Nine Tips to Declutter Your Home
Article written by Donna Levalley & Dawn Wotapka, Kiplinger.
Planning to declutter your home — whether you’re moving or downsizing — can be overwhelming. Here’s how to do it.
As the seasons change, from winter to spring to summer and fall, you may be changing the season of your life, too, including looking for ways to ready your home for selling, moving or downsizing — without cramping your style.
Whether you’re retiring, planning for it, or still working a 9 to 5, now is the perfect time to invoke your inner Marie Kondo — the popular Japanese organization expert — who famously emphasizes keeping only those items that “spark joy” in you.
To declutter your home, prepare to let go
Experts have made downsizing and decluttering seem simple: Keep it, trash it or donate it. If only it were that easy.
“Decluttering can seem daunting, especially for retirees and those nearing retirement who may have accumulated decades’ worth of clutter,” says Aaron Traub, owner of My Professional Organizer in Dallas.
For anyone who’s planning a move or just downsizing to a smaller place, the process often requires sifting through a lifetime of memories and mementos — children’s art, yellowed newspaper clippings, your late grandmother’s shawl — making the process far more complex and emotionally draining.
But it doesn’t have to be that way, especially if you consider the opportunity to offload a lot of your stuff for a fresh start.
“I always recommend that my clients focus on the idea of what they want to keep — what will support their lifestyle today, and their hopes and dreams for tomorrow, rather than the more traditional idea that we have to declutter to get rid of stuff,” says Danie Smallwood, a self-described decluttering mindset coach based in Bethesda, Md.
Whether you’re preparing for a costly move or just starting your Spring cleaning, here are nine tips on how to start downsizing and decluttering.
1. Don’t try to do it all in one day
Downsizing and decluttering needs to be done consistently. “Even if all you can manage is dealing with one paper from the mountain that has built up on your desk, commit to doing that one tiny thing every single day,” Smallwood says.
“Will you unclutter your whole desk that way? No. But you will create the confidence that you are someone who declutters, who sticks with it, who can keep it up — and that’s the most important step you can take in the beginning.”
Whether it’s 10 minutes, 30 minutes a day, or a full day on the weekend, setting aside a dedicated time to declutter will help ensure you progress,” says Traub.
2. Start with easy wins
Gather all trash, clean out the fridge and pantry and then collect and organize receipts and paperwork, which likely have minimal sentimental value. Next, “look for things that are out of place, like piles of books, clothes, shoes, small appliances,” says Diane Quintana, an organizer with Release Repurpose Reorganize in Atlanta. “Can you put these things away? If you can’t put them away, can you make room for them by decluttering where they would typcailly go?” Better yet, donate books you’ve read and clothes you’ll no longer wear to charity and get a break on your taxes.
Then move on to other smaller areas. Consider tackling individual drawers before moving up to something slightly larger, such as a closet or a spare room, suggests Darcy Speed, who trains other organizers and home stagers at Ultimate Academy. “There are usually fewer decisions to be made regarding what to keep and what to donate,” she says.
3. Stop collecting more stuff
Everyone likes the latest and greatest new gadgets. But, sometimes you can reduce stress and make your life simpler by getting by with what you already own. Even if that means telling friends and family members to skip this year’s birthday present. “If you continue to accumulate things through the decluttering process, you’re just rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic, and you’ll be a lot slower in reaching your goals,” says Lisa Dooley, author of More Space. More Time. More Joy!: Organizing Your Best Life.
4. Consider getting outside help
Professional organizers can map out a process and timeline while keeping things moving.
“It can be helpful to have an objective outsider around when things start to get stuck,” says Melissa Gungi, a San Francisco-based professional organizer who works with retirees and seniors. “I also encourage getting help for the smaller bumps, like hiring haulers for a couple of hours to move heavy things around or trash out, or finding resources for where to donate and recycle things.”
5. Time to sort out your belongings
When sorting out the “clutter” you’ve accumulated, it’s easier on your emotions to put the items into four groups — Keep, Give, Sell, Trash
Keep : It’s your stuff so it makes sense you’ll want to keep everything, but that ‘s not always best. Instead, reserve this category for items you use on a regular basis. This is the belongings you just can’t do without, or don’t want to do without. It may include sentimental items like family photos or your kid’s trophies, canning supplies (if you actually can), legal papers like your will or house deed, and more. You get the idea.
Give: If you have special ties to certain items that are just too strong to break, consider giving them to a family member or close friend. That way these items will be treasured in the same way you’ve always treasured them. You might also consider donating them to you favorite charity or to your church. Instead of clinging to the memories of the past, make room for all the new memories to come.
Sell: You’re keeping things you can’t do without and donating things so they can be appreciated by someone else. Now it’s time to earn some cash. Have a yard sale or sell your items online. Just think of all the money that can go to a dinner out for two before your big move.
Trash: Trashing your belongings may be the hardest for many people. After all, these items have held a place in your home for years, and it’s hard to part with things you may use in the future. But, ask yourself, do you really want to pack all of this stuff up and move it to another home? If there are things you will never use, you can’t donate, and they won’t sell, throw them away and be free!
6. Give yourself grace with a ‘maybe’ box
If you’re on the fence about a particular item, set it aside, suggests Danie Smallwood, the Maryland decluttering coach. The hardest decisions will involve holiday ornaments, scrapbooks, pictures and other items that tear at your heart. “Sentimental items will slow you down, and the goal is to get through as much as you can, as quickly as you can,” she says.
When the box is full, “put a note on it and a date when you will revisit those contents,” she says. “By then, your decluttering muscles will be stronger” and you’ll be able to make a decision.
7. Ask yourself the last time you used something
If you haven’t used it in the past year or so and don’t expect you’ll need it in the near future, it’s probably safe to get rid of it, says Aaron Traub, the Dallas organizer.
8. Involve your family
Reach out to your family and ask them to go through any possessions they may have left behind. Then invite family members over for a “give and take” visit, suggests Darcy Speed. “Explain that you are looking to declutter and encourage them to choose their favorite items. The “giver” can share the story behind the keepsake, making it even more meaningful, and then it can be taken out of the home.”
You may think about keeping this stuff for your heirs, but keep in mind that “very rarely do your children have the same attachments to items that you have,” says Jil McDonald, an interior designer, in Vancouver, Canada, who recently downsized significantly. “They want to create their own new memories.” Instead, discard the items, but “take pictures and videos to keep the memories alive,” suggests John Linden, a Los Angeles-based interior designer.
9. Declutter on a regular basis
Finally, be sure that your old habits don’t return “Keep up with the organization,” says Linden. “Make sure to declutter on a regular basis, and be conscious of what new items you are bringing into your home.”
For Jakob Miller, in New York, “Decluttering was a challenging but rewarding task. Not only did it make my home more organized and functional, but it also gave me a sense of peace and clarity,” he says. “Just start small, take it one step at a time. And you’ll be amazed at the results.”
Here’s How Much the Average Retired Person Spends Per Month
Article written by Vikki Velasquez, Investopedia
One of the most pressing questions individuals face is: How much money will I need to maintain a comfortable lifestyle once I stop working?
Average Monthly Expenses for Retirees
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides valuable insights into spending patterns of retired households. According to data from the Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CES), the average retired household spends approximately $5,000 per month. Note that this information is based on data collected on 2023 spending and is the most recent available. This includes, in its total, but is not limited to:
- Housing. Costs include mortgages, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance. Retirees who have paid off their mortgages generally face lower monthly costs.
- Healthcare. Even with Medicare coverage, a retiree’s budget can be strained by out-of-pocket premiums, co-pays, prescription drugs, and long-term care.
- Food. Food spending tends to decline slightly in retirement compared to preretirement years. However, dining out and special dietary needs can influence individual costs.
- Transportation. While commuting expenses drop, retirees can still spend on vehicle maintenance, insurance, fuel, and recreational travel.
Will Your Savings Be Enough?
One benchmark to assess your retirement readiness is your total savings and investment portfolio. Data from Empower reveals the median 401(k) balance for individuals ages 60 to 69 is $210,724. Perhaps more important is data that shows the average balance for this age range was $573,624.
It’s important to consider how this balance decreases by age. For example, Empower also reported the median balance for those in their 70s was $106,654.3 This is a function of (1) individuals leaving a workforce and rolling over their retirement savings to other retirement accounts and (2) needing to draw down their retirement accounts. Consider the statistic above about needing $60,000 per year (all while perhaps not having income other than retirement benefits).
Strategies to Bridge the Gap
If your current retirement projections indicate a shortfall, don’t panic. There are actionable steps you can take to support financial security:
- Maximize 401(k) Contributions. For 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows individuals ages 50 and older to contribute up to $31,000 annually to their 401(k).
- Contribute to IRAs. Beyond employer-sponsored plans, individuals can save $7,000 (or more in certain circumstances) in traditional or Roth individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
- Increase Social Security Benefits. Each year you delay claiming Social Security past your full retirement age, your benefits increase by 8%, up to age 70.
- Evaluate Retirement Spending. Consider what you will need to spend money on in your post-career period. Decreasing costs can be just as good as increasing income.
- Meet with your financial advisor to review your specific retirement journey.
Help Your Family Plan Your Funeral Far in Advance
Article written by Lynda Clugston Webster, AARP
Gather these items now so your final wishes are met and their burden is lighter
I grew up in a funeral home and was often in the room as my father, the funeral director, would meet with grieving families.
When I was little, my job was to pick up blossoms that fell from flower arrangements. At 16, I was the only kid I knew who could drive a hearse. In my late teens, I met with families, worked at funerals and helped with follow-up calls to check on bereaved families.
I saw firsthand how unprepared most people are to write an obituary, advise friends and family of a death, or plan a funeral or memorial service.
Just as the coronavirus is prompting many people to rush to make their wills, it also can be an opportunity to think about what you’d want to happen if your family needed to arrange for a funeral. It’s a hard topic, but it doesn’t have to be morbid. It can be meaningful for you to make your wishes known, and when the time comes it can be a great relief to your family members that you did this for them.
Here’s what you can do now to spare your loved ones the added grief of not knowing your full life story or your final wishes for burial or a service.
Gather the following items and place them in a file folder, whether a physical one or a digital file. Make sure your family members know where to find it when the time comes.
Photo
Would your spouse or child pick the photo you would choose of yourself for the newspaper or memorial service program? Pick a photo you like, preferably one with high resolution.
Life story
Nobody knows your story better than you; don’t leave it to your family to get the facts right. As we age, even our spouses won’t always remember what year we graduated from high school, our job titles or other details of our stories. You don’t have to write the full obituary, but at least leave the family the key points for which you’d like to be remembered.
Burial plans
Talk about where your final resting place might be, and buy the plot now so your family won’t have to guess. If you wish to rest in a place with restrictions, such as Arlington National Cemetery, check ahead to see if you qualify.
My husband, Bill, recounts how his parents used to have a friendly argument about their final resting place. Each wanted to be buried in his or her own place of birth, Ohio and Missouri. Don’t leave such an important decision to grieving family members to figure out.
Service preferences
Although many gatherings for funerals are not possible under current restrictions, people are holding online events and may be able to hold memorial services at some point. What would you like loving friends, family, colleagues to hear about you when they gather to celebrate your life? I’ve sat through or worked at numerous funerals and recall many a service that didn’t begin to reflect the personality or, very likely, the wishes of the deceased. Sometimes I’d say to myself, “Am I at the right service?”
For example, if you are not a religious person, would you want your memorial service to take place in a church with multiple Bible verses? Funerals and memorial services are in large part to comfort the living, but make your wishes known so the event will reflect your unique life. One of the most memorable services I recall ended with two of the deceased person’s favorite treats, chocolate sundaes and cookies, being passed out to mourners as they left.
Who would be a good eulogist? It’s nice to choose people who know you in different ways so more of your interesting life can be reflected. Would your chosen people be confident speakers? You don’t want them to melt at the sight of the microphone. Note songs or hymns to be played and favorite passages, poems or readings.
Email list
Having a list of friends, family members and others to be contacted upon your death will save your family time and certain anguish. Why not put that list together now — knowing you can also use it for happy notifications such as marriages, births or graduations.
These steps can be done alone or together with loved ones. It need not be a maudlin task — it can actually be some of the most meaningful, rewarding time you can spend together. The folder of information you create will be a gift to those who love you most, at one of the most difficult times of their lives.
Once you’ve collected this information you can tuck it away with your life insurance, will and any other important documents and hope that no one needs to look at the folder for a long time.
Lynda Clugston Webster is the founder and owner of the Webster Group, a Washington-based global event design and production company. Her family owned three funeral homes in rural Illinois.
50 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2025
Article written by Travel + Leisure
Dr. Seuss’s “Oh, the Places You Will Go” is a classic graduation present, but the beloved book could just as easily be gifted to a retiree.
It’s all about life’s challenges and joys, and the need to learn from mistakes. It’s perfect for anyone pondering retirement, with the opportunities it presents, the many decisions it requires. Look for a part-time job? Stay in your home or downsize? Move to a different city? And which city—there are so many things to consider between housing costs, adequate health care, and cultural activities.
Retirement came to me suddenly five years ago. My company offered a buyout so significant it was impossible to pass up. With some persuasion from my family, I signed the papers, cleaned out my desk, and joined the ranks of the retired. But then what?
Financially, I was comfortable, and freelancing allowed me to keep working at my own pace. Maintaining our home was a source of stress, so in the first few months, options for downsizing or relocating were a priority—though ultimately put off for a couple of years thanks to a low interest rate from a recent refinance.
We traveled—the long-awaited cruise to Alaska, Maui as often as possible. And there was more time to pursue passions. I even joined a group for senior tap dancers.
But in the end, the biggest decisions revolved around where to live—and that’s still a work in progress. The first step was downsizing to an apartment, and though I never thought it would happen, becoming a snowbird. But my partner is clamoring for more time in the sun and my daughter just announced she’s moving to Miami, so pulling up stakes might be in the cards. As Dr. Seuss wrote, “You have brains in your head … you can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
To help you take that first step, Travel + Leisure and Investopedia teamed up to compile a list of the 50 best places to retire in the U.S., broken down by region. — Barbara Schuler
Hermitage, Pennsylvania
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Courtesy of Visit PA
This small city is located in the northwestern part of the state, about 70 miles from Pittsburgh. The area offers abundant outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, and swimming on the Shenango River Lake. There’s also the 300-acre Buhl Park, which has a public golf course, picnic areas, walking and running trails, gardens, and playgrounds. The city is about 20 miles from Youngstown, Ohio, which has several museums, a performing arts center, a planetarium, a casino, and a horse-racing track.
With a population of 15,816, Hermitage offers small-town charm, historic sites, and a county-wide median home value of $153,600. Mercer County’s 11 hospitals and 276 health care establishments provide accessible medical care. Another plus: Pennsylvania does not tax withdrawals from IRAs or 401(k)s. To top it off, the county is also known for tax-free shopping at the Grove City Premium Outlets.
Johnstown, Pennsylvania
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William Sherman/iStockphoto/Getty Images
Johnstown is known to many for the 1889 flood that killed more than 2,200 people, now commemorated by the Johnstown Flood National Memorial and the Johnstown Flood Museum. In addition to the museum, the Johnstown Discovery Network oversees the Heritage Discovery Center, the Children’s Museum, the Wagner-Ritter House, and the Stone Bridge, all of which tell stories of immigration, the flood, and the steel industry.
Johnstown features a variety of colorful murals around town, and the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center hosts concerts, ballets, and theater performances. Other notable happenings include the Johnstown PolkaFest, an annual two-day music festival, and events celebrating diversity, the arts, and agriculture.
Utica, New York
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iStockphoto/Getty Images
Utica is set in the Mohawk Valley along the Erie Canal, which dates back to 1825. Today, visitors can enjoy the canal for boating, kayaking, and scenic cruising. A bike path, part of the 750-mile Empire State Trail, follows much of its route. Concerts, hockey games, ice-skating shows, and special events are held in the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium, which was built in 1959. (Fun fact: New York City’s Madison Square Garden was modeled after the Auditorium.) Residents enjoy outdoor activities year-round, from snow sports in the winter to golf, hiking, and biking in the warmer months.
With a population of 63,089, Utica is located in Oneida County, about 90 miles from Albany, the state capital. The median home value is $171,100. Health care is provided through the county’s 14 hospitals and 379 health care establishments. And while Social Security income is not taxable, withdrawals from pre-tax accounts are partially taxed.
Union, New York
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Jonathan William Cohen/iStockphoto/Getty Images
Union, which dates back to Revolutionary times, is located in Broome County, in south-central New York, near the Pennsylvania border. The village of Endicott is the birthplace of IBM and the Endicott Johnson Shoe Company, once the world’s largest shoe manufacturer. The Endicott History and Heritage Center tells the stories of those companies with photos and artifacts.
Less than eight miles from Union, Binghamton University provides athletic and cultural events as well as continuing-education opportunities. The Bundy Museum of History & Art and the Roberson Museum and Science Center are found in Binghamton. Ross Park Zoo and Cider Mill Stage are both nearby. For hiking, waterfalls, forests, and natural beauty, IBM Glen provides 200 acres of outdoor activities.
Today, the city has a population of 53,821. The median county home value is $145,100. Social Security income is not taxed by the state of New York, but withdrawals from pre-tax accounts are partially taxable.
Conway, New Hampshire
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Getty Images
With a population of 10,340, the small town of Conway is one of the largest communities in Carroll County. It is located on the eastern side of the state, near the White Mountain National Forest and the border with Maine. The 34-mile Kancamagus Highway, considered one of the nation’s most scenic for its waterfalls and colorful fall foliage, begins just west of town. Echo Lake State Park in North Conway offers hiking, camping, swimming, and biking, and in the winter, there’s skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and dog-sledding—plenty of year-round activities for residents. The Salyard Center for the Arts, supported by the Conway Historical Society, offers a variety of events from April to December.
The median home value in Carroll County is $348,900, the highest on this list. The county has two hospitals and 82 health care establishments. New Hampshire does not tax Social Security income or withdrawals from pre-tax accounts, an attractive benefit for retired residents.
Waycross, Georgia
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iStockphoto/Getty Images
The median home value in Ware County, Georgia—home to the city of Waycross—is $106,500, significantly lower than the median home value for the entire U.S., which, in 2023, was $419,300. So, if you’re hoping to find a home for a decent price, Waycross is a good place to start.
With a population of just 13,643, Waycross feels like a small town, but its residents have access to 10 hospitals and 120 other health care establishments within the area. They’re also within driving distance of a major airport, across the state border in Jacksonville, Florida. Plus, Waycross is located at the northern end of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, which offers a range of activities, from camping and hiking to canoeing, fishing, and wildlife spotting.
Litchfield Beach, South Carolina
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Courtesy of Visit Myrtle Beach
Love the idea of living in a South Carolina beach town, but don’t want to pay Charleston-area prices? Litchfield Beach might just be the perfect place to retire. The 10,393-person town is an hour and a half from the Holy City and roughly three miles north of Pawleys Island, where you’ll find one of the best beaches in the state.
The median home value within Georgetown County is $262,300; for comparison, Charleston’s current median home listing is $650,000. Another green flag for Litchfield? The number of hospitals and health care facilities in the surrounding area—27 and 185, respectively. There’s also the fact that the community’s wide, gorgeous beach is easily accessible, so you can spend your time breathing in fresh ocean air, taking long walks, and swimming when the weather allows.
Twin Falls, Idaho
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Getty Images
Located in southern Idaho in a county by the same name, Twin Falls has a population of 55,896. With a median home value in the county of $292,700, housing is generally affordable. Social Security is not taxable in Idaho, but the state taxes withdrawals from pre-tax accounts. Ten hospitals and 462 medical establishments provide health care in the county.
The College of Southern Idaho, a large community college is located in Twin Falls, and three state universities offer classes on the campus. The CSI Fine Arts Center provides theater, music, entertainment, and a speaker series for the enrichment of local residents.
The Twin Falls website points out the city’s 1,650 acres of parks and open spaces, including trails, playgrounds, ball fields, and pools. The Perrine Bridge over Snake River Canyon offers panoramic views, and the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail is a popular place for hiking and biking. Water sports at Centennial Waterfront Park and Dierkes Lake attract residents and visitors alike. Nearby is Shoshone Falls, one of the largest natural waterfalls in the country, even higher than Niagara Falls.
Pueblo, Colorado
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Paul Brady/Getty Images
Located approximately 100 miles south of Denver along the Rocky Mountains, Pueblo has a population of 110,803. Denver International Airport is 120 miles away. The median home value in Pueblo County is $271,800, and both Social Security income and withdrawals from pre-tax accounts are partially taxable in Colorado. Health care is provided through four hospitals and 368 medical establishments in the county.
Pueblo’s downtown features the Riverwalk, where visitors can shop, dine, and view more than 60 pieces of art, or take a guided history cruise. Pueblo Zoo is home to about 400 animals representing 140 species. Rosemount Museum is set in a 37-room mansion built in 1893, and nearly all furnishings and art are original, giving visitors a glimpse of the past during guided tours. Fishing, sailing, boating, hiking, picnicking, and river tubing are popular activities at Lake Pueblo State Park.
These are just a few of the places pulled from the list. Check out the full list by clicking this link to read the article.
According to SHRM, a 2021 Employee Benefits Survey conducted by XPertHR showed that roughly 82% of employers studied matched a portion of their employees’ contributions while the remaining 18% didn’t provide any matches at all.
Source: shrm.org, 2021
Entertainment & Education
Looking for something to read?
This list consists of the top 7 retirement books of 2024.
Source: Morningstar.com
On the Bright Side
Updated Retirement INsights Disclosure: This document is for informational purposes only. All information is assumed to be correct but the accuracy has not been confirmed and therefore is not guaranteed to be correct. Information is obtained from third party sources that may or may not be verified. The information presented should not be used in making any investment decisions. It is not a recommendation to buy, sell, implement, or change any securities or investment strategy, function, or process. Any financial and/or investment decision should be made only after considerable research, consideration, and involvement with an experienced professional engaged for the specific purpose. All comments and discussion presented are purely based on opinion and assumptions, not fact. These assumptions may or may not be correct based on foreseen and unforeseen events. Past performance is not an indication of future performance. Any financial and/or investment decision may incur losses.
Investment Advisory Services offered through Trek Financial LLC, an investment adviser registered with the Securities Exchange Commission. Information presented is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered specific investment advice, does not take into consideration your specific situation, and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. For specific tax advice on any strategy, consult with a qualified tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.
