SantaFe Senior Living
How do you feel when you think about your current closet situation? Whether it’s your bedroom closet or any other closet space in your home, do you find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of “stuff” you’ve accumulated over the years?
At The Village at Gainesville, home organization is key for residents. When their villas and apartments are organized, it allows them more time to spend taking part in activities they enjoy and making new friends.
Downsizing and decluttering can feel overwhelming but, in the end, are exceptionally rewarding tasks to take on. The best part is you won’t have to go through the process alone. At The Village, we’ll help get your closet system in order so you can retire in Gainesville without worry.
Learn more below about why downsizing is a good idea and the best ways to organize your closet.
Why it’s important to downsize and declutter
Did you know that there are actual health benefits that come with organizing? Knowing this brings a great sense of relief to seniors who are frustrated and trying to keep up with maintaining a larger home.
In fact, research conducted by Cleveland Clinic shares that “messy, disorganized spaces can negatively impact mental health and well-being” and “people with cluttered homes were more likely to report depressed moods.” Dawn Potter, PsyD, adds that cleaning and organizing produce a tangible feeling of satisfaction and, therefore, can help individuals feel much less stressed.
Here are additional ways in which you can benefit from downsizing and moving to a community like The Village at Gainesville.
- No more home maintenance.
At our senior living community, all home maintenance is taken care of for you – which means no additional fees for home repairs or utilities. You’ll be able to spend more time taking part in activities you enjoy without worrying about daily household chores.
- Less stuff.
Your home may be filled with items you no longer use. Downsizing is the perfect way to eliminate clutter and keep practical items and objects that have the most sentimental value instead, like family heirlooms.
- True, worry-free living.
At The Village at Gainesville, you’ll find convenient services and amenities and different levels of senior care – including assisted living and memory support – in one convenient location. No more property taxes to pay, either. Just the comfort of a perfectly sized residence combined with a fulfilling, independent lifestyle and unlimited access to support.
Are you growing warmer to the idea of undergoing a major storage space overhaul? To get you on the right track, let’s first begin with organizing your closets.
8 closet organization tips for seniors
The first step in decluttering is to prepare. Enlist the help of family and friends, decide how you’d like to separate items – keep, donate, throw away – and make sure you have the right equipment. Cardboard boxes, other storage items, and trash bags will be needed, along with tape and labels.
Whatever you do, don’t let your closets get the best of you. Getting organized before actually diving into the closet organizing helps tremendously. Now, once you’ve opened the closet doors, here’s where the following expert tips will come in handy.
1. Take it one closet at a time.
It doesn’t matter if you’re tackling a hallway closet or a walk-in closet – take out smaller items and work your way up to larger items, one at a time, so that you can properly determine which stay-or-go pile it fits into.
2. Thoroughly clean the empty space.
Once every item has been removed, wipe down everything from shelves to rods, hooks, and hangers. Make sure you give your closet door a good sweeping too.
3. Measure the space.
When preparing to move into a senior living community, measure your closet space to make sure everything you’re keeping will fit. This will also help you determine what size storage bins you’ll need.
4. Determine storage ratios.
How many of your items will need hanging space versus shelf space? Take this into account before purchasing hangers, shelves, and drawers.
5. Incorporate helpful storage solutions.
Make the most out of your closet space by implementing tools like shoe racks, shelf dividers, and over-the-door storage. Then, with labels, you’ll know where everything is at all times.
6. Upgrade lighting.
Traditional closets have a tendency to be dim. Many senior living residence closets come with lighting to help older adults find what they’re looking for. It’s beneficial to always keep new bulbs on hand for optimum visibility.
7. Keep everyday items in plain view.
We suggest storing seasonal items on the top or bottom of your closet, while everyday wear should be front and center and easy to access.
8. Plan to seasonally clean and reorganize.
With different seasons come different wardrobes – even in Florida! Set a quarterly reminder to switch out everyday clothing and shoes, and enlist the help of family, friends, and senior living team members to help shift things around.
What makes life neat for residents at The Village at Gainesville?
New and current residents at The Village not only have ample space, but they also have access to frequent incentives that make moving even more of a breeze.
For a limited time, you can save up to $300 per month on our second-occupant fee!*
If you move into one of The Cypress one-bedroom or one-bedroom with den residences by January 31, you’ll also get to choose from additional benefits, including:
- Five complimentary guest residence vouchers – including breakfast
- A complimentary closet organization upgrade
- A complimentary climate-controlled and on-campus storage locker
*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to rate increases each year.
Still feeling less than confident in tackling your household clutter? For additional guidance, our move-in experts are always available to help.
Make more room for happiness at The Village at Gainesville.
At our community in Gainesville, Florida, older adults discover a lifestyle with less worry, less clutter, and more ways to live well. Our independent living floor plans and assisted living floor plans offer the perfect amount of space to feel right at home with convenient services and amenities right outside your door. Learn more about our active lifestyle and organize your plans for a fulfilling future today.