I loved the The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning! It freaked my daughter out a bit when she came into the kitchen and I was listening to it as an audiobook tho. My mother in law passed away in 2017 at 76 yr old and my father in law in 2020 at age 79. Neither of them ever did any death cleaning! I’m sure they both thought they had many more years ahead of them to enjoy all their things. We all think we are going live forever or hopefully to 100. We call 50 middle aged but is it really? Not for my in laws. I, as executor of my father in law’s estate was the one tasked with cleaning out their house that they lived in for 40 years. I did have help but it was still tough work, and they were not hoarders. Actually their house was quite tidy at first glance but once you started opening dresser drawer’s and filing cabinets it was a different story. We discovered that they never threw away any mail, greeting cards, photos, tax documents. Ever scribble from every grandchild! So much paper! It was after this experience that I discovered Swedish Death Cleaning and the two experiences have helped me immensely in my decluttering efforts. I do not want my kids to have the same experience I had when going through my in laws belongings.
I had surgery yesterday and as stupid as it sounds I was scared that if I died my husband and kids would have to deal with all the stuff I haven't decluttered yet...I've come a long way but still I wouldn't want to burden them with that.
“Your home is living space - NOT storage space” - UNKNOWN My husband is the "collector" and has a hard time letting go...but has gotten better since he had a stroke and sees how fleeting health and life can be. He feels better giving things to family and friends rather than Goodwill. Me, I really don't care how unwanted things leave as long as they do. Another great, insightful, and thought provoking video. Thank you.
This is such an important topic. I am the youngest of what once was five children, the oldest my sister was 6 years older than I and I can't recall her life fondly because of her obsession of hoarding. Her things were not garbage but everything was to excess and she surrounded herself literally with things that eventually built a wall between her and any meaningful relationships she could have had. There was no talking her out of any item and in fact she would have her name written on the back of everything with a bold black marker, even small things like pads of post it notes. When she passed away it took my mother and I a full year to go through her belongings and each item was not a happy memory for us it was just a punch in the gut that she wasted so much of her life collecting these things and giving them more importance than her loved ones. I encourage anyone who feels like they have a problem similar to this to seek out counseling and get to the root of their unhappiness before its too late.
My mom passed away in her 40s, which put so many things in perspective for me. It also really made me aware that we are all only here for a little while, and I don’t want to burden my own kids with my stuff.
Robyn ~ watched twice! Your insight on decluttering is most helpful. Feeling I have received a dispensation to let go on a new level. It is freeing and brings peace. Thank you! 💕
I had someone who was moving to Mexico and asked me to come over 3 different occasions. She desperately wanted to give her stuff to people. I started to mentally break down because I didn't want extra stuff in my house!
I am a(recovering) mini hoarder level 1 or 2. Lol. I have found that if I know hoarders that are giving stuff away, and if I want something of theirs, I'll keep it. If not, I feel like I can take a pile of their stuff and I just bring it straight to the thrift store or friends who I know want it. Depending on the person, I may tell them or not. Just me, but I want to help them, as I know how hard it is for them to declutter. That's how I deal with it anyway:) And if they're going somewhere far away, they wouldn't notice or miss the things anyway😉
Why are youtubers now filming themselves from the side talking to a camera?? It takes away from the personal connection as it reminds the viewer that you are not talking to them on a personal level, you are in fact performing for a camera. I suppose it’s supposed to give more visual interest by showing you from various angles but I think it backfires. Sorry to be critical but as a big fan of your’s I wanted you to know how it comes across, to me anyway.
I loved the The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning! It freaked my daughter out a bit when she came into the kitchen and I was listening to it as an audiobook tho. My mother in law passed away in 2017 at 76 yr old and my father in law in 2020 at age 79. Neither of them ever did any death cleaning! I’m sure they both thought they had many more years ahead of them to enjoy all their things. We all think we are going live forever or hopefully to 100. We call 50 middle aged but is it really? Not for my in laws. I, as executor of my father in law’s estate was the one tasked with cleaning out their house that they lived in for 40 years. I did have help but it was still tough work, and they were not hoarders. Actually their house was quite tidy at first glance but once you started opening dresser drawer’s and filing cabinets it was a different story. We discovered that they never threw away any mail, greeting cards, photos, tax documents. Ever scribble from every grandchild! So much paper! It was after this experience that I discovered Swedish Death Cleaning and the two experiences have helped me immensely in my decluttering efforts. I do not want my kids to have the same experience I had when going through my in laws belongings.
Yes, so hard. My brother and I went through some of my dad's stuff yesterday. Not easy
I had surgery yesterday and as stupid as it sounds I was scared that if I died my husband and kids would have to deal with all the stuff I haven't decluttered yet...I've come a long way but still I wouldn't want to burden them with that.
I think that is totally reasonable! Good for you with the progress you've gotten too!
When I saw the picture of your father and your little boy, I could not believe how their eyes look the same! So sweet! Thanks for your videos!
Aw, thanks Michelle!
“Your home is living space - NOT storage space” - UNKNOWN My husband is the "collector" and has a hard time letting go...but has gotten better since he had a stroke and sees how fleeting health and life can be. He feels better giving things to family and friends rather than Goodwill. Me, I really don't care how unwanted things leave as long as they do. Another great, insightful, and thought provoking video. Thank you.
Love that quote. I’m glad your hubby is improving, but sorry about his stroke
This is such an important topic. I am the youngest of what once was five children, the oldest my sister was 6 years older than I and I can't recall her life fondly because of her obsession of hoarding. Her things were not garbage but everything was to excess and she surrounded herself literally with things that eventually built a wall between her and any meaningful relationships she could have had. There was no talking her out of any item and in fact she would have her name written on the back of everything with a bold black marker, even small things like pads of post it notes. When she passed away it took my mother and I a full year to go through her belongings and each item was not a happy memory for us it was just a punch in the gut that she wasted so much of her life collecting these things and giving them more importance than her loved ones. I encourage anyone who feels like they have a problem similar to this to seek out counseling and get to the root of their unhappiness before its too late.
Wow jean, that is so sad. I agree that some people need counselling and it is definitely worth it. Thanks for sharing
My mom passed away in her 40s, which put so many things in perspective for me. It also really made me aware that we are all only here for a little while, and I don’t want to burden my own kids with my stuff.
Oh I’m so sorry. If you want, you can always just give it away
I’m sorry about that Jenny. It is hard to go through people’s things for sure
Robyn ~ watched twice! Your insight on decluttering is most helpful. Feeling I have received a dispensation to let go on a new level. It is freeing and brings peace. Thank you! 💕
I'm so happy!! Thanks!
Great photo of your Dad & son. I keep the WW2 photo of my dad on the piano :) and one of him with my kids. Treasures.
Aw thank you. Your photos sounds special
Loved this one, thank you!
Thankyou!
I had someone who was moving to Mexico and asked me to come over 3 different occasions. She desperately wanted to give her stuff to people. I started to mentally break down because I didn't want extra stuff in my house!
I am a(recovering) mini hoarder level 1 or 2. Lol. I have found that if I know hoarders that are giving stuff away, and if I want something of theirs, I'll keep it. If not, I feel like I can take a pile of their stuff and I just bring it straight to the thrift store or friends who I know want it. Depending on the person, I may tell them or not. Just me, but I want to help them, as I know how hard it is for them to declutter. That's how I deal with it anyway:) And if they're going somewhere far away, they wouldn't notice or miss the things anyway😉
It is so interesting how people want their things to go to people they know. I think it’s an attachment type situation
This is off topic but I love the painting behind you 😍😍
Oh thank you!! I painted that!
Love this so much
Me either :( I just saw a photo.
Thank you!
There are levels of hoarding. It is the feelings not the amounts
Yes, very true
Why are youtubers now filming themselves from the side talking to a camera?? It takes away from the personal connection as it reminds the viewer that you are not talking to them on a personal level, you are in fact performing for a camera. I suppose it’s supposed to give more visual interest by showing you from various angles but I think it backfires. Sorry to be critical but as a big fan of your’s I wanted you to know how it comes across, to me anyway.
I really appreciate that feedback Sheila. Thank you!!
❤️🌈😘