As the baby-boom generation reaches retirement age, they are simplifying their lives. At this stage, they want to lighten the load, as they say.
If you are preparing for retirement within the next few years, it's not too early to start planning for the change. The best place to begin to ready yourself for this next leg of life's journey is in the home. Whether you plan to sell your home or stay in it after you retire, it's a good idea to start paring down now. It can take a fair bit of time to address the accumulation of "stuff'" you've gathered over the years, so getting a head start is a good idea.
You can start living that simpler life now in anticipation of retirement. Having less stuff to dust and care for is a bonus at this stage of your life. Beginning to de-clutter your home and your life now will make the transition smoother when you do finally retire.
Taking stock: If you're like most people, you'll have a fair amount of unnecessary items to purge. Although they served their purpose in the past, you can now begin to decide which items you absolutely have to keep and which can be sold, gifted or donated.
Start with the smaller items, as these can be dealt with quickly and little by little, as time allows. Accessories like candle holders, books, entertainment items (CDs, DVDs, games), picture frames, dishes and general bric-a-brac should be sorted and purged. Be strict with yourself at this point. Ask yourself if you really need it before you put it back into your decor. Go through cupboards, closets and cabinets in the same manner. Linens, curtains, tablecloths and so on that haven't been used in a long while need to go.
Once you're down to a more bare-bones decor, your home may feel a little sparse, but you'll likely find that the new, less cluttered space will grow on you. Avoid the tendency to buy new items to fill up the space again. Instead, rearrange the items you do have on hand to create a simpler decor, like the room in our feature photograph (courtesy of Dulux Australia).
While this room does have a fair amount of accessories, it still feels spacious and clutter-free. The few well-appointed accessories and artwork add just enough visual interest to keep the room from feeling stark. The pale cream wall colour lends itself to a fresh look. You can achieve a similar feel in your pared-down home as well. It just takes a little planning.
The largest items you have to contend with are your furniture pieces. If you've lived with a large living room/dining room set over the years, now is the time to consider selling these items and updating your furniture at the same time.
The two modern love seats and side chair in our feature room have simple, clean lines. The solid-colour upholstery is another option to consider instead of a pattern, which can make a space feel busy. If it's time for new furniture, look at items that are smaller (condo-size sofas, for example) that will serve you in style and comfort for the next decade. The wicker table/ottoman/stool in the middle of our feature room is a good example. It replaces what could have been a large, formal coffee table with an item that has several uses and is stylish and small. The touch of wicker adds texture as well. This item could be used in other rooms, so is quite versatile overall.
You probably don't need a large dining table any longer, as the kids are grown and moved away, so find a contemporary piece that will suit your needs but take up less space and possibly require less daily maintenance. Lose the large china cabinet (and china set), buffet and place setting. Instead, buy an everyday set of dishware that is stylish and fits your new, simpler style.
You'll no doubt have items you'll want to keep that you can use in your new space. A decorative table lamp, like the one in our sample room, is something you'll need anyway and can work well in your new space. If your lamps are dated, oversize or just unattractive, by all means spend a few dollars for something more fitting.
Wall art should be simple, yet elegant. The two framed prints in our feature room, for example, fit the space and add interest but are not ornately framed or over-the-top.
Comfy items like toss cushions and furniture throws will help your new space feel homey and welcoming.
The new trend for baby boomers is simple, stylish and comfy. Even if you're not retiring but find your home is too full of "stuff," you can pare down your home and make your life a little simpler.
Connieoliver@shaw.ca
