“The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment.” Marie Kondo
With both of my in-laws gone, the time came to get their house ready for sale. Sixty-three years of memories, clothes, furniture, tools, papers, etc. had to be gone through, sorted, tossed, given away and cleaned out.
At first, it was utterly overwhelming. “How could they keep so much stuff?” “Why didn’t they ever clean this place?” “What is THAT?” Day by day, little by little, trailerful by trailerful, we completed the task. After painting the whole house, putting in new carpet, and cleaning every square inch, my sister-in-law asked, “Why didn’t we do all this while they were still here to enjoy it?” Interesting question.
Scott’s parents didn’t pay much attention to their house because they were too busy LIVING. Taking trips, watching the grandchildren grow up, enjoying time with family and friends. They lived their life on their terms – right up until the end.
Would it have been nice for them to have a renovated home? Probably. Would they have chosen a perfect home over enjoying all of their life experiences? Probably not.
If you haven’t already had to deal with the possessions of aging parents or other relatives, this is some of what you can expect. Remember, inch by inch makes it a cinch. Enjoy the memories. Donate what you can. Get rid of what you can’t use, and know that this too shall pass.
Have fun,
Lisa
PS – When you clear out what you don’t need, you create a vacuum to attract the things that you do need. Why not start by cleaning out a closet today?