Rancho Santa Fe Senior Scene: De-cluttering and downsizing

By Terrie Litwin, RSF Senior Center, executive director

After many years of living in one location, possessions tend to accumulate, often leaving homes packed with items that are no longer useful and lessen enjoyment of the home. For safety’s sake, it is important to get the general clutter under control as items that have been placed and forgotten may cause an accidental fall. Walkways should be clear and tables and shelves should not be piled high with items that may shift and cause an accident. Important paperwork, medications, and household supplies should be kept in easy to reach locations and out-dated items discarded. De-cluttering living spaces can improve a sense of physical and mental well-being. Whether remaining in the home, or moving to a smaller residence, this often means tackling the daunting task of parting with some possessions in order to live more comfortably or fit into the new space. Parting with heirlooms, travel-acquired treasures, special gifts, knick-knacks, or memorabilia – not to mention the home itself, can often arouse so much anxiety that de-cluttering or moving is postponed indefinitely. However, there may come a time when the satisfaction of enjoying the familiar space and objects is outweighed by the need to live in a more manageable setting whether for safety and health reasons or practicality.

De-cluttering in a meaningful way is key to a successful transition from one stage of life to the next and will allow the individual to let go of some possessions in order to enjoy the future. The goal is to prevent possessions from becoming impediments to change. Organization is vitally important as decisions are made regarding what to keep, what to sell and what to give away as donations or gifts.

If the process of de-cluttering or downsizing becomes too overwhelming, there are many professionals who can advise and assist with the process. Please join us on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m. for “How to De-clutter & Downsize,” presented by Linda Diller. She will share valuable tips on how to make the process as efficient and stress free as possible.

Linda’s resourcefulness, organizational, and problem solving skills were honed as manager of the concierge and conference service departments at the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort and Hotel. Prior to that, she opened the concierge department at the Four Seasons Aviara and was recognized as one of the Employees of the Year at this prestigious property. She is now the owner of Senor Move Masters, a company that specializes in assisting seniors with de-cluttering, downsizing, and moving. It was in overseeing the moves for her own family members that Linda recognized the need for a service such as Senior Move Masters. She is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, the California Care Planning Council, and NASMM, the National Assoc. of Senior Move Managers.

Fundraiser to Benefit Senior Center

The Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center invites friends and supporters to participate in a fundraiser to benefit its programs and services. “Rumble in the Ranch,” a Celebrity Poker Tournament and Silent Auction, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Players and spectators will enjoy delicious food and wine while bidding on exciting silent auction items.

For more information, please call the Senior Center at (858)756-3041 or visit our event website at https://rsfscpoker2012.eventbrite.com/

Learn to play Mahjong

Instruction by: Dottie McCrink

Tuesday, Nov. 13

9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Please call to register for this free class (858) 756-3041