The article discusses the importance of decluttering for older adults to maintain a safe, clear and accessible space within their homes as they age, according to research from the University of Michigan and Mississippi State University. The difficulty of starting the process is often due to the uncertainty surrounding the decision to remove items and the potential for health changes, such as a move into a smaller home or a senior community, or a spouse's dementia. Professional organizer Becky Bacon, who has worked with clients aged 40-70s through the Bay Area for over 15 years, shares her personal experiences with clients. She suggests that decluttering as personally meaningful is more successful, while those who felt pressed for time or lacked control reported higher stress and less progress. Despite the slow process, downsizing a home can take up to a year.