This article is a summary of the podcast conversation “21. Practical Steps to Decluttering after Loss”. Listen to the full episode on Spotify podcasts or Apple podcasts, and go here for the relevant links mentioned in the podcast. Read on for the summarised topics from the episode.

Practical Steps to Decluttering after Loss

Decluttering your home is tough enough, right? Finding the time, energy, and headspace when you’re feeling your best is a challenge on its own. But what happens when the responsibility shifts? When a loved one no longer needs their belongings, and suddenly, it’s up to you to sort through it all?

In this episode, I’m chatting with ReNewy Living Community member Rowena from the Central Coast of NSW. She recently navigated the emotional and practical challenges of clearing her dad’s estate after his passing. Rowena’s experience offers valuable insights into steps you can take today to make things easier for yourself and your loved ones in the future. Let’s hear her story…

Overview of the Conversation

Navigating the emotional and practical challenges of a parent’s declining health, while balancing respect

“there were some conversations that we were able to have around some real practical things. So things in the pantry, household items, cleaning items” was a good start

The best, most instinctive first step for decluttering

“it just appeared to be so overwhelming…So for me, I decided that I would focus on one room at a time. I would start with areas of the house that were less emotional”.

Creating a keep pile, garage sale pile and a throwaway pile

“I’d rather put it in the [garage sale] pile … or give it away than throw it away beforehand and create more landfill.”

Having a garage sale was the hardest part, with tips to help you out

“I really had to think about the purpose of the garage sale. ..it was about moving along items”

How to decide which items to keep
The photo albums can wait
Timeframe for simultaneous decluttering and cleaning
Learnings from this personal experience

This episode of The ReNewy Living Podcast was recorded on Darkinjung country. I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and waters in the Central Coast region of New South Wales.

I hope you’re feeling more confident about doing better for our people and planet by taking a start where you live approach to living sustainably. If this episode has spurred you into action, please feel free to share the episode with your friends. It would mean the world to me!

Listen into the stories and voices of this story here at Spotify podcasts and here at Apple Podcasts… And you can also sign up to my regular emails here… I look forward to sharing more stories with you next time.