How are you doing with your UFO’s? Unfinished Objects/Projects

Posted on July 15, 2022 by Kim

Some of you know that I started a fun project awhile ago.  After cleaning out my parents home, I agreed to take all of my mom’s collectable spoons.  My mom picked one up on every trip she went on with my dad and I am sure that once people knew she was collecting them, friends and family started giving them to her as gifts as well.  

And this wasn’t even all of them – yes there were more!

I decided to take all of them.  I know right?  What was I thinking?  I have seen that some people have made mobiles with them and I thought that maybe I could gift them or make some myself.  

I decided to challenge myself to get back into working on a creative project.  I researched on Pinterest and then went out to a few charity shops looking for toppers for my new creations. 

This is what I found
It was so much fun finding these cool toppers!

I was thoroughly enjoying working on my new project until…….I wasn’t.  

Can you relate to that?  Have you ever started a project only to get bored, lose interest, feel deflated and just unable to continue for whatever reason?

I made six wind chimes and I love all of them and I loved making them but I lost interest.  I had high expectations that gifting these to family members would help heal some misunderstandings, however, it didn’t quite turn out that way.  Yes, I felt deflated and no longer inspired to continue.

We kept this one which is in our kitchen window
My Favourite – Gifted to my son
Gifted to a family member
Gifted to a Neighbour
Not gifted yet
Gifting to a neighbour

So, the project ended up just sitting on the dining room table for weeks and weeks, maybe over a month.  Ugh!! And…..then…… this week I decided to challenge myself to get back to it. I just finished the sixth one which I will gift to another neighbour. I really have enjoyed working on these wind chimes so I will gift them to friends and neighbours who I know will appreciate them.

What about you?  Do you have a lot of unfinished projects lying around?  Are you going to make a plan to finish them or do you just look at them and think…..”someday” I will get around to it and finish it.  When you look at your unfinished projects……..How do they make you feel? Do you want to finish them?

Remember: Unfinished projects = Clutter

Will you donate any unfinished objects or make a plan to finish your project? Please let me know in the comments below………

Did you know you can still work with me one on one for an hourly rate? Yes, just $50.00 per hour and I can help you to make a plan, gain some insight and move forward with your sorting, organizing and decluttering. Let’s do this! Just send me a quick email at kimtremblay@sympatico.ca and we can set up a date.

Happy Decluttering

Posted in acquiring items, Clutter, families, goal setting, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Blessings from a Near Death Experience and a New Book Launch

Posted on June 8, 2022 by Kim

I can honestly say I have had a near death experience. Scariest moments of my life.

It was the storm that touched down on Saturday, May 21.  Apparently, there were two tornados that touched down in the London area.  

I believe I knew there was a storm coming.  My partner left to get an oil change for her vehicle and I decided to start cleaning out the grotto (garage).  I was so excited for the day. It was Saturday and I had a lot of things I wanted to do – as always.  

I was happily cleaning up the grotto and I noticed it was starting to get windy. I had the side door open and I was thinking I better close it.  All of a sudden I had to close it real quick as a gust of wind just blew the door open and shut.  I ran around to the front of the grotto and was madly putting things back inside and was just about to lock the door when there was a loud crack and a huge limb came crashing down right beside me taking down wires and a cement pedestal right beside my feet.  

You can see the grotto in the background. I was standing exactly on the right of where the tree fell. (exactly in the middle of the grotto) I continued to lock up the doors and wasn’t really in shock until I got in the house.

I wasn’t really scared at first.  I was just saying Oh My God. It felt like a huge wave that could just swallow me up.  There was a wire in my way and I didn’t really know what it was.  I felt puzzled by it.  I moved it out of the way and then I knew what it was.  Later I realized it could have been a live wire and I could have been dead.  

I had to squeeze my body by the bbq and in front of the branches that had crashed and were all pushed up against the back door. It was my only way out of the back yard and into the house as the gate that you can see in the picture was closed and locked.  I got into the house covered in bits of leaves and dirt and soaking wet.  I was hyper-ventilating and was now feeling very scared.  I checked the dining room window which also had tree branches right up against it. I was never so scared in all my life. The house was fine, the garage was fine and most important I was fine.  

My first thought once I got in the house safely was “was my partner okay”. She is nervous by this type of weather and I knew she might be scared. I also felt like this was a bigger crisis than it already felt like.

This kind of scary event and close call certainly brings up a lot of emotions and thoughts about our own mortality, our loved ones and who we want in our lives, who supports us and how our lives could be cut short in a moments notice.

So, I think it was interesting timing that I had written a story for a chapter in a book called “A Change of Heart – A Love Story” due to come out on June 15th on Amazon. The book is called The Voyage and the Return: The Path to Self Discovery – A collection of inspiring stories written by women who have had transformative journeys in their life from difficulty to self discovery. Here is the link to be the first to know when the Voyage and The Return is released and get on the list to receive the FREE Launch Resource Bundle.

My story is all about finally finding true love and I decided to get my story down so that I could share and give hope to others and also so that I could always remember how beautiful it is. My story brings tears to my eyes and I hope you are inspired by it as well. Thank you so much for always supporting me.

Would you like to go deeper with me as you work on your decluttering journey? Let’s chat and see if we are a good fit. Here is a link to sign up for a FREE 30 minute conversation. I would love to connect and work with you.

Posted in De-Clutter Your Life, Emotional Clutter, goal setting, Near Death Experience | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Arts and Crafts and Hobbies – Oh My!

Posted on April 24, 2022 by Kim
What do we do with all those bits and bobs?

This was such a fun and inspiring discussion in the Facebook Group “Declutter Your Life and Mind”  I even got inspired to work on my crafting cupboard which includes fabric – Ugh!  I used to be an avid quilter so I have collected quite a lot of fabric all so beautiful and with so much promise.  I filled a big white bag with fabric that I was able to donate. It felt really great to pair down my cupboard and also my desk drawers. 

Organizing, sorting and downsizing our crafts is a hard area because we always think that maybe we could use this for a future craft project. You may have spent a lot of money on supplies so they can be hard to let go of and they did hold that promise. Also, there are often a lot of small bits and pieces.  Oh my!  What to do with all of these……..  

Some of the thoughts and tips we discussed:

Putting Like with Like is really important to see how much of something you have.  How many pairs of scissors do you really need?

Sometimes we purchase items for a particular project and then when the project is finished, we still have a lot of product left that is not going to be used.  A good example of this is beads, scrapbooking materials, wool, fabric, paint,…… I know you get it!  Let’s donate the excess!

Use labels on boxes and bins so you know what is in them and can access them as needed.

Crafts that we did in the past might not appeal to us anymore.  There are trends with crafts as well.  Think macrame – although I see macrame hangers for sale all the time already made.  

Beware of the marketing of craft supplies out there.  Michaels or even the Dollar Store can be so tempting. Marketers want your money.  It can be a fun pastime to be looking for little things to fill your craft cupboard.  Try to avoid picking up these things unless you have a plan.

Remember to focus on one project at a time and finish that project.  

Questions to ask yourself:

Do you spend more time purchasing supplies instead of actually working on the project?

When do you plan to work on those UFO’s? (Unfinished Objects)

How much space do you have for your craft area?

Is there something you can do to make your small space work for you?

Does your space help you to define how much you can keep?

Why do you work on specific crafts?  

What is your plan when you are done doing the craft?

Benefits to Organizing Your Craft Area

  • you can find the supplies you need for your project
  • organizing is easier when you have less
  • knowing what you already have means you won’t be buying duplicates 
  • more time to work on your projects 
  • having more focus on what projects you plan and want to do 
  • able to donate or pass on to others who could use them  

Having trouble getting started? Are you even wondering where to start? I can help you! I am offering 30 minute complementary calls. Take the first step today. Book here!

What other tips do you have for keeping your arts and craft supplies organized? Please comment below……..

Posted in acquiring items, chronic disorganization, Clutter, downsizing, goal setting, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

How to Organize Your Paperwork

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Kim
Organize Your Paperwork

It is really important to figure out your own personal style when it comes to organizing and dealing with your paperwork. We are all so very unique and what works for me might not work for you and vice versa. Paperwork can feel overwhelming especially when we need to make a decision about ever single piece of paper. Ugh!! Doing this work can also bring up some memories from the past that can be hard to revisit. Some of those things can really cause us to procrastinate even more which really just make it all the more challenging and stressful in the long run.

Some questions to consider as you do this work:

  • Are you a filer or piler? We all have a different style and need systems that are going to work for our personal style.
  • Do you need to have things in view to know where they are? I have seen so many people who have purchased a filing system (cabinet, accordion file, folders for a drawer, etc) and then they never actually used them.
  • What will work best for you when it comes to remembering what needs to be done?
  • Where is the best space to store and work on my paperwork? Do you need a quiet space, a desk and a system in place to do what your need to do?
  • Do you like things colour coded? What is going to help you to remember?
  • Are you able to make categories that make sense to you? Some suggestions below.

Here are some tips that are sure to help:

1. Bill Payments 

If possible, receive bills and statements online – you will need a system for online organizing – For example…. in your email you could create folders – one for Bills to be Paid and the other for Paid Bills – I also list my bills to be paid in a small notebook with the due dates and pay them on time (online) and then check them off. You can do the same for paper copies using file folders. You will need folders for bills to be paid and folders for paid bills. I used to file my bills separately. After one year, unless you have a business, you can discard (shred or delete) all of the old bills.

2. Get a shredder and learn what you can shred

Shred anything that contains your Signature, Account Numbers, Social Insurance Number, ATM receipts, bank statements, Pay Stubs, Employment Records, Cancelled/Voided Cheques, pre-approved Credit Card Applications, Old Bills, Copies of Birth Certificates or other ID, Expired Passports, Legal documents, Medical Reports, investments and tax forms.
* Remember to take out the plastic windows from envelopes and staples before shredding

3. System for what is coming into your home daily

  • Stop it at the source. Deal with any new papers that come into your home.
  • Flyers and junk mail can be put immediately into recycling.
  • Notice where things are landing (on a kitchen table, countertop, etc.) and create a space for incoming mail and papers.
  • Put the Items that you need to take action on in a specific spot. Schedule a regular (routine) time to deal with the action files. Once a week, bi-weekly or monthly.
  • When you open your mail, you can discard the envelope usually right into the recycling bin – however, a client just told me that she writes herself a note on the envelope so that she can remember something – so remember do what works for you!

4. What are the categories that you need?

Make a list of what has to stay. You could even do a “Mind Map”.  Here are some examples to consider:

  • Original Documents
  • Paid bills (up to one year if you don’t have a business or 7 if you do)
  • Legal documents, such as birth/marriage, divorce/death certificates, homeowner records, Wills and Power of Attorney
  • Passports 
  • Tax returns and tax records that back up your tax claims. If you have a business you need to keep them for seven years
  • Medical Records (e.g. certificates of vaccinations)
  • Receipts and/or valid warranties for significant purchases (until you do not have the items)
  • Greeting Cards- A personal choice about what and how many to keep. I usually keep a few that have a personal message inside or even the older lacier ones my mom gave me. Old cards make fun crafts as well.
  • Letters, photos and journals – another personal choice – it can be a process to go through them. You might need to go through a number of times. Keep the best and discard the rest.

* Please Note: If you are computer savvy, many things can be saved electronically

Make up some rules and/or criteria for what stays and what goes? Let go of any surplus, duplicates or out of date documents, etc.

Always have an “Exit Strategy” to get things out of the house whether its shredded paper, recycling or trash.

Okay, my friends, thats it for now……I am off to gather my tax info which will be due soon enough…..Yikes!!!

Would you like to work with me? I currently have space for 2 or 3 clients and would love to help you to create a space that you will love. Reply to me at kimtremblay@sympatico.ca and I can send you more info and an application form.

Happy Decluttering!

Posted in Organizing | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

What Can You Do in Ten Minutes?

Posted on February 7, 2022 by Kim

This is a popular challenge that we practice in the Declutter Your Life and Mind Group and members love it……because it is so much easier to think about 10 minutes at a time to do a task.  

I often will do a few things when I have a couple of minutes……

As I wait for the kettle to boil…..I will put the dishes from the drainboard away 

When I am on the phone……I often will do a few things to clean up as I chat away (usually with my mom) 

If I am waiting for a ride and they are late…..I will straighten up my landing area

Heading outside for a walk….I will take my grocery bags, donations or other things out to my car on the way

What can you do in Ten Minutes??? 

Some 10 minute task ideas:

  • straighten up your bookcase – maybe even taking out a few books to donate
  • quick bathroom cleanup
  • make the bed
  • clean up the kitty litter or kitty’s food area
  • put away the clean laundry
  • fill/empty dishwasher 
  • hang up the clothes that are draped over the chair and not quite ready for the laundry
  • take out the garbage and recycling
  • work on the weeks menu and grocery list

Remember that those small steps lead to bigger steps. Success with those small steps help us to feel confident about what we are doing and help us to know that we can do it.

Amazing Right?  The importance of smaller steps Seriously, you can do so much more than you think…….

Surprise Yourself – It’s really quite amazing when you see what you can do in ten minutes.  Let’s do this!

What can you do in 10 minute increments?  Are you up for the challenge? #10minutechallenge Would love to hear from you.  

Would you like some help to jumpstart your decluttering goals and to make an amazing difference in your home? Send me a message at kimtremblay@sympatico.ca and we can set something up.

Posted in Organizing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Do You Want To Be The Queen Of Your Home?

Posted on January 13, 2022 by Kim

Or maybe the King?  Do you know what you want for your home and your life?  How do you feel when you walk into a room?  What do you notice?  Do you find yourself shrugging your shoulders, just letting out a big sigh and walking away closing the door on your way out?  What are the thoughts that follow……..”I just don’t know where to start, what to do and really, what is the use…….I can’t do it……… I am just so tired” ugh!!  

Years ago I had a friend who is a Feng Shui Expert come into my home and she witnessed me doing all of those things.  I had a roommate at the time and I wasn’t happy about it,  no privacy,  unfinished renovations in my home, too much clutter……all the things.  She said I was acting like a 16 year old who didn’t know what she wanted.  And she was right.  So, I had to put on my cloak (more about that here) and get it together.  It was time to set some boundaries and make some changes in my home and in my life. 

Where in your home or life do you feel like you know what you want or need?  Where are you in charge? What is this energy like for you?  Tap into that energy. 

Because you are the one that gets to decide!  

You get to make decisions about what goes in your personal space, what goes out, who is invited in, who visits and what happens in your space.   

You are in charge!  

I am in charge of my kitchen .Yes, I am the cook in my home and I am good with that.  I want to eat as healthy as possible so I get to plan our meals.  This is my domain.  I shop for our food and cook our meals.  I have a really small kitchen so it is important to me to keep things as organized as possible.  I need to know where things are when I need them.  Thankfully, my partner cleans up after my cooking fiascos. Haha!  Did I mention I love to cook?  Actually,  I just love to eat healthy food.  Shhh!! 

What areas are yours and yours alone? Where are you most in charge? Would love to hear from you………

Would you like some help with this? I can help you to gain clarity, make room for what matters most and help you to make progress with your decluttering goals. Accountability will help you to develop the skills and behaviours needed to move forward in your home and life. Lets talk……Sign up for a 30 minute exploratory call with me here

Posted in Organizing | 13 Comments

Some of my Reflections on 2021

Posted on December 30, 2021 by Kim

When I think back on this past year, the word bittersweet comes to mind.  We (myself and my siblings) started the year by taking turns caring for my parents.  Especially my dad who was in need of daily care and help with meals and other things.  My dad passed away on February 1st at the age of 91. He had been in pain for many years so is now at peace.  My dad was definitely the Patriarch of our family and due to his passing, Covid 19 and other family dynamics our family will never be the same again.  It would be nice to think there will be a new normal but I don’t see it at this time. 

My 91 year old mom lived in their home on her own from February 1st until September 1st when she went into a Care Home.  Again, we all (there are four of us) took turns bringing food, taking care of her finances, taking my mom to appts and just generally visiting with her. It has been an adjustment for my mom that has taken a few months.  At this time my mom is happy and grateful to have a nice, clean and safe place to live.  She has a Studio Apartment which means she has her own private space, lovely meals, supportive staff and of course weekly visits from all of us.  We are all so grateful that this has worked out for her.  

We spent weeks and weeks cleaning out our parents home, staging it and selling it for well above the asking price.  I am so happy that we all worked so well together to make this happen.  

Due to cleaning out my parents home, I have been inspired to really look deeper into my own home and see what I can clear out.  I really want to live more simply and also just to know what I have when I need it.  It’s a work in progress, of course, so this will continue into 2022.  

I am feeling so good about my daily yoga and walking practice.  It’s really been almost daily and I have lost about twenty pounds that I accumulated around the time of the first Covid wave. I am feeling stronger and healthier every day and this feels like an ongoing practice now. 

Another area I feel good about is my home. I found this amazing painter and she painted our bathroom, all of the downstairs rec room and our living room, hallway and dining room ceilings. This just really freshened things up and really helped us to feel good about our home.  

I wrote a chapter in a book this year which was a cathartic and healing process for me.  It’s a story about a sad and challenging time in my early life, however, it was helpful for me to revisit this time and to reflect on how much it has shaped me to become the woman I am today.  Send me a message if you would like the link to download.

I have worked with a number of new clients this year and just recently have moved to Virtual Organizing and I just really love it.  As long as my clients are motivated to make change, they are able to develop some new skills and behaviours which really help them to make progress in their homes and in their life.  

Loving my Facebook Group Community Declutter Your Life and Mind and feel like the engagement has really stepped up.  Did you know that I have been offering (almost) monthly Coffee Chats on Zoom for this Community?  They are so fun and such a good way to get to know like minded people.  One of our themes for the New Year is “Swedish Death Cleaning” which most of us can relate to.  Here is the link to sign up if you would like support and accountability with your own decluttering goals.

I just found out that because of my regular participation in the Professional Organizers Blog Carnival (25 or more posts – I can’t even wrap my head around this)- I am now listed as a Professional Organizers Blog Carnival Superstar Blogger! Yay!!

What did you accomplish in 2021? What are you most proud of? Please comment below…….would love to hear from you…….

Would you like to work with me in the New Year? I will help you to gain clarity, make room for what matters, manage your time, energy and belongings. Accountability will help you to develop the skills and behaviours to move forward. Schedule a free 30 minute call with me today!

Posted in Organizing | 7 Comments

Clutter Free Gifts – To Give and Receive

Posted on November 14, 2021 by Kim

I really love this fun and inspirational list that was compiled by members of the Clutter Clearers’ Peer Support Group and the Declutter Your Life and Mind Facebook Group.  The thing to remember is to make sure the clutter free gifts are personal to the recipient. For example, if you prefer Tim Horton’s for coffee, then you might not appreciate a Starbucks card.

General Items

Picture(s) of funny items “here’s what I didn’t get you!” 
Digital – perpetual birthday calendar
Digital – family recipes
Ear Ring Holder – to organize earrings and/or jewelery
Beautiful box and/or bag to store something specific
A portrait or painting that you did yourself

Consumables

Groceries or grocery gift cards
Candy ie. caramel corn, peanut brittle, truffles
Chocolate is always in style
Wine/spirits/juice/fancy tea/coffee
Spice mixes
Orange pomander – orange studded with whole cloves, rolled in cinnamon – (I made one of these for my mom once)
Herbs from your garden (fresh or dried)
Homegrown or store bought bouquets
Treats in a jar – cookie ingredients and recipe
A tray of homemade cookies

Experiences 

Event tickets – plays, movies, concerts, etc.
Theme park pass – zoo membership
Fitness membership
Coffee Gift Cards with a planned Coffee Date
Gift cards for restaurants. (A great family gift)
Subscription to a Meal Delivery Program like Hello Fresh or Chef’s Plate

Acts of service

Coupons for doing chores around the house ie: dishes, laundry, babysitting, dog-walking…
Coupons for foot rubs, back rubs, etc.
Charitable gifts in the person’s name

Green wrapping ideas (for all you crafty ones)

Newspaper, magazines, potato print or rubber stamped plain paper, brown paper packages ties up with (coloured) string; or ornamented with pine cones, other natural items or paper snowflakes (I love making paper snowflakes)
Homemade holiday ornaments – salt or cinnamon dough cut outs, paper garlands
Homemade gifts are always welcome and appreciated  

And the #1 popular non clutter gift that everyone loves – when in doubt give……. Money $$$

Do you have a project you are working on? Do you need some guidance and accountability to get it done? I would love to work with you – Check out the new Space For You Offerings You can always book a Free 30 minute call with me to see if we would be a good fit to work together!

What are your ideas for Clutter Free Gifts?

Posted in Organizing | 9 Comments

Dear Organizer, Letter From a Client

Posted on October 17, 2021 by Kim

Thank you for asking me about myself and about the challenges I face as someone who struggles with clutter and chronic disorganization.  First of all, there are reasons why I have these issues.  I may have learned these behaviours from a parent or maybe my parent was a neat freak and I just decided to do things differently than they did.  Or, perhaps, I grew up in a home where there were a lot of children and we didn’t have a lot of money and I always felt like I didn’t have what I needed.  There are reasons why I am challenged with my stuff.

I may have had a lot of trauma and losses in my life and get a lot of comfort being around all of my belongings and treasures.  They may remind me of happier times in my life.  If I have had some losses around relationships my stuff actually helps me to feel safe.  It means that others will not come in and cannot hurt me.  

There is a good chance that I experience mental health challenges and may suffer from Depression, Anxiety, ADHD and/or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  I may cancel appointments depending on how I am feeling that day. I really need to feel I am in a good space to tackle any task. This work can bring up a lot of anxiety which is very scary for me.

 If we are able to work together, please know that I may only be able to work for a short time.  I will probably hit a wall at some point and we will need to stop until next time. Trust is a huge issue for me. In the past people have tried to help me by throwing out my stuff when I was away from my home for the day or longer.  It felt like such a betrayal like a big part of myself was gone. It’s not helpful at all and I will likely just acquire even more stuff than I had before.

I need to be included in the plan for decluttering my space. Sometimes I will need you to explain to me in more detail as to what you think will help me. I might need to take some time to think about what I want to keep or to give away or let go of.  Gentle guidance and questions are helpful to me. I want to feel like I have a say in what stays and what goes. I know what is important for me and I need to be a part of the decision making process or I will not learn anything at all. I need to take and have control over my stuff!

Dear Organizer,

I know that I do have talents and strengths, but I usually forget or minimize them. It would be great if you could help me remember that those strengths will help support me in our process together.

If I know that you understand, it will help me to feel more comfortable with this process. Please think of me as a sister, a mother, a daughter, and know that if you can be non judgemental, patient, nurturing, flexible, accessible, respectful, and compassionate you will be able to help me to make more space in my life and to make progress in my home. 

Thanks again for asking for my input and helping me. 

These are my words but I would love to know what you think or what you might add to this letter. Please comment on my blog or in a private message if you prefer, you can email me at kimtremblay@sympatico.ca

Email Support (a limited offer)

Send me an email (with up to 4 photos of your room, closet or other area) and your biggest challenge and goals for your space. I will send you a personalized response with helpful tips, advice, product ideas, encouragement and/or resources specific to you situation.

Testimony from a happy client!

I made a decision to consult with Kim via email, describing my goals for my office, and sending along 4-5 pics of it, as it currently looked. (messy, cluttered and disorganized).  She then asks some questions, and provided some excellent suggestions on where to start.  Fantastic deal for only $50.  Currently, I am giving her updates on my progress.  When I am all done, I will send her pics of the finished room.  My goal is to use this place as an arts and crafts room.  In going through this process, I realized that I am motivated by making myself accountable to someone else, besides myself.  I respond well to “homework”, and Kim’s ideas gave me a list of things to focus on, which I am currently working through. CL

Can’t wait to work with you!

Happy Decluttering my friends!

Posted in Organizing | 12 Comments

Have you heard of Swedish Death Cleaning?

Posted on September 30, 2021 by Kim

Don’t let the title scare you?  It doesn’t mean that you are planning your death anytime soon.  It means that when you are well and you have a more time to focus on your home and belongings, this is the time to really assess every area of your home. Celebrate your life and then make decisions about what you absolutely need  and want to keep. What do you want to leave behind for others to sort through and to make decisions on?

“Think about what you want to leave behind for others to have to clear out or go through”

Most of you probably know that my dad passed away this year and my mom just recently went into a Care Home and we (I have three siblings) have been clearing out their home in order to sell it. I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy process because my mom had not been bringing anything out of her room for donation in forever and I knew some of what she had been keeping. Also, I knew that not a lot of things had been taken out of my parents home at all for many years. It has been quite emotional for me as I slowly go through all of my moms items and try to understand why she felt it was so important to keep certain things. I am sure she was not thinking about us having to clear it all out.

This process has really helped me to think about my own belongings and what I want to leave behind. I recently pulled out some boxes that have not been looked at in a very long time and found some items that I didn’t even know I had.  I also came across some things that were all about my daughter who passed away at age 17 due to some physical health issues that she had.  My partner found me in a puddle on the floor when she came home from work one day but I told her it was all good.  It’s just something that only you can go through yourself.  And sometimes it’s just necessary.  And it’s totally okay to be sad and to cry.

A collection of cats I found that had belonged to my daughter
A Collection of cats I found that had belonged to my daughter

Yes I was able to donate this collection. Please do not judge me! My memories of my daughter do not reside in this collection and I do not have the space or interest in displaying them. I am happy that someone else will now enjoy them.

Certain things are harder than others. ie: Journals, all greeting cards and old letters received from friends and loved ones, autograph books, gifts or heirlooms from loved ones who have passed and don’t get me started on photographs.  I am sure you can come up with so much more……..

You will want to allow yourself time to work through these things because It will bring up all the feels. This work is very emotional.  You likely wouldn’t have saved all of these things if you didn’t have a history and a story or feel some kind of attachment to them.  These items bring up all kinds of memories for us that can be revisited and cherished. And then decisions need to be made.

A precious gift I received from my mom for my 50th birthday was a photo book she put together for me which included little sayings and quotes.  She also gave me a box with letters and cards, report cards, some badges, etc.  This was such a thoughtful and most appreciated gift.  Why do we want to keep all these things buried or forgotten in a cupboard or closet? This is the thing you want share with others when you are alive.  This is the time to look at some of those things that might be hard.  Celebrate those moments.  

A popular book if you are interested in learning more about Swedish Death Cleaning is “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” by Margareta Magnusson get it here

Would you like to work with me? I can help you to make more space in your life for what is important to you. I can work with you virtually so you are able to do the work yourself but with guidance from me. Book a free 30 minute call with me today to see if we are a good fit.

What are the things that are hardest for you to let go of? Would love to hear from you. Please comment below.

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