The holidays are quickly approaching. Family gatherings may change significantly due to the pandemic. If your children will be home for the holidays, whether they are visiting or living with you, no matter what their age, it is a great time to access the mess.

Bless our mess 

We all have stuff. Some homes have light amounts of stuff while others are pack rats or full-blown hoarders who have never parted with a memory. It is so important to sit down with your stuff and figure out what is worth keeping and what to get rid of.

Even after downsizing two years ago, I continue going through boxes and some of the contents doesn’t even belong to me but my adult children. I have created a pile of boxes for them to go through.

 

The overwhelm

Starting the process may feel overwhelming but every small step leads to progress to help you move forward. Your reasons for doing this can vary but I can share with you that most of my clients are forced to deal with this when prepping their house for sale or when they are remodeling/updating or when they want to fall back in love with their house.

 

The list

Make a list for each family member, this includes spouse/partner, children and any extended family living in the house. Children old enough to read can follow directions with guidance. Explain why we are doing this and the desired goals to be achieved so that everyone is onboard. Set a realistic deadline. This will hopefully give them the time to pace themselves, so they feel in control while knowing your expectations.

 

Delight in the delete

Besides the physical clutter you can see, touch and feel, there is the inbox clutter. Start unsubscribing to create more time living than deleting.

 

Sentimental Journey

Those precious items you can’t part with can be condensed. I have a box of baby items for each of my kids that I will hold onto until they want them. Sentimental items worth keeping do not qualify as ‘stuff’. The challenge is when you are in hoarding mode thinking everything is important. If you can be honest with yourself, you know you can’t keep everything. The memories that remain in your heart, not your house, will always be there.

Explain to your family that items will be donated to organizations that helps others in need. It is a lovely way to honor the memories by paying it forward. Instead of having an overload of unwanted stuff, you’ll be able to enjoy your home because you created the space for new possibilities. By decreasing the clutter in your life, you remove the distractions that keep you from appreciating the beauty surrounding your life.