When my mom passed, we took a lot of her craft supplies to the local senior center, the ladies there were so excited to have them and started making plans on things they could make for the local children’s hospital, knitted hats for the preemies, and crocheted toys for the children and afghans to brighten up the rooms.
Like you say toward the end of the video-you are going through the stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance). Know that this is normal and you are processing everything. Stick with it; you got this!
Let an estate sale company handle the contents. Your time and peace of mind is worth more than the percentage the company will cost. The situation you are in is exactly why I continue to work on decluttering. I have even given my adult child the card of an estate sale company I like.
You can look for a thrift store that will do pick up. And have them come on a regular basis when you are there. That would help soo much,they would be happy for donations to help people in need.😊
Don't worry about crying. We all need a good cry, sometimes, Just to let it out. I don't blame you, one bit, for being angry at first. Be angry, and then let it go. It sounds like you did just that. I'm glad you contacted the estate sale people. Hopefully, they can be a big help for you. I think, looking at the amount of things in the house, you just need to try to not let it overwhelm you. Tell yourself that it will get sorted out. Just keep looking forward. You'll have the estate sale team to do a big chunk of it. Then do what you can do, when you can do it. I'm so glad you uploaded this update! You're doing great! I hope we see you soon. Mr. Kitty is cute🐱😁
Happy you’re back! Good to see your changing perspective as things evolve and you make progress. Getting the kitchen, bathroom and a bedroom cleared so you and your cat can be comfortable when you’re there working are great goals to have.
So happy to see you back posting and clearing again. Glad to see you in a better mood and hope your foot is now well healed. Youre doing wonderful work, keep it up!🎉
When you know you can spend 7-10 days at the house, rent a dumpster! Once you get rid of obvious “throw away stuff”, you’ ll have room to go thru n organize the rest. Much easier n faster than just setting a few bags out on garbage day.
Glad you are back. The kitchen is a good place to start. As far as the food is concerned call the food banks and homeless shelters. Depending on how much (which appears to be a lot) they would most likely pick up once you explain to them. Also, personal items they would take (soap, shampoo). Place the items in the empty boxes you have in the garage. In case you didn't know, you can rent a truck through Lowe's for a couple of hours to take items to donation.
Even with all the clutter, your Mom’s house looks to be in good shape. It looks like when everything is said and done, you’ll have a pretty nice house…..whatever you may decide to do with it.
Happy you are back! You’ll enjoy having a vacation home in the future-the house is looking pretty! Please try to find humor in some things if you can. It helped me with my Moms passing. I would even talk to her, saying Mom we gotta get rid of this, or Mom this is nice! That helped me too. Hang in there! 👍👍🙏
Hiya! So glad you are feeling better about things & making more progress, emotionally & with the tasks at hand. * I’d suggest making a bedroom “feel” more peaceful by draping white sheets over the wall-lined bins…for the short term. Eliminating the “visual jumble” calms the mind. A kitchen, bathroom & bedroom, which you feel are clean, peaceful & functional, will help to separate the “being there”, from the more intense work sessions. Easier to clear your mind…create much needed “down time”, this way. We’re with you! ❤ Great job! 🎉
Seeing all the clutter is overwhelming. But I see she really tried to control the storage of the incredible amount of items she bought. So many organized files and containers in all the rooms shows this. Guessing she was aware of her issue and was trying hard to control it, but in denial. It is likely that it was not so much owning all this stuff, but the urge to buy it all. It must have cost tons of money and time to purchase all this. I think she liked the high of buying and the feeling of control that it gave her. She really enjoyed the experience, but that high does not last, so in she went again shopping for more, giving her an escape from a reality that she feared. I say this because I have a close relative that does this too.
I love that you had a mind shift about your mom and how you feel about caring for her belongings as a last gift to her. Very kind to her ant to yourself. So glad you're back. Maybe put your phone on a tripod while you de-clutter if you want to show more about what your doing. Hugs to you and continue to take care of yourself through this process.
Estate company sounds like a good idea for your peace of mind. For me tackling food first and then bathroom was the easiest. I opened and not expired personal care products I donated to women’s shelter, food to a pantry. Otherwise expired or open makeup, lotions etc were easy to toss and quick as no sentimental attachment or reminders of loved ones
Give yourself grace. Grieving is a long, very personal process. Allowing yourself to feel all the emotions, having a purpose bigger than your current emotions and knowing how many people will be blessed by your Moms abundance. Our solution (the one that worked for US) was to wait for warm weather and had a big yard sale with really good prices. We let local churches know what we were doing so know that many folks in need benefitted from our loved ones passing. We realized we could bless so many people with the things that were being let go. A final gift from our loved one. Now, years after their deaths its easier to see the struggles and talents they had and I can say knowing we helped others with stuff that was excess to us has been hugely comforting. Take care of yourself and do the next right thing. Less regrets that way. Blessings.
I'm so glad everything worked out for you and you were able to bless so many people. I agree about waiting for warm weather, I think that's the direction I'm going to take. We do need to take the correct path for US. A big part of the clean out process is finding out what that path is. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Check to see if there is a food pantry in the area. They would grateful for your unneeded food items and they may have people who would pick up the boxes for you.
It is so good to hear you chuckle a few times while you go through your mother's pantry, and It's great to see you smile and laugh a bit near the end of the video. I'm glad that you have had the change of heart that you speak of; even though it's difficult to go through all of the items in your mother's house, it's as you say--a blessing to be chosen to do so. It will take time, so though you have the goal of finishing by late spring, I hope that you give yourself grace in that due date. It took a long time for your mother to accumulate the items, and you have your own life, too, so it will most likely take a long time for you to go through them and donate/ sell items in a manner that you feel good about. Take good care, and thank you for posting about this journey.
You can get a tripod to hold the phone. It will make your filming much easier on you and on the viewers. I agree with hiring an estate agent to do the sale. It's too much stress on you to do. They'll know how to sell things and to price things correctly too. Before the sale, put everything you want in a room and lock the door.
My mom and aunts just went through this a few years ago with my grandma’s house. My mom’s house is worse than my grandma’s (and she has now absorbed my grandma’s, great-grandparents’, and great-great grandparents’ stuff), so my brother and I will be going through the same thing in 2 to 3 decades.
I love your attitude. I'm thankful my mother in law cleaned out her estate before she moved herself and her husband to a smaller place. I could not imagine dealing with all of that. You are doing a great job. Thanks for taking us along with us. ❤😺 I look forward to your next video!
Was glad to see you posted a new video. It's such a big job you have to clear it all out, many friends have used estate sale companies and had positive experiences. It was worth the cost for reducing the stress and helping them move forward more quickly. Thanks for sharing your journey and being so open about your feelings.
Glad to see you back - I was glad that you took a break to let your foot heal. You are doing the right thing by just proceeding gently. Glad you have made the contacts with estate sale companies. Take care of yourself and keep in touch. Your community is here for you in spirit.
I can relate to your grief after losing my own mother. It was so nice to see you smile and you looked so pretty. Hope you can find your smile more often. Blessings!
I’d check expiration dates on food and throw away what’s expired, open toiletries I’d trash too. Same with freezer items and spices etc. I’m thinking, if you are keeping the house then really there’s no rush, you might get rid of things that you might have wanted, just take your time, no rush if it’s going to be your summer home. You can just do it slowly at your own pace 😊 Good luck to you, it would be nice if you could have a professional organizer help you though.
I shared a room and car with my 41 yr old sister. We worked at home for the same company, had the same hobbies and never left each other's side. She took her life in our car on 9/22/23 and the anger took over, I just wanted the car gone, I couldn't believe she would leave me and her sick cat in this position but now I feel like I would be leaving her behind if I traded it in and I talk to her in there. What a sick twisted turn of events.
Good to see you again. You definitely look more rested than on your first group of videos and I hope you get help with declutterring the house. Hope your cat is doing well too!
I’m going to keep watching your videos because I can’t wait for you to smile, to laugh, to find real peace n comfort as you sort thru your mom’s “ life”. You’ll get there.
So sorry you have to go thru this, but you are doing an amazing job !! Seeing some of the quilting stuff, if there is anything w/ the Accuquilt brand, that stuff is very expensive...may be worth selling ! Think I saw some in a closet, skinny flat things with a green edge might be the fabric cutting dies....Anything w/ brand of Go ! or Go Big ! , etc. would be the fabric cutting machines. Best of luck...😀
Yes, she has TONS of those Accuquilt things. I think I may try selling those on Ebay or Etsy, probably fetch more money than selling them at a garage sale.
Glad to see you again. Grief is so very difficult, exhausting and has its stages. Your momma left you with "wealth" in many forms: real estate, furniture, linens, etc..... in today's world with inflation people are struggling. There are camera stands available to allow us viewers see the process. Suggestion: how bout you work on one room at a time versus many spaces at same time? Ex: today I will tackle bathroom(s) and complete, it may ease the overwhelm you are feeling. Thank you for your vulnerability.
Plenty of churches have quilting groups. Consider donating. Libraries also have bookstores where they sell donated books. The more things that come out of there the easier it will become. Take a minute and envision just those two categories gone. Its all downhill from here. Take the time to feel what you need to feel in real time. You are in my thoughts.
Hang in there! Do something nice each day for YOU 😊 Keep items that are sentimental to you…Maybe finish cleaning out the bathroom and a bit more of the kitchen to show your brain that “order” and progress exists somewhere in the house…😊
I am catching up on your videos. You are doing a fabulous job! I think that sometimes people pass before they think they will and that maybe your Mom had plans to declutter (I can see she was trying to organize) but didn't have time. When my Dad passed, he left us with two storage units full of sports memorabilia and a full room at my parents home. I knew he had a storage unit, but I had no idea that he had two and one of them was completely filled to the top. My sister and I just stood there and cried, we were so overwhelmed. Every time we turned around, there was something else. It took us about two years (we took a couple of breaks) to finally sell most of it. We had to get what money we could for our Mom. Hours and hours of researching for pricing, sending stuff to auction, attending card and sports shows to sell things. We went through what you did, we were upset, angry at what he had left us to deal with, then we came to grips with it, pushed on, and got what we could for our Mom. This has spurred my sister and I to get rid of things. We are not minimalists by any means, but I think I have gotten rid of around 50% of my stuff. Keep up the great work!
We all go through seasons of life. We might not like what we have to do but need to believe that we will get through it. It took me about a year to go through my mom’s stuff but got it done. Good luck!
i ike the way you think today . that is the way . the house is not full of trash , that pretty clean , and stuff you can use yourself. take your time and all will be ok.
Be sure your checking the expiration date on all food items, even if they are packaged or canned. Also you really should consider just turning everything over to the estate sale people, just mark what you want to keep and let them haul the rest out or do whatever it is they do. Your stress level would be so much better to not have to worry at all about any of the things you don't want. Keep positive thoughts for yourself, you can do this don't get down on yourself, you will get it figured out. Also check for local food pantries, we have several where I live at local churches that you can just box up all the food items you don't want and drop it off for people that are in need.
I really truly hope you get some help in because the task ahead is monumental. I’ve never been faced with such a daunting situation, but I get an anxiety just looking at the work ahead for you. And by the way, you smiled just for a second near the end of this video and the entire screen lit up. Try to do that a little bit more often.❤❤
That could be advertised as a crafters paradise! Combine some of the fabric totes and make a price for each tote. The storage containers are worth quite a bit too. You know fiestaware is valuable. Google things as you find them. Be careful who you choose to help with the sale..don’t be taken advantage of! Do an estate sale..usually last a couple of days, then you are done! Good luck. Please keep you old videos up. I couldn’t find them.
I was thinking the same thing. Price out those totes and containers she has organized and I guarantee the crafters will come. Heck, get the right person and they might clean you out completely. We crafters have very little self control when it comes to a deal on crafting supplies.
Thanks for sharing this experience. It must seem daunting. Luckily you are not in a time crunch. As a crafter, I think it would be fun to go thru all of the supplies! However, it has made me take a hard look at my home and think about the job I will be leaving my adult children to take care of!
So glad to see you back and glad you took some time for yourself and to think things through. You’ll know in your heart that you’ve made the best decisions and you’re right, your mental health is important too❤. It’s worth it hire an estate sale company. They advertise, sort, price, clean up and dispose of what doesn’t sell. To me, that’s worth the percentage they charge, it’s a lot of work
Well done for reflecting on your emotions and reactions...that's to be respected, especially at such a difficult time for you. Animals are smart...Mr Cat is there to cheer you up and keep an eye on you. 😊 it's good that you've got the kitchen under control. I think the estate sale sounds like a wise idea. In the meantime, I would focus on getting the bedroom in order, so you have a peaceful environment to rest your head. Keep going...once you start unearthing precious possessions from your mother, you might actually start to enjoy the process, you never know. ❤
I did find some mementos that I will share in an upcoming video, and you're right, it does become an enjoyable process! You learn a lot about somebody when you go through all of their possessions.
Would love to see you making easy meals and eating foods from the pantry. I can never think of ways to eat certain foods that are just left in the pantry and forgotten. Great to see you back and in better spirits!
It was quite interesting to see what was in the pantry and how person might compose meals and they're more shut in or just one individual. Probably another TH-cam channel or episode could be made on just how to cook for shut-ins.
Glad your foot is better. Happy New Year. Let the estate sales pros deal with it all. You can you select what you want to keep, but they can handle the rest. This situation is overwhelming to you, but these pros have seen much more in smaller spaces. Good luck.
I know this is hard to clean out someone else’s belongings. My siblings and I had to clean out my parents home when they passed. It is an overwhelming process to go through. The one suggestion I can give you is take care of yourself and your mental health. You can also take the things that you want to keep and start taking those things to your house, first. Then you can slowly start working on the rest. I know exactly how you feel. Take your time , it doesn’t all have to happen so quickly. It will get easier as time goes on. Best of luck
Yay! Im so glad you're back. So nice to see that you are continuing. I know this cant be easy. Thank you for uploading and bringing us along! Im so glad you are okay.
Girl get the valuables and let the professional do it all. Pay the fees! You can sell big stuff and sell the house and walk away! I know it's easy for a stranger to tell you what they would do lol
You're doing great and you know your mom is happy with what your doing with her things and you are being so respectful of her items. Please share stories of your momma, we would all love to hear about her. ❤❤
When your channel popped up - I thought it was a suggestion 😂 I’m so glad to see you back!! You look great and are doing a great service by not viewing all your mom’s things as trash or junk. Continue to do what is best for YOU!! In the end, you have to live with your decisions. I’m glad to be along for the process ❤ ~hugs Kim
Good to see you back!! Been wondering about your progress in this lengthy journey. I think you’re making a wise decision to have an estate sale company handle the contents. It will relieve you of a lot of detail work that’s very time-consuming. First, identify and isolate anything you wish to retain for sentimental or other reasons. A friend of mine faced the same overwhelming task when her Dad passed away last year. She hired an estate sale company, and they did a fabulous job! Organized the sales, priced things, and staffed the sale days. Not everything was sold, but the company continues to support my friend by responding to inquiries that have arisen after the fact - some people came back after the sale looking to purchase some of the items that didn’t sell, and the estate sale company manages and facilitates those for my friend. (Holding fast on the pricing, when the “owner” may cave in on the pricing just to get things moved out.). The sales teams have a lot of knowledge that can increase your profit. Best of luck, my friend! Keep us updated.
Hi, nice to see you again. Just yesterday I checked to see if there was a new video. I wouldn't buy his neck camera holder. All that movement only makes viewers nauseous. A standard is much easier, or at the end of your cleaning you can just tell us what you did as you have done before. Good to hear that you are no longer angry with your mother. Take your time to grieve and heal. We all sympathize with you.
I’ve moved cross country a few times using a professional mover each time. I asked what kind of person has the most stuff. They all said “crafters!” It makes sense I guess. Glad to see you’ve made progress and are that much closer to getting this all solved.
@@tashainjena I’m an artist so I have almost as much stuff as a crafter LOL you crafty types are amazing how you can take a pipe cleaner or whatever and make a family heirloom out of it!
I'm so happy that you are feeling better with everything. If I may offer one thought... don 't be hard on yourself for your initial anger over the task you were left to deal with. It was a very normal reaction even with the understanding of the psychological component of a hoarding disorder. As much as you don't want to just throw out your mother's belongings, don't feel that you must place the same importance and attachment on her belongings as she did. Don't feel that each item must be given to its very best home. Your mom wouldn't ever want to place this burden on you. No mom ever wants to burden their children. We want our children to be happy. Your mom wants that for you too. Although she wasn't able to leave you with a curated home, she doesn't want this to be any more difficult for you than it needs to be. I think she would want you to let the estate company deal with as much as they can. She would want you to resume your regular life and be stress free and unburdened. She would want you to focus on all of the good memories and her love for you. Wishing you all the best with this project. I think much better projects are just around the corner for you.
Thank you Jennifer! These words mean so much to me and are very encouraging. I feel like my mom is speaking through you. As children it's hard to understand the intentions of our parents and often forget they want nothing but the best for us. Thank you again for your wise words.
@@chickabiddies You are so very welcome. I have two daughters around your age and they still have my heart just as they did as little girls. Moms always protect their daughters. We only want the best for you and most of all... to be happy. xo
@@chickabiddiesjust get out of your house. And see other people. I guess that's why a lot of people hoard If you think you're going to make this your summer home, this will be a good opportunity to pull in some of those people in your neighborhood who are curb shopping... Even just a couple hours would make you feel less alone. Give you something to look forward to. You never know who God will put in your path .
you are doing a good job! call up the local ladies shelter and senior living. some agencies will come and pick up that stuff. less headache on you. i didnt hire anybody, refuse to pay. really liked your moms teapots!
You have a beautiful smile! So happy you’ve had time to think through this process, knowing that your mother did not intentionally leave you with a significant chore of settling her estate. Taking time to do this - with breaks for you to step away - is a healthier plan. It will get done, don’t worry about that! And that you may come back to the house as a summer home - for any length of time - is wonderful to hear. Please give yourself time and “space” to process all of this. It isn’t something that can be done overnight. Keep going with specific goals and you’ll be surprised how quickly things will move - especially if you have an estate sale company help with a lot of that. You’re doing very well with all that has happened in your life - don’t burden yourself with unrealistic expectations. One day at a time, one room at a time. Very best to you!
Hello ~ glad to see you're back! Have thought of you several times over the holidays, hoping that your foot was healing well, & that some rest & reflection would result in new perspectives ~ a 'second wind', so to speak, & it seems that has happened. All the stuff is still daunting, but you're looking stronger & more optimistic & can see that there IS an endpoint when all will finally be cleared away, forward movement toward the future. So happy that the refrigerator was an easy fix ~ remember when you were almost certain that you'd have to be buying a new one? Sending hope that other facets of the process will go as easily as dealing w/ the fridge, such as the estate sales people, & arranging charity pick ups. Dealing w/ the bathroom stuff ~ DO toss any opened creams, lotions, potions, cosmetics, & don't feel guilty about doing so. Only goodness knows how long they've been opened, & bacteria can grow once they are. I just did a NY's purge in my own bathroom, & was amazed by how much stuff I'd accumulated, & how long it'd been sitting around, & taking up space ~ not on my face! As I said at the start ~ great to see you again, & look forward to your next videos. Lovely to see you thinking of the house as a summer place ~ an indication that you're seeing glimpses of what the future might be.
You seem to be in a much better frame of mind after taking a little time to process everything. Going through the food and putting some out for free is a good idea. It will free up so much space for you. Maybe designate one bedroom for the stuff that you want to keep and get everything else out of it to help keep it organized in your mind. I think having the estate consultant there with you for a day is a great idea. You’d be surprised at how much you can get done in a day when there is someone keeping you focused. In the meantime working on discarding boxes, wrappers, packaging, and anything visibly broken should free up a ton of space for you. I’m glad you’re doing better, keep pecking away at it!
I checked on here the other day to see if you had made another video. It's good to see you are feeling a bit more positive and have a plan of sorts. I hope your cat is not too stressed, I know you said she was last time. Mr cat looks very healthy for a stray maybe he's just a cheeky monkey visiting houses and pretending to be hungry. One of my boys visits a house up from me and treats it like his home! I hope he visit from the estate people tomorrow helps you to make a decision on who you want. See you in the next one 👍
Hi, I was wondering if you were going carry on videoing this journey for us. You appear to be in a much better headspace which I am happy for your sake. I think you are on the right track. I will continue to follow you with this. A tripod to hold your phone or camera might make things a little easier for you to film. You seem like a very kind person. Please take care of yourself while you do all this work.
When my mom passed, we took a lot of her craft supplies to the local senior center, the ladies there were so excited to have them and started making plans on things they could make for the local children’s hospital, knitted hats for the preemies, and crocheted toys for the children and afghans to brighten up the rooms.
Try Bob’s Red Mill Oatmeal…no gluten cross contamination! I do not bloat with their oatmeal…😊
Like you say toward the end of the video-you are going through the stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance). Know that this is normal and you are processing everything. Stick with it; you got this!
Let an estate sale company handle the contents. Your time and peace of mind is worth more than the percentage the company will cost. The situation you are in is exactly why I continue to work on decluttering. I have even given my adult child the card of an estate sale company I like.
Lol, that's why I got on my phone to comment. It's worth the rice to have someone do the sale because they bring their own customers as well
And check the dates on the food please
Your mom had a lot of pretty things
You can look for a thrift store that will do pick up. And have them come on a regular basis when you are there. That would help soo much,they would be happy for donations to help people in need.😊
Don't worry about crying. We all need a good cry, sometimes, Just to let it out. I don't blame you, one bit, for being angry at first. Be angry, and then let it go. It sounds like you did just that. I'm glad you contacted the estate sale people. Hopefully, they can be a big help for you. I think, looking at the amount of things in the house, you just need to try to not let it overwhelm you. Tell yourself that it will get sorted out. Just keep looking forward. You'll have the estate sale team to do a big chunk of it. Then do what you can do, when you can do it. I'm so glad you uploaded this update! You're doing great! I hope we see you soon. Mr. Kitty is cute🐱😁
Your compassion and understanding to your mom’s hoard is really amazing. Keep up the great work!
You’re a wonderful daughter and I’m sure she’s proud of you!
Happy you’re back! Good to see your changing perspective as things evolve and you make progress. Getting the kitchen, bathroom and a bedroom cleared so you and your cat can be comfortable when you’re there working are great goals to have.
So happy to see you back posting and clearing again. Glad to see you in a better mood and hope your foot is now well healed. Youre doing wonderful work, keep it up!🎉
Thank you!
Hire somebody to help..too much for 1 person...you have some very nice things to get sold, donate some and then enjoy this beautiful home.
When you know you can spend 7-10 days at the house, rent a dumpster! Once you get rid of obvious “throw away stuff”, you’ ll have room to go thru n organize the rest. Much easier n faster than just setting a few bags out on garbage day.
Glad you are back. The kitchen is a good place to start. As far as the food is concerned call the food banks and homeless shelters. Depending on how much (which appears to be a lot) they would most likely pick up once you explain to them. Also, personal items they would take (soap, shampoo). Place the items in the empty boxes you have in the garage. In case you didn't know, you can rent a truck through Lowe's for a couple of hours to take items to donation.
You are doing an amazing job! Try not to get discouraged! If I could, I would come there to help you! 🤗🤗🤗👍👍👍
Even with all the clutter, your Mom’s house looks to be in good shape. It looks like when everything is said and done, you’ll have a pretty nice house…..whatever you may decide to do with it.
Yes she did take care of her things, including her house. I'm very thankful for that. I will be using it as a summer home this year.
Happy you are back!
You’ll enjoy having a vacation home in the future-the house is looking pretty! Please try to find humor in some things if you can. It helped me with my Moms passing. I would even talk to her, saying Mom we gotta get rid of this, or Mom this is nice! That helped me too. Hang in there!
👍👍🙏
Hiya! So glad you are feeling better about things & making more progress, emotionally & with the tasks at hand. * I’d suggest making a bedroom “feel” more peaceful by draping white sheets over the wall-lined bins…for the short term. Eliminating the “visual jumble” calms the mind. A kitchen, bathroom & bedroom, which you feel are clean, peaceful & functional, will help to separate the “being there”, from the more intense work sessions. Easier to clear your mind…create much needed “down time”, this way.
We’re with you! ❤
Great job! 🎉
Seeing all the clutter is overwhelming. But I see she really tried to control the storage of the incredible amount of items she bought. So many organized files and containers in all the rooms shows this. Guessing she was aware of her issue and was trying hard to control it, but in denial. It is likely that it was not so much owning all this stuff, but the urge to buy it all. It must have cost tons of money and time to purchase all this. I think she liked the high of buying and the feeling of control that it gave her. She really enjoyed the experience, but that high does not last, so in she went again shopping for more, giving her an escape from a reality that she feared. I say this because I have a close relative that does this too.
You described her perfectly!
❤@@chickabiddies
I am just exhausted from looking at all this.....I can only imagine what you must be feeling along with the grief of your Mom's passing
I love that you had a mind shift about your mom and how you feel about caring for her belongings as a last gift to her. Very kind to her ant to yourself. So glad you're back. Maybe put your phone on a tripod while you de-clutter if you want to show more about what your doing. Hugs to you and continue to take care of yourself through this process.
Estate company sounds like a good idea for your peace of mind. For me tackling food first and then bathroom was the easiest. I opened and not expired personal care products I donated to women’s shelter, food to a pantry. Otherwise expired or open makeup, lotions etc were easy to toss and quick as no sentimental attachment or reminders of loved ones
Give yourself grace. Grieving is a long, very personal process. Allowing yourself to feel all the emotions, having a purpose bigger than your current emotions and knowing how many people will be blessed by your Moms abundance. Our solution (the one that worked for US) was to wait for warm weather and had a big yard sale with really good prices. We let local churches know what we were doing so know that many folks in need benefitted from our loved ones passing. We realized we could bless so many people with the things that were being let go. A final gift from our loved one. Now, years after their deaths its easier to see the struggles and talents they had and I can say knowing we helped others with stuff that was excess to us has been hugely comforting. Take care of yourself and do the next right thing. Less regrets that way. Blessings.
I'm so glad everything worked out for you and you were able to bless so many people. I agree about waiting for warm weather, I think that's the direction I'm going to take. We do need to take the correct path for US. A big part of the clean out process is finding out what that path is. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Check to see if there is a food pantry in the area. They would grateful for your unneeded food items and they may have people who would pick up the boxes for you.
It is so good to hear you chuckle a few times while you go through your mother's pantry, and It's great to see you smile and laugh a bit near the end of the video. I'm glad that you have had the change of heart that you speak of; even though it's difficult to go through all of the items in your mother's house, it's as you say--a blessing to be chosen to do so. It will take time, so though you have the goal of finishing by late spring, I hope that you give yourself grace in that due date. It took a long time for your mother to accumulate the items, and you have your own life, too, so it will most likely take a long time for you to go through them and donate/ sell items in a manner that you feel good about. Take good care, and thank you for posting about this journey.
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement!
You can get a tripod to hold the phone. It will make your filming much easier on you and on the viewers. I agree with hiring an estate agent to do the sale. It's too much stress on you to do. They'll know how to sell things and to price things correctly too. Before the sale, put everything you want in a room and lock the door.
My mom and aunts just went through this a few years ago with my grandma’s house. My mom’s house is worse than my grandma’s (and she has now absorbed my grandma’s, great-grandparents’, and great-great grandparents’ stuff), so my brother and I will be going through the same thing in 2 to 3 decades.
I love your attitude. I'm thankful my mother in law cleaned out her estate before she moved herself and her husband to a smaller place. I could not imagine dealing with all of that. You are doing a great job. Thanks for taking us along with us. ❤😺 I look forward to your next video!
She had suddenly salad on every single shelf 😂
Was glad to see you posted a new video. It's such a big job you have to clear it all out, many friends have used estate sale companies and had positive experiences. It was worth the cost for reducing the stress and helping them move forward more quickly. Thanks for sharing your journey and being so open about your feelings.
I'm glad that you seem more calm now after the holidays, I hope you will get help with all the stuff. ❤❤❤
The craft room is full plus all the quilting magazines and all those plastic bins of fabric. Omg nobody could ever have done all those projects
Glad to see you back - I was glad that you took a break to let your foot heal. You are doing the right thing by just proceeding gently. Glad you have made the contacts with estate sale companies. Take care of yourself and keep in touch. Your community is here for you in spirit.
Losing your parents, is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through. I’m glad you are doing well.❤❤
It is a difficult thing to go through. Our parents are with us for our entire lives until one day they aren't there anymore. Big hugs to you.
I can relate to your grief after losing my own mother. It was so nice to see you smile and you looked so pretty. Hope you can find your smile more often. Blessings!
Glad to see you're back! And that the community you're building is helping you through this difficult time.
I’m glad you are keeping the house for at least a while, it will be a beautiful home when you get the clutter out. Thank you for sharing your journey!
I’d check expiration dates on food and throw away what’s expired, open toiletries I’d trash too. Same with freezer items and spices etc. I’m thinking, if you are keeping the house then really there’s no rush, you might get rid of things that you might have wanted, just take your time, no rush if it’s going to be your summer home. You can just do it slowly at your own pace 😊 Good luck to you, it would be nice if you could have a professional organizer help you though.
Wonderful to see you here again. Great to know that the refrigerator was an easy fix, and that your on the mend.
I shared a room and car with my 41 yr old sister. We worked at home for the same company, had the same hobbies and never left each other's side. She took her life in our car on 9/22/23 and the anger took over, I just wanted the car gone, I couldn't believe she would leave me and her sick cat in this position but now I feel like I would be leaving her behind if I traded it in and I talk to her in there. What a sick twisted turn of events.
I'm so glad you've decided to use an estate sale company. Remove anything you want to keep and let them handle the rest. God bless you!
Good to see you again. You definitely look more rested than on your first group of videos and I hope you get help with declutterring the house. Hope your cat is doing well too!
So sorry for your loss sending love ❤️ to you ❤ and your family ❤️
It's good to see you back. I am looking forward to day 10. Keep strong.
Thank you!
I’m going to keep watching your videos because I can’t wait for you to smile, to laugh, to find real peace n comfort as you sort thru your mom’s “ life”. You’ll get there.
So sorry you have to go thru this, but you are doing an amazing job !! Seeing some of the quilting stuff, if there is anything w/ the Accuquilt brand, that stuff is very expensive...may be worth selling ! Think I saw some in a closet, skinny flat things with a green edge might be the fabric cutting dies....Anything w/ brand of Go ! or Go Big ! , etc. would be the fabric cutting machines. Best of luck...😀
Yes, she has TONS of those Accuquilt things. I think I may try selling those on Ebay or Etsy, probably fetch more money than selling them at a garage sale.
Glad to see you again.
Grief is so very difficult, exhausting and has its stages.
Your momma left you with "wealth" in many forms: real estate, furniture, linens, etc..... in today's world with inflation people are struggling.
There are camera stands available to allow us viewers see the process.
Suggestion: how bout you work on one room at a time versus many spaces at same time? Ex: today I will tackle bathroom(s) and complete, it may ease the overwhelm you are feeling.
Thank you for your vulnerability.
I do tackle the bathroom in an upcoming video. And you're right, it makes all the difference!
Plenty of churches have quilting groups. Consider donating. Libraries also have bookstores where they sell donated books. The more things that come out of there the easier it will become. Take a minute and envision just those two categories gone. Its all downhill from here. Take the time to feel what you need to feel in real time. You are in my thoughts.
Hang in there! Do something nice each day for YOU 😊 Keep items that are sentimental to you…Maybe finish cleaning out the bathroom and a bit more of the kitchen to show your brain that “order” and progress exists somewhere in the house…😊
I am catching up on your videos. You are doing a fabulous job! I think that sometimes people pass before they think they will and that maybe your Mom had plans to declutter (I can see she was trying to organize) but didn't have time. When my Dad passed, he left us with two storage units full of sports memorabilia and a full room at my parents home. I knew he had a storage unit, but I had no idea that he had two and one of them was completely filled to the top. My sister and I just stood there and cried, we were so overwhelmed. Every time we turned around, there was something else. It took us about two years (we took a couple of breaks) to finally sell most of it. We had to get what money we could for our Mom. Hours and hours of researching for pricing, sending stuff to auction, attending card and sports shows to sell things. We went through what you did, we were upset, angry at what he had left us to deal with, then we came to grips with it, pushed on, and got what we could for our Mom. This has spurred my sister and I to get rid of things. We are not minimalists by any means, but I think I have gotten rid of around 50% of my stuff. Keep up the great work!
We all go through seasons of life. We might not like what we have to do but need to believe that we will get through it. It took me about a year to go through my mom’s stuff but got it done. Good luck!
You need extra help. Your mom had a lovely house and she had good taste. I’m sure a local church group would be willing to help.
i ike the way you think today . that is the way . the house is not full of trash , that pretty clean , and stuff you can use yourself. take your time and all will be ok.
Be sure your checking the expiration date on all food items, even if they are packaged or canned. Also you really should consider just turning everything over to the estate sale people, just mark what you want to keep and let them haul the rest out or do whatever it is they do. Your stress level would be so much better to not have to worry at all about any of the things you don't want. Keep positive thoughts for yourself, you can do this don't get down on yourself, you will get it figured out. Also check for local food pantries, we have several where I live at local churches that you can just box up all the food items you don't want and drop it off for people that are in need.
I’m glad to see you are back and you seem to be doing better. I’m also happy that you are continuing to keep us along on your journey. ❤
I really truly hope you get some help in because the task ahead is monumental. I’ve never been faced with such a daunting situation, but I get an anxiety just looking at the work ahead for you. And by the way, you smiled just for a second near the end of this video and the entire screen lit up. Try to do that a little bit more often.❤❤
That could be advertised as a crafters paradise! Combine some of the fabric totes and make a price for each tote. The storage containers are worth quite a bit too. You know fiestaware is valuable. Google things as you find them. Be careful who you choose to help with the sale..don’t be taken advantage of! Do an estate sale..usually last a couple of days, then you are done! Good luck. Please keep you old videos up. I couldn’t find them.
I was thinking the same thing. Price out those totes and containers she has organized and I guarantee the crafters will come. Heck, get the right person and they might clean you out completely. We crafters have very little self control when it comes to a deal on crafting supplies.
Thanks for sharing this experience. It must seem daunting. Luckily you are not in a time crunch. As a crafter, I think it would be fun to go thru all of the supplies! However, it has made me take a hard look at my home and think about the job I will be leaving my adult children to take care of!
Already such a difference in the kitchen!💖
So glad to see you back and glad you took some time for yourself and to think things through. You’ll know in your heart that you’ve made the best decisions and you’re right, your mental health is important too❤. It’s worth it hire an estate sale company. They advertise, sort, price, clean up and dispose of what doesn’t sell. To me, that’s worth the percentage they charge, it’s a lot of work
You are doing great. Your mom would be very proud.
Thank you!
For someone who lived alone your mom had sooooo much food
She was a pack rat for sure. Some food items I found expired 10 years ago! She never cleaned anything out.
Well done for reflecting on your emotions and reactions...that's to be respected, especially at such a difficult time for you. Animals are smart...Mr Cat is there to cheer you up and keep an eye on you. 😊 it's good that you've got the kitchen under control. I think the estate sale sounds like a wise idea. In the meantime, I would focus on getting the bedroom in order, so you have a peaceful environment to rest your head. Keep going...once you start unearthing precious possessions from your mother, you might actually start to enjoy the process, you never know. ❤
I did find some mementos that I will share in an upcoming video, and you're right, it does become an enjoyable process! You learn a lot about somebody when you go through all of their possessions.
@@chickabiddies That's great to hear. Yes, you're so right. 😁
Would love to see you making easy meals and eating foods from the pantry. I can never think of ways to eat certain foods that are just left in the pantry and forgotten. Great to see you back and in better spirits!
It was quite interesting to see what was in the pantry and how person might compose meals and they're more shut in or just one individual. Probably another TH-cam channel or episode could be made on just how to cook for shut-ins.
Glad your foot is better. Happy New Year. Let the estate sales pros deal with it all. You can you select what you want to keep, but they can handle the rest. This situation is overwhelming to you, but these pros have seen much more in smaller spaces. Good luck.
I know this is hard to clean out someone else’s belongings. My siblings and I had to clean out my parents home when they passed. It is an overwhelming process to go through. The one suggestion I can give you is take care of yourself and your mental health. You can also take the things that you want to keep and start taking those things to your house, first. Then you can slowly start working on the rest. I know exactly how you feel. Take your time , it doesn’t all have to happen so quickly. It will get easier as time goes on. Best of luck
Yay! Im so glad you're back. So nice to see that you are continuing. I know this cant be easy. Thank you for uploading and bringing us along! Im so glad you are okay.
Thank you! I enjoy filming the whole process and sharing it with you all!
You are being a role model and for that I thank you.
Girl get the valuables and let the professional do it all. Pay the fees! You can sell big stuff and sell the house and walk away! I know it's easy for a stranger to tell you what they would do lol
You're doing great and you know your mom is happy with what your doing with her things and you are being so respectful of her items. Please share stories of your momma, we would all love to hear about her. ❤❤
Thank you! I will try to share more stories about her in future videos.
Generally to film yourself people buy a tripod. You can film yourself working, then put it to the video sped up with music over the top.
When your channel popped up - I thought it was a suggestion 😂
I’m so glad to see you back!! You look great and are doing a great service by not viewing all your mom’s things as trash or junk. Continue to do what is best for YOU!! In the end, you have to live with your decisions. I’m glad to be along for the process ❤ ~hugs Kim
Thanks Kim!
Good to see you back!! Been wondering about your progress in this lengthy journey. I think you’re making a wise decision to have an estate sale company handle the contents. It will relieve you of a lot of detail work that’s very time-consuming. First, identify and isolate anything you wish to retain for sentimental or other reasons. A friend of mine faced the same overwhelming task when her Dad passed away last year. She hired an estate sale company, and they did a fabulous job! Organized the sales, priced things, and staffed the sale days. Not everything was sold, but the company continues to support my friend by responding to inquiries that have arisen after the fact - some people came back after the sale looking to purchase some of the items that didn’t sell, and the estate sale company manages and facilitates those for my friend. (Holding fast on the pricing, when the “owner” may cave in on the pricing just to get things moved out.). The sales teams have a lot of knowledge that can increase your profit. Best of luck, my friend! Keep us updated.
Thank you! Sounds like your friend had a great estate sale company that went above and beyond. What a blessing!
I was just commenting to my wife when you would have another video out Glad to see you back ❤
And here you are
You’re amazing. Right on!
Hi, nice to see you again. Just yesterday I checked to see if there was a new video.
I wouldn't buy his neck camera holder. All that movement only makes viewers nauseous. A standard is much easier, or at the end of your cleaning you can just tell us what you did as you have done before.
Good to hear that you are no longer angry with your mother. Take your time to grieve and heal. We all sympathize with you.
Thank you! And I agree with the nausea, I'll bring a tripod for my next trip.
Happy new year
I’ve moved cross country a few times using a professional mover each time. I asked what kind of person has the most stuff. They all said “crafters!” It makes sense I guess. Glad to see you’ve made progress and are that much closer to getting this all solved.
I'm a crafter. I agree. I have soooo much stuff. I've whittled it down too 3 major crafts, though.
@@tashainjena I’m an artist so I have almost as much stuff as a crafter LOL you crafty types are amazing how you can take a pipe cleaner or whatever and make a family heirloom out of it!
The Snow man mug thing is for your soup
Oh, good to know. Thank you!
Inspiring thoughts. Thank you for sharing.
A good estate company that markets that right can clear it quick and show a great profit. She was a different type of hoarder, the house is clean
I'm so happy that you are feeling better with everything. If I may offer one thought... don 't be hard on yourself for your initial anger over the task you were left to deal with. It was a very normal reaction even with the understanding of the psychological component of a hoarding disorder. As much as you don't want to just throw out your mother's belongings, don't feel that you must place the same importance and attachment on her belongings as she did. Don't feel that each item must be given to its very best home. Your mom wouldn't ever want to place this burden on you. No mom ever wants to burden their children. We want our children to be happy. Your mom wants that for you too. Although she wasn't able to leave you with a curated home, she doesn't want this to be any more difficult for you than it needs to be. I think she would want you to let the estate company deal with as much as they can. She would want you to resume your regular life and be stress free and unburdened. She would want you to focus on all of the good memories and her love for you. Wishing you all the best with this project. I think much better projects are just around the corner for you.
Thank you Jennifer! These words mean so much to me and are very encouraging. I feel like my mom is speaking through you. As children it's hard to understand the intentions of our parents and often forget they want nothing but the best for us. Thank you again for your wise words.
@@chickabiddies You are so very welcome. I have two daughters around your age and they still have my heart just as they did as little girls. Moms always protect their daughters. We only want the best for you and most of all... to be happy. xo
I cannot get over the volumn of food and other items your Mother purchased! She must have spent all her time going to the store or online.
She had enough food here to feed an army for a year! She did spend a lot of her time shopping.
@@chickabiddiesjust get out of your house. And see other people. I guess that's why a lot of people hoard
If you think you're going to make this your summer home, this will be a good opportunity to pull in some of those people in your neighborhood who are curb shopping... Even just a couple hours would make you feel less alone. Give you something to look forward to. You never know who God will put in your path .
you are doing a good job! call up the local ladies shelter and senior living. some agencies will come and pick up that stuff. less headache on you. i didnt hire anybody, refuse to pay. really liked your moms teapots!
I left comments but I don’t see them. Thanks for the video.
Your looking much better
You have a beautiful smile! So happy you’ve had time to think through this process, knowing that your mother did not intentionally leave you with a significant chore of settling her estate. Taking time to do this - with breaks for you to step away - is a healthier plan. It will get done, don’t worry about that! And that you may come back to the house as a summer home - for any length of time - is wonderful to hear. Please give yourself time and “space” to process all of this. It isn’t something that can be done overnight. Keep going with specific goals and you’ll be surprised how quickly things will move - especially if you have an estate sale company help with a lot of that. You’re doing very well with all that has happened in your life - don’t burden yourself with unrealistic expectations. One day at a time, one room at a time. Very best to you!
Thank you so much for the support!
Hello ~ glad to see you're back! Have thought of you several times over the holidays, hoping that your foot was healing well, & that some rest & reflection would result in new perspectives ~ a 'second wind', so to speak, & it seems that has happened.
All the stuff is still daunting, but you're looking stronger & more optimistic & can see that there IS an endpoint when all will finally be cleared away, forward movement toward the future.
So happy that the refrigerator was an easy fix ~ remember when you were almost certain that you'd have to be buying a new one? Sending hope that other facets of the process will go as easily as dealing w/ the fridge, such as the estate sales people, & arranging charity pick ups.
Dealing w/ the bathroom stuff ~ DO toss any opened creams, lotions, potions, cosmetics, & don't feel guilty about doing so. Only goodness knows how long they've been opened, & bacteria can grow once they are. I just did a NY's purge in my own bathroom, & was amazed by how much stuff I'd accumulated, & how long it'd been sitting around, & taking up space ~ not on my face!
As I said at the start ~ great to see you again, & look forward to your next videos. Lovely to see you thinking of the house as a summer place ~ an indication that you're seeing glimpses of what the future might be.
you can buy a tripod to put your phone on and you can film in timelapse or something while you clean :)
You can set the phone up and have both hands free
Congrats!! Looking forward to some cooking videos in your new kitchen ❤ Elsie is sooo cute ☺️
You seem to be in a much better frame of mind after taking a little time to process everything. Going through the food and putting some out for free is a good idea. It will free up so much space for you. Maybe designate one bedroom for the stuff that you want to keep and get everything else out of it to help keep it organized in your mind. I think having the estate consultant there with you for a day is a great idea. You’d be surprised at how much you can get done in a day when there is someone keeping you focused. In the meantime working on discarding boxes, wrappers, packaging, and anything visibly broken should free up a ton of space for you. I’m glad you’re doing better, keep pecking away at it!
Thank you!
Do the sewing room for the last and her office last
I checked on here the other day to see if you had made another video. It's good to see you are feeling a bit more positive and have a plan of sorts. I hope your cat is not too stressed, I know you said she was last time. Mr cat looks very healthy for a stray maybe he's just a cheeky monkey visiting houses and pretending to be hungry. One of my boys visits a house up from me and treats it like his home! I hope he visit from the estate people tomorrow helps you to make a decision on who you want. See you in the next one 👍
I agree about Mr. Cat, I think he lives here in the neighborhood and just wants some extra food. He's a sly one! But I enjoy his company.
Check the expiration dates on the food! I’m seeing 2019 on some of those boxes
There's food here that expired in 2014! OMG
I like showing your work your doing in the house! Can u put your camera on a tripod! I know this is hard! ❤
Yes, I will bring a tripod next time. I'm still learning the in's and out's of filming for TH-cam.
Hi, I was wondering if you were going carry on videoing this journey for us.
You appear to be in a much better headspace which I am happy for your sake.
I think you are on the right track. I will continue to follow you with this.
A tripod to hold your phone or camera might make things a little easier for you to film.
You seem like a very kind person. Please take care of yourself while you do all this work.
Thank you! Yes, I plan to continue filming the journey until the house is empty.
I was just thinking about you! I hope things are getting easier and that your foot is healing well ❤
Thank you! My foot is pretty much healed and I can walk again. Time to get back to work LOL
@@chickabiddies that's great! Yes definitely, you can do it! You've made a ton of progress. You need a massage or something soon after all this 😂
OMG yes! It's my motivation to keep going!
Funny, I was just thinking about you as well❤. Hope your holidays were a peaceful break.
It was peaceful and I enjoyed the time to recuperate, both mentally and physically. Hope yours was peaceful as well!
Hi, I’m so happy you’re back!
Thanks Wendy! I'm happy to be back ~