Friday, January 4, 2019

Toss it for 2019


New Year, new you and old stuff! Wait…something doesn’t seem right…There is nothing like a fresh 365 days to get you in the mood to jumps start your spring cleaning. Purge the old so you can let in the new. Check out some tips below to learn how you can clear out the things that will help to declutter your New Year.

Clutter can be dangerous, not only on our minds, but our bodies too. A simple, unassuming pile of junk can be the catalyst to your next accident. If you fell, hurt yourself and were unable to reach for help, what would you do? If you are an aging senior who is living independently your personal protection is key when you are trying to declutter your life. While you toss out junk for 2019, toss on LifeAlert’s emergency pendant around your neck or wrist and immediately gain access to 24/7 personal protection. Should you encounter a life threatening emergency, push the button on your pendant and summon an help fast. Clean out the thought that you can’t live independently safely, because with Life Alert Protection, you can!

It’s time to ditch the clutter to help you start 2019 fresh! Women’s Health Magazine[1] is shedding light on the top items you need to toss out now to get started now. Read below and grab your trash bag.

SAD, TIRED PILLOWS
According to experts at Tempur-Pedic, pillows should be replaced after 1-2 years. If you've had the same one on your bed for a while now, it's probably time to invest in a new one. If you don't want to throw yours out, check in with your local animal shelter and see if they accept used pillows to put in their crates.

HALF-BURNED CANDLES
Everyone has a cabinet full of candles they liked for a while, then forgot about. It's time to make room for all those new holiday candles you've acquired in the last two months. If you're looking to upcycle the jars, you can carefully melt the wax down in the microwave and pour it into a jar you're okay with tossing.

OLD WINTER CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES
There's a good chance you came across a bin full of clothing and accessories from past winters that have gone untouched for years. Now's the time to donate it all.

RANDOM FOOD IN THE PANTRY AND FRIDGE
Speaking of donating, if you have any boxed or canned food that you didn't end up using over the holidays, donate it to your local food pantry. And of course, check the back of the fridge for anything that's expired.

EXPIRED MEDICINE
After you've checked the fridge, head to your medicine cabinet and check the dates on every box and bottle. There's really no reason to hang onto medicine once it's expired.

EXTRA MUGS
We all know the reality of collecting random mugs through the years. Some came in matching sets but most are broken now, some were picked up on trips, and others were gifts from grandma that you simply couldn't part with. But in 2019, consider clearing some room in your cluttered cabinets by tossing the ones you really don't need. Tip: if it's cracked or permanently stained, it can go.

DINGY TOWELS
Did you know that you're supposed to wash your bathroom towels every two days? If not, they're covered in bacteria! Anyway, after so many uses and washes, your towels are probably worn out. Get rid of all those thinning, raggedy towels (you can recycle that as rags in your garage) and invest in a new set―there are tons of after Christmas sales happening right now that you can take advantage of.

RANDOM TAKEOUT MENUS
Last but definitely not least, get rid of all those crumpled takeout menus that are stuffed in your junk drawer or hung up on the side of the fridge. It's almost 2019, have you tried ordering online yet?!

It’s time to toss out the old, so you can let in the new! If you are looking for a new way to enhance your at-home safety, without compromising your independence, check out Life Alert Protection. Their sophisticated, yet simple to use, emergency pendant can summon you an emergency medical response fast with just one touch of a button. No matter if you encounter a home invasion, a home fire or even a serious fall, Life Alert’s dispatch team can send you the proper authorities fast 24/7. Start the New Year with a new, fresh outlook on your independent lifestyle with a little help from Life Alert! Call 1-800-513-2934 for a free Life Alert brochure.

Works Cited:
1.       Fiorentino, Alyssa. “8 Things You Should Get Rid Of Before 2018 Ends.” Women’s Health Magazine. 29 December 2018. <https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a25703029/how-to-get-rid-of-clutter-for-new-year/>.