Grandfather and grandchild sit in a sofa in a living room. The boy holds on to a digital tablet, and they both look at the screen.

Here are 5 tips to help your parents declutter - and maybe even prepare for a possible move.

As children leave home and parents approach retirement age, thoughts often turn to moving to a smaller home. If your parents have been living in the same house for 15-20 years, it might be time to help them clear out all the stuff that has accumulated over the years. It can be a big and emotional task, but with a little planning and a practical solution like self storage, the process can be both easier and more manageable.

Here are 5 tips to help your parents declutter - and maybe even prepare for a possible move:

  1. The art of getting started
    The first step can be the most difficult, as many things carry memories and history. Start by talking to your parents about the benefits of decluttering and support them in the decision. Remind them that the most important memories are still there, even if the home changes.
  2. Make a plan
    To avoid the process dragging on, it is a good idea to make a plan. For example, set aside a week of your summer vacation to systematically go through your home. Decide what to throw away and what to keep. To avoid filling up your own home, you can rent a storage unit. Self storage makes it possible to save things with sentimental value, even if they are no longer used daily.
  3. Start with the simple
    Start with things that have the least sentimental value - like kitchen utensils, towels and decorations. Then move on to clothes, toys and other items that might be given away or saved. Breaking the task down into small steps will make it easier for your parents to say goodbye to excess possessions.
  4. Use a storage unit in Copenhagen
    If your parents live on Zealand, it's a good idea to use a storage unit in the Copenhagen area. The move will be smoother with the right moving boxes, bubble wrap and tape. Remember to label all boxes clearly, so it's easy to find what you're looking for later. Make sure you make the best use of the space in your storage unit by placing heavy boxes at the bottom and stacking them securely.
  5. Regain freedom with a storage unit
    Decluttering can be emotional, but in the long run your parents will appreciate the extra space and freedom. Things that are donated to charity or stored safely create peace of mind and make a future move easier. With a self-storage unit in Copenhagen, your parents can easily store what they don't want to part with, while creating a more organized home.