Table of Contents
Most adults want to stay in the comfort of their own home as they age. 77% of homeowners say so. Familiar surroundings, independence, and routines that suit their lifestyle are hard to replace.
Helping a loved one age safely at home is one of the most meaningful ways to show care. It’s about preserving dignity, comfort, and quality of life, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when home modifications or decluttering are involved.
Aging in place might mean big changes, like widening doorways for a wheelchair or installing a barrier-free shower. Or it could be simpler adjustments, such as clearing walkways, reorganizing rooms, or adding small safety features. Either way, planning and having a little extra space can make the process smoother for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical ways to remodel and organize for aging in place, while showing how a storage unit can help protect cherished belongings and reduce stress during renovations or downsizing.
What Does Aging in Place Remodeling Mean?
Aging in place is all about helping your loved one stay safe, comfortable, and independent in their own home as they get older. It’s not just about major renovations—it’s about creating a living space that adapts to changing mobility and daily needs.
For some families, aging-in-place updates might be big projects, like installing a walk-in shower or widening doorways. But often, small adjustments make a big difference:
Repurposing rooms to accommodate home medical equipment
Rearranging furniture to create clear, easy-to-navigate walkways
Clearing entryways and pathways for wheelchair or walker access
Organizing countertops and storage so essentials are within reach
Even simple changes can feel overwhelming when you have a house full of belongings. Many families find that a storage unit provides breathing room, keeping treasured items safe while you declutter, reorganize, or remodel.
Explore Storage Star’s variety of storage options to see how a little extra space can make the aging-in-place process smoother for everyone.
Why Decluttering Is an Essential Step
Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about creating a safer, calmer, and more accessible home for your loved one. Clearing space reduces fall risks, opens pathways for mobility aids, and makes daily life easier.
It also gives you the flexibility to adapt rooms to changing needs (like turning a guest room into a first-floor bedroom) without sacrificing treasured belongings. Using a storage unit allows you to keep items safe and out of the way, so you can create a functional, peaceful home without the stress of making permanent decisions.
Not ready to part with meaningful belongings? Keep them safe with a storage unit at Storage Star.
Storage Units as a Short-Term Remodeling Solution
Decluttering can feel frustrating when you’re simply moving things from room to room. Short-term storage can provide a place to temporarily move furniture during room remodels and help you make space to install grab bars, widen doorways, or place stair lifts and walk-in tubs.
Storage Units as a Long-Term Downsizing Solution
Your loved one’s home is full of memories, and it’s natural to want to hold on to the items that matter most. A storage unit can help preserve heirlooms, photo albums, and sentimental keepsakes, or protect furniture and decor for the next generation, without crowding the home.
With a safe, climate-controlled space, older adults can keep what’s important while still making life at home easier to navigate and more accessible. This way, you create a safer, more comfortable living space without saying goodbye to cherished memories.
Room-by-Room Aging in Place Tips
Helping your loved one age safely at home often starts with small, thoughtful changes in each room. Here’s how to create a safer, more comfortable space, without losing the things that matter most.
Living Room
Make walkways easier to navigate by gently rearranging or temporarily moving furniture.
Swap slippery rugs for non-slip options to keep your loved one safe, while keeping their favorite decor in storage if needed.
Move rarely used furniture into a storage unit to make the room more accessible.
Bathroom
Add grab bars, non-slip mats, or handrails to reduce fall risks.
Store extra toiletries or supplies in a nearby closet or storage unit to keep counters and floors clear.
Consider installing walk-in tubs or roll-in showers if possible—storage can help keep the bathroom clutter-free during renovations.
Bedroom
Move the bedroom to the main floor to reduce stair use.
Use under-bed storage or an off-site storage unit for extra bedding, seasonal clothes, or items that aren’t needed daily.
Keep essential furniture within easy reach to minimize strain and maximize comfort.
Kitchen
Declutter countertops by moving rarely used appliances or dishes into a storage unit.
Lower cabinet shelves or add easy-grip handles to make daily tasks easier.
Keep only frequently used items in sight while storing the rest safely, so your loved one has both space and peace of mind.
Create a Safe and Comfortable Home at Any Stage of Life
Helping your family age in place shows love and care. With Storage Star’s flexible storage options, you can create the space needed to make their home safer and more accessible, without parting with the belongings that hold meaning.
Whether it’s for a short-term remodel or long-term downsizing, a storage unit can help you protect treasured items, reduce clutter, and make daily life easier for everyone. Rent or reserve a unit online today and get web-only discounts.
FAQs
What’s the first step in remodeling for aging in place?
Start by understanding your loved one’s needs. Observe how they move around the home and whether they’re using, or might need, support like wheelchairs, grab bars, or medical equipment. This will guide your renovation plan and help identify areas where extra space, wider doorways, or temporary storage might make life safer and more comfortable.
How can I declutter without feeling like I’m throwing everything away?
Decluttering doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to treasured belongings. A storage unit can safely hold items you want to keep but don’t need right now, giving your loved one more space and peace of mind during the remodeling process.
What size storage unit do I need for a home remodel?
It depends on how much furniture and belongings you want to move. A 5’x10’ or 10’x10’ unit can typically accommodate one or more rooms, helping create a clear, safe space for renovations while keeping precious items nearby and secure.
Is it safe to store antiques or heirlooms in a storage unit?
Absolutely! Climate-controlled units protect delicate items like photos, artwork, and wood furniture, so you don’t have to worry about damage while making your home safer and more accessible.
Can I rent a storage unit just for a few weeks?
Yes! Storage Star’s month-to-month rentals give you flexibility, whether you need a short-term solution during a remodel or a longer-term place to keep belongings while downsizing.
