Greater Home Ideas
Downsizing Mom and Dad: How to Help Aging Parents Declutter
Troutman, NC Real Estate News and Notes for Lake Norman
Downsizing Mom and Dad: How to Help Aging Parents Declutter – (Lake Norman Home Sellers) Older adults have had a lifetime to make memories, many of which are rooted firmly in their possessions. From wedding dresses to homemade Christmas ornaments, seniors often have a collection of curios that we consider clutter. Many seniors face situations that require significant downsizing. Read on for a few tips on how to help Mom and Dad simplify for safety and (your) sanity.
Discuss safety hazards openly and honestly. Seniors who have been in their home for many years are likely to have collected rooms full of stuff that they don’t use, and space is often tight. If the need to declutter has stemmed from a recent accident, injury, or other mobility impairment, talk with your parents about ways to make the home safer and the need to make room for assistive devices. This will inevitably include getting rid of furniture, area rugs, and other obstacles.
Allow the senior to be a part of the process. Nobody likes the idea of somebody else going through their stuff and cherry picking what should stay and what should go. Be firm with your parent that changes are necessary, but allow them to direct the process. Something as simple as time of day may be of great importance if the senior has a particular routine they would like to stick to. You will be less of a hindrance, and they will likely be more cooperative if you allow your parent(s) to call the shots. According to Psychology Today, many people hold onto stuff because they simply don’t know how to proceed. Assure your parent that you are there to help and will get the ball rolling at a comfortable pace.
Keep in mind that this is also sage advice about not just what your parents are purging, but if they’re moving to a smaller place, then where they’ll be living as well. If they’re moving to a new home, use an online search tool together to view homes in your area. This allows them to narrow down which homes they think will be a good fit for them, but keeps the opportunity open for you to discuss it with them. For example, in Troutman, NC, Homes are selling for an average price of $192,000. If they’re moving to an assisted living community or nursing home, they should have the final say in which facility they choose (unless they are mentally incapacitated or can’t afford their top pick).
Ask them what’s most important. Though you may not understand it, there is likely a good reason that your mom or dad has kept each and every item that remains in their possession. The trinkets may be linked to important memories, such as your birth or major family events. Items of historical significance may be coveted as a way for the senior to stay rooted in his or her past. Find out what’s most important and get the senior to discuss why. They may realize that many items can be released without compromising their sense of identity. The AARP offers tips on how to help your loved one prioritize and preserve prized possessions.
Don’t assume. Unless your parent is suffering with a physical or mental instability that would bar them from making decisions, never take matters into your own hands. While you may not see the importance of that old quilt shoved in the closet, it may be a family heirloom that your mom can’t live without.
Offer opportunities for items to be donated and put to good use. Sometimes, seniors hold on to belongings because they believe they will be of some great use in the future. Talk to your mom or dad about donating previously loved clothes, shoes, and furniture to charitable organizations, such as Goodwill. Doing this will ensure items retain their useful value, which may be why they were kept in the first place. SageMinder, a website dedicated to caregiver support, additionally suggests recycling or consigning used clothing, books, and household goods.
Consider the reason for the reorganization. If your parent is downsizing because they are moving into an assisted living facility, they will not need many of their larger personal belongings. Furniture, especially, is not needed, as most senior care campuses are fully furnished in a way that is both visually appealing and, more importantly, safe. Your parent will likely only have the need for a few cherished treasures, such as photographs or home videos.
Remember, treat your parent with respect and talk to them like the adult they are. Even seniors with cognitive impairments can pick up on tone and have emotional responses that will either help or hinder the situation.
THE MARTIN REAL ESTATE TEAM OF LAKE NORMAN
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Troutman
406 Morrison Farm Road, Troutman, NC 28166
Subdivision: Morrison Pointe North
5 BR, 6.2 BA, 7085 sqft
COMPASS | MLS # 4234210 | Active
180 Willow Point Road, Troutman, NC 28166
4 BR, 5.1 BA, 5102 sqft
Chosen Realty of NC | MLS # 4221786 | Active
110 Emmaline Court, Troutman, NC 28166
6 BR, 6 BA, 5982 sqft
Wilson Realty | MLS # 4150553 | Active
116 Emmaline Court, Troutman, NC 28166
4 BR, 4 BA, 4616 sqft
Wilson Realty | MLS # 4150567 | Active
155 Eagle Chase Lane, Troutman, NC 28166
Subdivision: Wildlife Bay
4 BR, 3.1 BA, 4771 sqft
Lake Realty | MLS # 4235412 | Active
188 Windwood Lane, Troutman, NC 28166
Subdivision: Hawkes Bay
4 BR, 4.1 BA, 5752 sqft
Premier Sotheby's | MLS # 4235635 | Active
202 Timber Lake Drive, Troutman, NC 28166
Subdivision: Falls Cove
4 BR, 4.2 BA, 4873 sqft
NorthGroup Real | MLS # 4249864 | Active
167 Maple View Drive, Troutman, NC 28166
Subdivision: Wildlife Bay
4 BR, 3.2 BA, 5423 sqft
Allen Tate | MLS # 4239127 | Active
127 Spring Oaks Drive, Troutman, NC 28166
4 BR, 3 BA, 3231 sqft
G2 Real Estate | MLS # 4187758 | Active
157 Silver Falls Drive, Troutman, NC 28166
Subdivision: Falls Cove
4 BR, 4.2 BA, 5079 sqft
Carolina Realty | MLS # 4234485 | Active
126 Anchor Lane, Troutman, NC 28166
Subdivision: Captains Cove
3 BR, 3.1 BA, 3136 sqft
Douglas Carson, | MLS # 4228228 | Active
307 Stillwater Road, Troutman, NC 28166
4 BR, 4 BA, 3473 sqft
Mitchell - Forbes | MLS # 4242313 | Active
271 Lockhard Circle, Troutman, NC 28166
Subdivision: Allison Acres
4 BR, 3 BA, 3560 sqft
Epique Inc. | MLS # 4194496 | Active
156 Ashmore Circle, Troutman, NC 28116
Subdivision: Falls Cove
4 BR, 4.1 BA, 3760 sqft
Carolina Realty | MLS # 4100854 | Active
131 Sierra Woods Drive, Troutman, NC 28166
Subdivision: Wildlife Bay
3 BR, 3 BA, 3469 sqft
Ivester Jackson | MLS # 4256194 | Active
Price: $949,000
149 Shady Cove Road, Troutman, NC 28166
Subdivision: Shady Cove
4 BR, 4 BA, 4037 sqft
EXP Realty LLC | MLS # 4252387 | Active
188 Winding Forest Drive, Troutman, NC 28166
Subdivision: Winding Forest
4 BR, 3.1 BA, 3405 sqft
EXP Realty LLC | MLS # 4235843 | Active
164 Crooked Branch Way, Troutman, NC 28166
Subdivision: Winding Forest
4 BR, 4 BA, 3944 sqft
JD Realty Group LLC | MLS # 4241614 | Active
412 Wildlife Road, Troutman, NC 28166
3 BR, 3 BA, 3385 sqft
EXP Realty LLC | MLS # 4212088 | Active
Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of May 15, 2025, 12am. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. Some IDX listings have been excluded from this website.
20711 Bethel Church Road, Cornelius, NC 28031
Subdivision: Flagship
6 BR, 6.3 BA, 5540 sqft
Terri Mayhew | MLS # 4225782 | Active
19118 Betty Stough Road, Cornelius, NC 28031
Subdivision: Patricks Purchase
5 BR, 5.2 BA, 5576 sqft
Susie Wagner | MLS # 4232881 | Active
18805 Flat Shoals Drive, Cornelius, NC 28031
Subdivision: The Peninsula
6 BR, 4.1 BA, 5830 sqft
Pamela Black | MLS # 4207742 | Active
8216 Malibu Pointe Lane, Denver, NC 28037
Subdivision: Gabriel Point
5 BR, 3.1 BA, 4316 sqft
Katherine Hansen | MLS # 4256470 | Active
353 Whippoorwill Road, Mooresville, NC 28117
Subdivision: Hidden Cove
3 BR, 2 BA, 1884 sqft
Melissa Martin | MLS # 4223853 | Active
19125 Peninsula Point Drive, Cornelius, NC 28031
Subdivision: The Peninsula
6 BR, 8.1 BA, 12002 sqft
Ivester Jackson | MLS # 4180906 | Active
18019 Harbor Light Boulevard, Cornelius, NC 28031
Subdivision: The Peninsula
6 BR, 7.4 BA, 15048 sqft
Premier Sotheby's | MLS # 3895525 | Active
124 Wellcraft Court, Mooresville, NC 28117
Subdivision: Williams Subdivision
6 BR, 6.2 BA, 8216 sqft
Ivester Jackson | MLS # 4227104 | Active
16921 Jetton Road, Cornelius, NC 28031
7 BR, 7.5 BA, 9712 sqft
Ivester Jackson | MLS # 4191237 | Active
8228 Bay Pointe Drive, Denver, NC 28037
Subdivision: West Bay
7 BR, 8.2 BA, 9946 sqft
Keller Williams Lake | MLS # 4238879 | Active
2536 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, NC 28117
4 BR, 5.2 BA, 6859 sqft
Corcoran HM Properties | MLS # 4225455 | Active
16439 Jetton Road, Cornelius, NC 28031
7 BR, 5.1 BA, 8048 sqft
Ivester Jackson | MLS # 4229113 | Active
16909 Jetton Road, Cornelius, NC 28031
4 BR, 5.2 BA, 10372 sqft
Carlyle Properties | MLS # 4257262 | Active
16500 Green Dolphin Lane, Cornelius, NC 28031
6 BR, 7.1 BA, 8286 sqft
Ivester Jackson | MLS # 4197167 | Active
155 Union Chapel Drive, Mooresville, NC 28117
Subdivision: The Point
4 BR, 5.2 BA, 10079 sqft
Ivester Jackson | MLS # 4217767 | Active
8397 Ranger Island Marina Road, Denver, NC 28037
7 BR, 7.2 BA, 7600 sqft
Grandfather Homes Inc. | MLS # 4250240 | Active
7861 Live Oaks Drive, Denver, NC 28037
Subdivision: Live Oaks
5 BR, 5.2 BA, 6972 sqft
Ivester Jackson | MLS # 4248991 | Active
4516 Slanting Bridge Road, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
3 BR, 2 BA, 1494 sqft
RE/MAX Executive | MLS # 4189074 | Active
406 Morrison Farm Road, Troutman, NC 28166
Subdivision: Morrison Pointe North
5 BR, 6.2 BA, 7085 sqft
COMPASS | MLS # 4234210 | Active
Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of May 15, 2025, 12am. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. Some IDX listings have been excluded from this website.