NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — For many people, years of accumulating belongings can make decluttering a difficult and emotional process.
An upcoming episode of AARP Live explores why letting go can be so challenging and offers practical advice for viewers looking to make more space in their homes.
AARP Vice President of Community Engagement Brad Anderson joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to preview the special program ahead of tonight’s premiere on RFD-TV and RFD+.
In his conversation with RFD News, Anderson says much of the difficulty comes from the memories people associate with their belongings.
Whether it’s your kids’ old baseball equipment, family heirlooms, or other sentimental items, getting rid of an object can feel like letting go of the memory attached to it.
But Anderson says people often need to separate the memories from the physical items themselves.
The Tough-Love Approach to Decluttering
Anderson says one common mistake is assuming that children will eventually want to inherit their parents’ belongings.
His advice: Ask first.
People should have an honest conversation with their children about whether they actually want family plates, figurines, furniture or other possessions. If they do not, Anderson says it may be better to let those items go rather than leaving the responsibility to the next generation.
He also cautions against relying on storage units as a long-term solution. Paying to store rarely used belongings can become an unnecessary expense and simply postpone the decision to declutter.
Where to Start
If you feel overwhelmed, Anderson recommends starting with conversations.
Ask yourself — and your family — whether the items are needed and whether you will realistically use them again.
That can be particularly helpful with old electronics, cables and outdated technology.
Once those conversations happen, Anderson says it becomes easier to make some of the difficult decisions and begin clearing out the clutter.
Viewers can catch an all-new AARP Live tonight at 7:30 p.m. Eastern / 6:30 p.m. Central on RFD-TV, with additional opportunities to participate in giveaways, including a chance to win one of five AARP coolers.
LEARN MORE: https://states.aarp.org/aarplive/
