DON'T JUST RELOCATE THE CLUTTER.

Byline: Leslie Weddell Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph

It's amazing what you can accumulate over a lifetime. Closets fill, dressers bulge and there's no room left in the cupboard. For safer and easier living as you age, maybe it's time to reverse the accumulation process.

As you prepare for a move, here are some ways to get started:

Donate or give things away. Give an early inheritance by sharing prized possessions - like special dishes or pictures - with relatives. As you do, share the history and special meaning of the possession with that person.

You might consider sorting extra clothing, appliances, furniture or other household items and donating them to a charitable organization. The value of these donated goods can be counted as a contribution for income-tax purposes.

If you have historical pictures, clothes, books or other items, contact the local museum or historical society about donating them for their archives.

Another way to cut down on clutter is to have a garage or yard sale. If you don't want to hold your own sale, consider joining with friends and neighbors. The work and cost of advertising is shared, and it usually turns into a fun, social event.

An alternative to holding your own sale is to use a consignment store. This works especially well for good-quality clothing and stores specializing in used household items. Another way to use the garage sale concept without the work is to donate items to an organization that is holding a garage or rummage sale as a fund-raiser.

If you haven't seriously sorted and discarded household possessions, now is the time. Throw away outdated medicines, cosmetics, perfumes, old magazines, books, papers or other files. Appliances or other household items that no longer are usable or repairable should be discarded. Items such as plastics, glass, cans, paper or cardboard can be taken to a recycling center.

There may be items you aren't ready to give away to friends or family members yet. Pack them in sturdy boxes, seal and label them clearly. If the boxes contain items for certain persons, label with that information also. Make sure the boxes are stored in a safe, out-of-the-way location.

Finally, take time to organize drawers and cupboards with things you use regularly. In the kitchen, store dishes and equipment used daily in lower cupboards and shelves where they are easily accessible. Items used seasonally - like the turkey roaster or canning jars - can be stored in less accessible storage areas. If they are stored in high cupboards, make sure you use a safe step stool when retrieving them, or ask someone to assist you.

Papers, such as account ledgers, statements or other items, should be organized where they can be obtained quickly. Make sure they are placed where family members who might need the information in the event of your death or disability could locate them easily.

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Photo: For easier living as you age, maybe it's time to reverse the accumulation process. Before moving big-ticket items, consider a garage sale, and donate what's left over to charity.

David Sprague/Daily News