Decluttering Today, Preparing for Tomorrow

For many older adults, the idea of downsizing can feel overwhelming. Where do you begin? What do you keep? How do you honor a lifetime of memories while preparing for a new chapter?

Those were some of the questions explored during Brookridge's recent Decluttering with Downsizing in Mind workshop, which welcomed both Priority List members and guests from across the community. Attendees gathered to learn practical strategies for reducing clutter, simplifying their homes and preparing for the possibility of a future move, whether that move is months away, years away or simply a consideration for the future.

The event featured keynote speaker Jill Hart, founder of Downsizing with Hart in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Through her company, Hart and her team help families navigate life transitions.

Guests at the event also had the opportunity to meet with local vendors specializing in downsizing-related services, including relocation assistance and donation resources.

Different Than Decluttering

One of the most impactful lessons Hart shared was that downsizing is about much more than getting rid of possessions.

“Decluttering is about your current life, where you're living now, the way you're living your life now,” she said. While decluttering can certainly be part of the process, she encouraged attendees to think beyond organizing closets and storage spaces.

“Decluttering is a tool you're going to use today, but downsizing is a transition to tomorrow.”

That shift in perspective resonated with many participants who are currently on Brookridge's Priority List. They may still be actively enjoying life in their current homes while also looking ahead to a future move into the community. Hart encouraged guests to use the gift of time to begin preparing now, rather than waiting until a move becomes urgent.

Priority list member Donna Kephart chimed in to reiterate this message. She said she’s had only a few months to downsize before moving into Brookridge this summer and it’s been a huge amount of work in a very short time.

Closing Open Loops

Throughout the workshop, Hart introduced the concept of “open loops” — unfinished decisions or unresolved tasks that quietly occupy mental energy.

Some open loops are physical, like a garage full of boxes, an attic packed with decades of belongings or a storage room that hasn't been touched in years. Others are mental or emotional, including unanswered questions about future plans, home repairs that have been postponed or difficult family conversations that haven’t been started.

Hart reminded guests that when downsizing feels overwhelming, the answer isn't to rush through it.

“The solution isn't to do it faster,” she said. “The solution is to make it visible.”

Her advice was simple: start small. Open the box. Look inside. Label what's there. Even if no immediate decisions are made, replacing uncertainty with information can reduce stress and create momentum.

Separating Meaning from Volume

One of the workshop's most impactful discussions centered around sentimental possessions.

Many people struggle not because they don't know what is in a box, but because they know exactly what’s inside. Photographs, family heirlooms, children's belongings and treasured collections often carry decades of memories.

Rather than forcing quick decisions, Hart encouraged guests to focus on preserving the meaning rather than the volume of items. She recommended asking the questions, “Do I need all of this to honor what it represents?” This can help families reduce possessions while still preserving the stories and memories attached to them. Hart suggested sharing meaningful items with loved ones now, along with the stories behind them, rather than waiting until later.

She noted that a photograph without names or an heirloom without context may eventually lose its significance. By intentionally passing along stories, families can preserve their legacy for future generations.

Protecting Relationships Through Conversation

Another key theme was the importance of communication.

Families often hold onto belongings because they assume children or grandchildren may want them someday. Hart shared personal stories about discovering that her own adult children valued different items than she expected.

Instead of making assumptions, she encouraged attendees to have open conversations.

"Assumptions don't protect relationships; conversations do," Hart said.

When families have honest discussions about possessions and future plans, they gain clarity, she said. That clarity often removes emotional burden and helps everyone move forward with greater confidence.

Aging With Intention

As the program concluded, Hart emphasized that downsizing is not necessarily about preparing to leave a home. The real goal is creating greater clarity, reducing stress and living intentionally.

Whether someone plans to move to Brookridge in the near future or remain in their current home for years to come, taking small steps to reduce physical, mental and emotional clutter can improve quality of life today.

“It's really about aging with intention,” Hart said.

By closing open loops, preserving important stories and making thoughtful decisions over time, attendees left with practical tools to lighten the load and prepare for whatever comes next.

Building Connections Beyond the Workshop

Following the presentation, guests visited a vendor marketplace featuring local professionals and organizations that support older adults through transitions, moving and home-related services. Huge thank you to the vendors who joined: Caring Transitions of Winston-Salem, Buckeye Advisors, GreenNest, Limitless Carts and Realtor Allison Muldovan.

The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to ask questions about Brookridge and learn more about future opportunities. Team members Stephanie Shafer, Danie Haefele and Emily Wolverton helped host the event and were on hand to connect with guests. Chef Shane Hamilton served a selection of bites featuring fresh hand-rolled sushi.

Attendee Marty Spry said the event was great, and she was leaving with specific takeaways from Jill’s presentation. What she said about the emotional weight really resonated with Marty, because sometimes just opening a box to sort through things is really difficult. But this event gave her more confidence moving forward.

“You’ll be a lot lighter emotionally once you do declutter,” she said.

Marty wasn’t alone in leaving with more confidence. Through practical advice and thoughtful reflection, guests left better equipped to navigate one of life’s biggest transitions — one achievable step at a time.

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