8 Things From Your House To Get Rid After 60 And 8 You Will Surely Want To Keep (Or Buy Right Away)
Turning 60 is the perfect moment to rethink what you really need at home – and what’s just taking up precious space.
Clearing out outdated, uncomfortable, or impractical items can make life easier, safer, and more enjoyable. At the same time, a few well-chosen pieces can bring comfort, convenience, and joy into your daily routine.
Are you ready to refresh your space for this exciting chapter? Here’s what to toss and what to treasure.
1. Heavy Cookware and Kitchen Gadgets
Remember those cast iron pans that seemed like such a good investment? While they cook beautifully, wrestling with five-pound skillets becomes less appealing with each passing year.
Consider donating specialty gadgets collecting dust and replacing heavy cookware with lightweight alternatives. Your wrists and shoulders will thank you during meal preparation.
2. High-Maintenance Houseplants
Can you even remember the old days when tending to finicky ferns and temperamental orchids seemed like a relaxing hobby? Those plants requiring constant attention or awkward reaching can become more stressful than enjoyable.
Swap them for low-maintenance varieties or consider artificial options that bring greenery without the work. Quality faux plants have come a long way and require only occasional dusting.
3. Hazardous Step Stools and Ladders
Why risk a fall for something on a high shelf? Those rickety step stools and tall ladders that once seemed essential now pose unnecessary dangers.
Reorganize your home to keep frequently used items at accessible heights. For those occasional high-reaching needs, invest in a sturdy step stool with handrails designed specifically for older adults. Balance changes as we age, making stability features crucial.
4. Overstuffed Bookcases and Heavy Books
Avid readers often accumulate impressive libraries over decades. However, those towering bookcases filled with hardcover classics can become dust collectors and moving hazards.
Keep only the most meaningful volumes and consider transitioning to e-readers for new literary adventures. Modern e-readers store thousands of books, offer adjustable text sizes, and weigh less than a single paperback.
5. Slippery Area Rugs and Throw Carpets
Those decorative area rugs might complement your decor beautifully, but they’re notorious tripping hazards. Even with non-slip pads, corners can curl and edges can catch toes.
If you can’t part with all your rugs, at least remove those in high-traffic areas. For the ones you keep, secure them properly with high-quality rug tape or consider replacing them with low-pile, wall-to-wall carpeting for a safer walking surface.
6. Unused Exercise Equipment
Looking at that treadmill that’s become an expensive clothes hanger? Bulky home gym equipment often consumes valuable space while collecting dust after the initial enthusiasm wears off.
Sell or donate these space-hoggers and explore age-appropriate fitness options like walking groups, water aerobics, or gentle yoga classes. These activities provide valuable social connections along with physical benefits, something solo home workouts can’t match.
7. Excessive Dishware and Entertaining Sets
Many of us hold onto complete china sets for 12 or multiple holiday-themed dish collections we rarely use. These special occasion items take up valuable cabinet space and require careful handling.
Consider keeping just enough for your typical entertaining needs plus a few extra pieces. Pass cherished sets to family members who will use them or photograph sentimental pieces before finding them new homes. You’ll gain precious storage space and reduce cleaning burdens.
8. Outdated Medications and Toiletries
Take a peek in your medicine cabinet – you might be surprised by what’s lurking there! Ancient cough syrups, expired prescriptions, and half-used toiletries create dangerous clutter in bathrooms.
Schedule a seasonal purge of these items, properly disposing of medications through pharmacy take-back programs. Keep only current prescriptions and essential over-the-counter remedies in clearly labeled containers. Your future self will appreciate the organization during late-night searches for relief.
1. A Retro Record Player
Dust off those vinyl records you’ve been storing for decades! A quality record player brings back the warm, authentic sound that digital music simply can’t replicate.
The ritual of carefully placing the needle on your favorite albums can be deeply satisfying. Many modern record players combine vintage charm with new technology, allowing you to convert your treasured vinyl collection to digital formats.
2. Emergency Power Bank For Electronics
Power outages become more than just inconveniences when you rely on electronic devices for health monitoring, communication, or entertainment. A high-capacity power bank ensures your smartphone stays charged during emergencies.
Look for models with at least 20,000mAh capacity and multiple ports to charge several devices simultaneously. Some even include built-in flashlights, emergency radios, or solar charging capabilities.
3. Quirky Door Stopper Collection
Who says practical items can’t spark joy? A collection of whimsical door stoppers adds personality to your home while serving an essential function. From adorable animals to miniature replicas of famous landmarks, these conversation starters bring smiles to visitors of all ages.
Beyond their decorative appeal, door stoppers prevent slamming doors that could startle you or cause accidents. They’re particularly useful if you have grandchildren visiting or if you’re sensitive to sudden noises.
4. Comfortable Recliner Chair
A comfortable recliner chair is more than just a seat; it’s a sanctuary after a long day. With adjustable settings, these chairs cater to individual comfort preferences, making relaxation effortless and enjoyable.
Recliners support proper posture, which is crucial for maintaining bone and joint health. Available in various designs and materials, they can complement any home décor while providing unmatched comfort.
5. Smart Home Voice Assistant
“Alexa, what’s the weather today?” Voice-controlled assistants transform how you interact with your home. These devices can set medication reminders, control lights and thermostats, make hands-free calls, and even detect falls in some cases.
For those with arthritis or vision challenges, voice commands eliminate the need for small buttons or screens. Place units in key locations like bedrooms and kitchens for maximum convenience.
6. Adjustable Bedside Lamp
With features like touch controls and dimmable settings, these lamps cater to individual lighting preferences, enhancing comfort and well-being.
Perfect for late-night reading or creating a relaxing atmosphere, bedside lamps are an essential part of any bedroom setup. Their sleek designs can complement any room style, providing both function and elegance.
7. Indoor Herb Garden With Grow Lights
Fresh herbs transform ordinary meals into culinary adventures! An indoor garden with grow lights ensures you have aromatic basil, parsley, and mint year-round, regardless of outdoor weather conditions or mobility limitations.
Modern systems require minimal maintenance – perfect for travel or when arthritis makes traditional gardening challenging.
8. A Dedicated Memento Display Cabinet
That shell from your Hawaiian honeymoon. The vintage camera that belonged to your father. These treasures deserve better than being hidden in boxes!
A dedicated display cabinet with proper lighting showcases your life’s meaningful objects. Unlike cluttered shelves collecting dust, a cabinet with glass doors protects precious items while making them visible daily.
