I just booked a ticket to see my parents in a few weeks for the Memorial day weekend and my dad’s 78th birthday. My main reason to go home is to start helping them get rid of stuff. They’re not totally hoarders but there's a gray area. Hi mom and dad, I know you read my newsletter ;). Or maybe they’re on the spectrum we’ll say. Let’s just say that the basement and garage need help.
They’re not moving anytime soon but they do entertain the idea of downsizing and moving into a retirement community someday and that would mean most everything would need to go. But go where? My siblings and I don’t want most of the things. This is the dilemma that my generation faces. Our parents hold on to things like china and family silver that they think we might want but it’s a hard sell to us. We don’t have space for that stuff. I know I don’t have room in my house or garage for any more things.
Here’s how I plan to help them.
Start to purge. Really purge. Take things to the dump. Recycle what we can. And throw things in the trash that are broken or that no one wants.
I’d love to help them post some things on craigslist or offer up. Just to make space. To free up some space to think more clearly. Especially things to give away for free that someone else might want and put to good use. My parents would love to know that their things might find a good second home.
I always hope that when I’m helping someone get rid of things that I will light the fire within them to continue doing it on their own.
I’d love to work with you to help light the fire to feel more centered and organized!