A New Decade, A Fresh and Safe Start

As we journey through life, the concept of home transforms. For seniors, a home isn't just a place; its a treasure trove of memories, comfort, and love. Yet, as time passes, maintaining a home can become overwhelming. Clutter accumulates, and cherished belongings can start to feel burdensome. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand the emotional significance of a well-organized home. Our mission is to help seniors transform their houses into serene sanctuaries filled with love and order.Understanding the Emotional Impact of ClutterClutter doesn't just take up physical space; it occupies mental and emotional space too. For seniors, every item often holds a story or memory, making it difficult to let go. However, too much clutter can lead to stress, anxiety, and even safety hazards.The Weight of MemoriesEach item in a seniors home can be a trigger for a fond memory or a significant life event. While these memories are precious, the physical accumulation of items can create a cluttered and chaotic environment. This clutter can make everyday tasks challenging and diminish the sense of peace in the home. Our approach at A Call to Order is to handle these possessions with the utmost respect and care, ensuring that memories are preserved while creating a more manageable living space.Embracing Change with CompassionChange can be daunting, especially for seniors who may have lived in their homes for decades. The thought of parting with belongings can evoke feelings of loss. Our team is trained to provide compassionate support, helping seniors make decisions that honor their past while embracing the future. We encourage keeping items that truly bring joy and serve a purpose, and we help find meaningful ways to repurpose or donate the rest.Steps to Transform a House into a Loving HomeOrganizing a seniors home is about more than just tidying up; its about creating a space that nurtures well-being and happiness. Here are some steps we follow to achieve this transformation:1. Initial Consultation and PlanningEvery senior's situation is unique, and so are their needs. We begin with a thorough consultation to understand their lifestyle, preferences, and the challenges they face. This allows us to create a personalized plan that addresses their specific needs and goals.2. Sorting and DeclutteringThe sorting process is handled with sensitivity and patience. We work closely with seniors to identify items that hold sentimental value and those that can be let go. This step is crucial in creating a more open and navigable living space. For items that are no longer needed, we provide options for donation or repurposing, ensuring they find a new home where they can continue to bring joy.3. Organizing and Creating Functional SpacesOnce the decluttering is complete, we focus on organizing the remaining items in a way that enhances accessibility and functionality. This might include rearranging furniture, creating dedicated zones for activities, and ensuring that frequently used items are within easy reach. Our goal is to create a home environment that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.4. Personalized Touches and Memory PreservationIncorporating personal touches is key to making a house feel like home. We help seniors display cherished photographs, heirlooms, and mementos in a way that celebrates their life journey. This not only adds warmth to the home but also provides a daily source of joy and comfort.Maintaining the Love and OrderCreating an organized home is just the beginning. Maintaining this newfound order requires ongoing support and simple strategies. Here are some tips for seniors and their families:1. Regular Check-ins and AdjustmentsLife is dynamic, and needs can change over time. Regular check-ins and adjustments to the home environment ensure it continues to meet the seniors needs. This might involve seasonal decluttering, rearranging furniture for accessibility, or updating organizational systems.2. Encouraging Mindful LivingEncouraging seniors to adopt a mindful approach to their belongings can help prevent future clutter. This means being intentional about what comes into the home and regularly reassessing what is no longer needed.3. Utilizing Support NetworksFamily members, friends, and professional organizers can provide invaluable support in maintaining an organized home. Regular visits and assistance with chores can help seniors feel less overwhelmed and more connected.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, our work goes beyond organizing spaces; its about enriching lives. We believe that every senior deserves a home filled with love, peace, and order. By transforming cluttered houses into serene sanctuaries, we help seniors rediscover the joy of living in a space that truly feels like home. With compassion, patience, and personalized care, we are here to support every step of this meaningful journey.

Spring Cleaning ChecklistThe weather is starting to turn, and it's time to indulge in the annual spring-cleaning ritual. Its extra important for seniors to conduct spring cleaning checklists and let go of items that pose potential threats. So, clean out your garage, straighten up your parents' home and prepare your living area for the season ahead! Take a look at BrightStar Cares guide to tidying up as the seasons change. Dispose of Harmful Items First things firstget rid of any items that may be harmful. We often overlook things that have been in our homes for a while and dont realize they may become dangerous as time goes on. Here are nine things, according to AARP (Opens in a new window), that you should get rid of during this years spring cleaning: Hazardous WasteAerosol cans, batteries, motor oil, antifreeze and paint all need to be properly disposed of so they dont contaminate the environment or accidently harm elderly folks, children or pets. Exposure to these substances and other household chemicals (Opens in a new window) can lead to headaches, allergic reactions and, in severe cases, respiratory illnesses. Go to Earth911.com to find a safe place for disposal. Piled-Up Plastic ContainersDo you have piles of plastic containers sitting around just in case? Take a closer look at that plastic. Containers with recycle codes 3 or 7 may contain BPA, a hormone-disrupting chemical that leaches into food as containers age or heat up in the microwave or dishwasher. Replace containers made before 2010 with new plastic or glass ones, that dont contain BPA.Expired or Unused MedicationsWith age, there often comes a greater reliance on medication. But what happens when you no longer need certain medicines? Too often, people let expired medication gather dust. Instead, toss old drugs in an eco-friendly way. Dont flush them down the toilet or put them in the trash. Take them to official collection sites on National Take-Back Initiative Day, April 27. If you keep expired medications around, you risk someone accidentally taking the wrong drug. Old SpicesDried-up, decades-old spices wont make you sick, but they wont add flavor or nutrients to your food, either. According to experts at McCormick (Opens in a new window), seasoning blends last one or two years. Herbs and ground spices are good for one to three years, and whole spices last up to four years. Saving these age-old spices only adds to the clutter in your loved ones home. Moldy MakeupMakeup is only safe for a limited time. After that, infection-causing bacteria can start to grow, especially in eye makeup. Mascara only lasts two to three months, lip gloss six months and foundation six months to a year.Crusty Contact Lens CasesDid you know that 92% of contact lens cases are contaminated due to poor hygiene and lack of cleaning? Eye experts (Opens in a new window) say cases should be cleaned with a fresh soaking solution and dried every day. After three months of use, its time for a replacement.Old PillowsPillows older than 18 months contain fungi, dead skin and dust mites that can aggravate allergies, asthma and sinusitis. Try folding your pillow in half and squeezing out the air. If it doesnt spring back, its too old. Beyond allergies and asthma, the Sleep Foundation (Opens in a new window) asserts that old pillows also contribute to sore musclesa big concern for many elderly folks. Expired Canned FoodCanned food certainly last longer than produce, but these goods will expire after a while. Be sure to read the labels on canned products to learn how long it will keep for. Canned tomatoes and fruits are good for 18 months, while canned meat and vegetables last up to five years. Throw old, expired food awayif its expired, it shouldnt be eaten or donated. Germy Kitchen SpongesAccording to a study done by the Agricultural Research Service (Opens in a new window), microwaving your sponge can kill 99.9 percent of germs. These cleaning implements are rife with bacteria thriving in the damp crevices. Some of these bacteria are linked to severe gut and skin infections. To reduce the bad stuff, microwave your sponge daily in an inch of water for a minute on high heat.Spring Cleaning Tips for Older AdultsOnce your loved ones home is free from any harmful materials, its time to get started on the rest of your spring-cleaning list. Here are just a few more tips for making the most of the season: Cleaning Up for Fall SafetyAround 36 million falls (Opens in a new window) are reported each year, and thats only counting those among older adults. With such a staggering number, its clear that falls are not just passing dangerstheyre a public health concern. This years spring cleaning is a perfect time to evaluate your loved ones home safety and focus on fall prevention. As you help them tidy up, consider the following tips for a safer living space (Opens in a new window): Clear walkwaysRemove any boxes and cords from walkways. Even if theyre easy to avoid for you, they could be a tripping hazard for seniors. Tidy up high-traffic areasConsider moving pieces of furniture like coffee tables and ottomans from high-traffic areas. Try putting side tables right beside furniture instead of obstructing walkways. Examine the floorsHave you noticed loose floorboards or rugs? Repair any damaged flooring or carpeting as soon as possible and use double-faced tape to fasten loose rugs to the floor. Invest in non-slip matsPlace non-slip mats in areas prone to getting wetoutside the bathtub, in front of the kitchen sink and in entryways. Checking Safety Equipment Heres another thing to add to your spring-cleaning checklistfire safety. Its a good idea to check smoke alarms and fire extinguishers regularly, and you might as well lump this task in with spring cleaning. Ensuring your loved ones home is fire-safe will give you added peace of mind. Try these tips from the U.S. Fire Administration (Opens in a new window): Install a smoke alarm inside and outside each sleeping areaReplace smoke alarms that are older than 10 years Ensure carbon monoxide alarms work and are less than seven years oldCheck all electrical cords and replace those in poor condition Make sure outlets do not feel warm to the touch Develop a fire escape plan that identifies an outside meeting place Clearing ClutterYoure armed with lots of spring-cleaning tips, but maybe you dont quite know where to start. Its understandable tidying up an entire home is overwhelming, especially when youre doing so on behalf of a loved one. If youre feeling stressed, implement these strategies while spring cleaning (Opens in a new window) for a senior loved one: Start small: Try not to think of spring cleaning as one giant project. Instead of resolving to clean the whole house today, start with a drawer, cupboard or closet and go from there. Create three piles: As you sift through your loved ones things, place them into one of three pileskeep, donate and toss. Organizing items this way avoids one big, overwhelming pile of stuff youll have to sort out later. Downsize: Consider using this time to downsize. For every new item your loved one adds to their home, ask them to choose something to throw out. Encourage them to donate unused items in good condition and get rid of trash right away. Manage your time: Spring cleaning can last more than one day. If youre on a time crunch, dedicate just a few hours over the weekend to clean. Dont feel like you have to do everything at once spread the responsibility over several days. Ask a professional: You dont have to do it alone! Look into professional organizers in your area and ask them for help decluttering your loved ones home.  Call 24/7 BrightStar Care today to learn more 303-300-6666.

Welcome to A Call to Order Professional Organizer, where we specialize in providing compassionate and personalized senior organizing services designed to help you master change with grace and confidence. In this heartfelt guide, we'll explore the transformative power of senior organizing and offer practical tips tailored to your unique needs. From decluttering and downsizing to creating harmonious living spaces, our team is here to support you every step of the way on your journey of change.Embracing Change with CourageChange can be daunting, especially as we grow older and face new challenges and transitions. Whether you're downsizing to a smaller home, moving into assisted living, or simply seeking to streamline your surroundings, embracing change requires courage and resilience. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand the emotional complexities of change and are committed to helping you navigate this journey with compassion and care.Tips for Mastering Change with Senior OrganizingStart with Reflection: Before embarking on your journey of change, take some time to reflect on your goals, values, and priorities. What do you hope to achieve through this process? What aspects of your current living situation are serving you well, and what areas could benefit from improvement? By gaining clarity on your intentions, you can approach the organizing process with purpose and intentionality.Create a Vision: Once you've reflected on your goals, create a vision for your ideal living environment. What does your ideal space look and feel like? What elements are essential for creating a sense of comfort, harmony, and joy? Use this vision as a guiding light throughout the organizing process, helping you stay focused and motivated as you work towards your goals.Take Small Steps: Change can feel overwhelming when viewed as a monumental task, but breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps can make it feel more attainable. Start by tackling one area of your home at a time, whether it's a single room, closet, or drawer. Celebrate each small victory along the way, knowing that every step forward brings you closer to your ultimate goal.Declutter with Compassion: Letting go of belongings can be an emotionally charged process, especially when they hold sentimental value. Approach decluttering with compassion and kindness towards yourself. Ask yourself whether each item serves a purpose or brings you joy, and if not, consider letting it go. Remember that decluttering isn't about getting rid of everything, but rather creating space for the things that truly matter to you.Seek Support and Guidance: You don't have to navigate this journey alone. Reach out to friends, family members, or professionals who can offer support and guidance along the way. A Call to Order Professional Organizer is here to provide personalized assistance tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Whether you need help decluttering, organizing, or navigating a move, our compassionate team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.Embrace the Process: Change is a natural part of life, and embracing the process can lead to growth, transformation, and new opportunities. Embrace the journey of change with an open heart and a positive mindset, knowing that each step forward brings you closer to a life that reflects your values and priorities. Trust in your ability to adapt and thrive in the face of change, knowing that you have the support and resources you need to succeed.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand that mastering change requires courage, resilience, and support. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing personalized senior organizing services tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Let us be your partner on your journey of change, guiding you with empathy and expertise as you create a living environment that reflects your values and priorities. With our support, you can embrace change with grace and confidence, knowing that you have the tools and resources you need to thrive in your new chapter of life.