It's not an easy job dismantling someone's life and memories and of course brings so much emotion up when sorting through. When we emptied my parent-in-laws house after they both died, it was tough as they had a lot of stuff! They had travelling a lot and lived around the world. One room was full, floor to ceiling of just books and at the time charity shops just weren't interested in taking them. Good luck with your clearing and being there for your mum. As a professional Declutter and Organiser I feel it's about letting go, keep the items you'll use and pieces you love of course, but let memories be just that without the need to keep it all 😊
It really is hard. Mum resisted more at the start, which is why we are still doing this over 2 years later. But she’s realised now she has to let go. And she probably needed those 2 years distance from dad being here if that makes sense. She really is fed up in that house now. She needs and deserves something much more practical and pleasant. We will get there.
Yes totally understand, after a loss everyone needs different amounts of time in getting to the stage of going through and letting go. It sounds like with your help she'll definitely get there 😊
Clearing things after the death of a parent is hard. I held onto quite a lot of my Mum's, mostly books and clothes, although I do have the odd picture and bit of crockery. It's lovely that your Mum wants to live closer to you & your brother though and nice to do the clearing out with her. All those wonderful memories.
Yes as with anything involved lost loved ones it’s bittersweet - but I’m glad we are in a position to help mum with this. She’s doing her best but she can’t do the big things. She actually pretty much hates that house now too. She never wanted to move there - so I only hope we can find her somewhere she loves with enough time for her to enjoy it.
I will miss visiting my childhood home and area, but I really just want mum to have some happiness. She misses dad so much. Thanks Han - must catch up with your trip … 💚
It’s the prep that gets you!! Preparing things for taking to charity, a car boot sale or selling privately is a pain in the arse. I have a dress that only needs a button sewing back on and it’s been months. Doing things in batches seems sensible though. I have a cardboard box next to the bags of books in my living room and each evening I can have a sort through one of the bags and pop things in the charity box. I didn’t think about giving things to the library but there are many items that seem like they’d be of interest. Perhaps I will ask what they take. 💚
There are even videotapes in this batch from Mum’s ;)
Yes - I’d love to squeeze in a top run because I sorted a load of stuff before and it’s all waiting in black sacks to go to the tip. Again there’s an element of sorting - couple of old electrical things etc. but hopefully I’ll sort it tomorrow to go Sunday 💚
It's not an easy job dismantling someone's life and memories and of course brings so much emotion up when sorting through. When we emptied my parent-in-laws house after they both died, it was tough as they had a lot of stuff! They had travelling a lot and lived around the world. One room was full, floor to ceiling of just books and at the time charity shops just weren't interested in taking them. Good luck with your clearing and being there for your mum. As a professional Declutter and Organiser I feel it's about letting go, keep the items you'll use and pieces you love of course, but let memories be just that without the need to keep it all 😊
It really is hard. Mum resisted more at the start, which is why we are still doing this over 2 years later. But she’s realised now she has to let go. And she probably needed those 2 years distance from dad being here if that makes sense. She really is fed up in that house now. She needs and deserves something much more practical and pleasant. We will get there.
Yes totally understand, after a loss everyone needs different amounts of time in getting to the stage of going through and letting go. It sounds like with your help she'll definitely get there 😊
Clearing things after the death of a parent is hard. I held onto quite a lot of my Mum's, mostly books and clothes, although I do have the odd picture and bit of crockery. It's lovely that your Mum wants to live closer to you & your brother though and nice to do the clearing out with her. All those wonderful memories.
Yes as with anything involved lost loved ones it’s bittersweet - but I’m glad we are in a position to help mum with this. She’s doing her best but she can’t do the big things. She actually pretty much hates that house now too. She never wanted to move there - so I only hope we can find her somewhere she loves with enough time for her to enjoy it.
It must be tough but good that she wants to move, really hope you can get it done & like you say she has the time to enjoy it 💚
I will miss visiting my childhood home and area, but I really just want mum to have some happiness. She misses dad so much. Thanks Han - must catch up with your trip … 💚
Oh it was your childhood home, wow, that is so many memories & for your Mum too. I only talk about the journey in my post not the actual trip!!
Ah - well I will catch up with the journey then ;)
It’s the prep that gets you!! Preparing things for taking to charity, a car boot sale or selling privately is a pain in the arse. I have a dress that only needs a button sewing back on and it’s been months. Doing things in batches seems sensible though. I have a cardboard box next to the bags of books in my living room and each evening I can have a sort through one of the bags and pop things in the charity box. I didn’t think about giving things to the library but there are many items that seem like they’d be of interest. Perhaps I will ask what they take. 💚
Good luck with the shoes!!
There are even videotapes in this batch from Mum’s ;)
Yes - I’d love to squeeze in a top run because I sorted a load of stuff before and it’s all waiting in black sacks to go to the tip. Again there’s an element of sorting - couple of old electrical things etc. but hopefully I’ll sort it tomorrow to go Sunday 💚