Newbie here, so I'm starting simple. Suggestions on organizing and decluttering hubs' space?

Grandma1954 8/4/23 4:30 pm
I would , if you have not yet obtained one, a small refrigerator that will hold what he needs for the day. The top can be used as a side table if needed.
If he is taking a lot of pills a pill organizer might work, if he takes a lot maybe a small box with lots of compartments. (I got one for my grandson who has take to "collecting rocks" I got it where the tackle boxes are sold)
If he does not have a garbage can right by his chair or the couch get one, HE can toss stuff out that he is not using, task him with going through some of those drawers.
When I was caring for my Husband and I had caregivers coming in I got one of the inexpensive 3 or 4 drawer plastic units. I kept creams in 1 drawer, briefs in another. Made it real handy to have everything right there but it was out of sight and again, it is the perfect height that it can be used as a side table.
And maybe, just maybe until things get better having a caregiver come in 2 or 3 days a week to help you out, or at least a cleaning service 2 times a month is something that you can do to help YOU out. Tell hubby it is just temporary. (wink wink)

I have the same issue! But it's me, not my husband or anyone else. I am perfectly mobile but I like having everything handy by my TV chair -- nail file, lotion, tissues, eye drops, cat brush, magazines, pen & paper, phone, TV remote control, reading glasses, etc. I don't consider any of this clutter! I do have a basket on the bottom shelf of my side table, can just shove stuff in the basket when company comes.

We found my MIL was resistant to the pill containers because she couldn’t remember what each pill was, and what she needed to be taking it for. So we took a picture of the pills IN the bottle and the front of the bottle so she could see/read that she had the right pills. We printed up a little chart on card stock and laminated it and kept it with the pull container for reference. That seemed to eliminate some of her fear/stress.

Your pharmacist should be able to create blister packs for his daily meds

put a rubbish bin next to him. Make sure you check it before throwing out the rubbish

a three tier trolly on casters similar to one you might see in the hairdresser are cheap to buy

You might need to focus on the mindset of your husband vs finding ways to accommodate his collecting due to AUTOMATIC BEHAVIOR(S) -

* Can he actually get up to out of reach?
* If his behavior more fear than actual need?
* Will be 'listen' to reason (your reasoning)
* Creating more drawers and areas to collect will likely mean he collects more to fill in the space(s)

* Is some of his behavior due to anxiety (and fear as mentioned) -
- Focus on his fears and anxiety.
- Talk to him more about his feelings

* Figure out what he ACTUALLY uses / 'needs' close by (sitting distance or arms length) when alone. If it isn't needed like medications, water, etc. move it away.

* I would suggest a combination of moving things away (when out of his sight of you doing so) and giving him the space and time to get his feelings out.

* Consider a volunteer, friend, visitor, church or hobby person to spend time with him.

Gena / Touch Matters - P.S. and welcome to our neighborhood. You will get a lot of support here although be aware that most people speak from their experience (which may not be yours or relevant), some are angry due to their issues and express that in inappropriate / unhelpful ways. Most people here mean well and will want to support people asking for support. Let us know how it goes - and what works. When you share with the rest of us what works, it will likely help someone else in the same / similar situation.

When I had shoulder surgery, I purchased a cube shelf from Ikea that was about 6 cubes layed on its side so the top was a shelf with in my reach. I filled the cubes next to the sofa I lived on with things handy with in my reach. It was very handy. Easy to see, reach and replenish, move things as needed and somewhat organized and easy to clean. I hate clutter and messes and stesses me out, so this was a life saver. We just happened to go to Ikea right before and as we were leaving saw a discount section, it was there already built with very minimal damage and marked down significantly.

You might also consider a small bookcase type of thing, temporarily, that is turned so the shelves face the chair. You could put small bins or other containers on the shelves to contain items.

We also have much clutter since hub moved his business to our home. Over the years as well I have enjoyed finding baskets, containers, trays & organizing containers from the dollar store. Colorful, bright & keeps like items in one space. Maybe he would use one for his pills.

Tote bags also work hiding things but keeping within his reach.

Since you do not mention what type of mobility issues your hubby has, try to keep things in easy reach or in rolling organizer that he can pull/push/turn to reach multiple bins and shelves. Also, consider asking the doctor for physical therapy referral. The therapists will help him increase his mobility and give good ideas of products for his specific issues.

Make sure to get his input before moving things around. If he has a system that works for him for his meds and said "no" about changing it around, sometimes the answer is to learn to live with the changes in decor.