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Well, this one was hard to title! Maybe because it’s such a hard thing to do! I’m talking about beginning the process of helping someone downsize. The goal is to develop decluttering momentum while also developing trust in the process with the person you’re helping.
Things mentioned:
Garage Sale Podcasts: One, Two, Three
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--Nony
I realized a few years ago my in-laws have an attic and storage units of things from their parents *and* their grandparents they inherited and haven’t sorted, this paired with their natural state of to “save everything” I developed anxiety every time we visited. I would look around at the relatively clean but cluttered house and think “someday this mess + 2 other generations of stuff will be ours to deal with.” At current ages (we’re in our 30s and they their 60s) we hopefully have many many years before this becomes an issue. Our relationship is not one where I can encourage them to start sorting now but I have done the one thing I can control- we slowly stopped buying them stuff. Gifts are now consumable items, gift cards, or a hotel stay in our town so they can visit. I have to accept I can’t change them now but I can just not add to the problem! This has helped me feel like I’m doing something towards the solution even if the rest is not mine to solve.
Every aspect mentioned here I’m interested in seeing/hearing. I’ve been sick in bed for a week+ but need a fast recovery to help with treatments that begin on Mon.
My need of hearing about getting it done I want/need badly.
I meant I need fast recovery so I’m available to help someone who is starting treatments on Mon, not it’s typed.
Do you regularly have these sessions & where?
Dana, I found you about a year ago. I am now 76 and was first married in 1961, age 18. For all of those 58 years, I have been terrified of “unannounced” family or friend visitors. Why? Because my house was messy. After being widowed twice, I am now in a small condo and to my astonishment, shortly after moving in 3 years ago, it, too, was messy. I have a bookshelf with over 20 organizing and decluttering books (having thrown away at least a hundred others over the years). Now, I have found peace, thanks to you. Your books, blog, and podcasts have given me a new lease on life, one that I am cherishing to the max. My friends and neighbors walk in and out of my little condo and I am NOT in a panic, having an anxiety attack, or throwing up in the dirty bathroom. Life is good. Thank You!
I love hearing this so much!!