passed down now or later.
From there, create organization piles of your belongings. One pile should be for things you’re keeping. One should be for things you want to donate, sell, or store elsewhere. The last pile should be for things you want to throw away or get rid of. There are plenty of places that readily accept donations, so the things you no longer use can have a second life. The Salvation Army, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, and Planet Aid are all great options that can be found across the country.
Breaking things down into smaller piles can make the task of letting go seem less overwhelming. But, if you start to feel weighed down or emotional, give yourself a break. Practicing self-care throughout the process is important. So, prioritize sleep, stay active, and eat well to keep your energy up and your mind focused.
It’s surprisingly easy to accumulate a lot of “stuff” very quickly. Maybe you’ve already gone through a deep decluttering session, but you have a hard time keeping things organized and you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of possessions in your living space at any given time.
While you don’t need to completely adopt a minimalist lifestyle, taking some tips from people who go that route can help to keep your home decluttered and allow you to appreciate what you have much more.
One effective practice is the “one in, one out” rule. It suggests that every time you bring a new item into the house, you get rid of something else. This rule can help to determine what things are most important to you. It can also help you from overspending and buying things you don’t really need. You’re less likely to end up with duplicate items, and you can break down your decluttering efforts into smaller sections because you won’t have as many things to deal with.
Getting rid of certain possessions doesn’t necessarily mean you have to throw them away or donate them. If you’re trying to declutter and create a more mindful living space, you might consider storing important items that have sentimental value, but that don’t need to be in front and center in your home.
For example, if you have a set of collectibles that are important to you, consider how you can keep them safe but accessible for years to come if you’re putting them in storage. While safe storage practices depend on the type of collectibles you’re storing, some of the best tips for keeping them free from damage include:
● Avoiding direct sunlight
● Avoiding plastic containers
● Keeping away from extreme temperature swings
● Labeling everything
● Utilizing display cases
● Sorting by collection
The right storage solutions, whether you’re putting away a collection or storing bigger items, are important for seniors. You might want to consider a portable storage container that can be kept at your house for easy access, especially if you deal with mobility issues or don’t feel comfortable driving. A portable container offers you more control. You’ll know where your items are, you’ll know they are safe, and you will be able to access them at any time.
Being mindful with your possessions isn’t just about letting go of things you don’t need or want. It’s about appreciating the things that truly mean something to you, and deepening that appreciation with every piece of “clutter” you get rid of. Let these tips and practices help you be more mindful as you age in place, and you might be surprised by what you’re willing to part with.
Sam Bowman writes about people, aging, wellness, and how they merge. He enjoys getting to utilize the internet for community without actually having to leave his house. In his spare time he likes running, reading, and combining the two in a run to his local bookstore.
