The Clutter Fairy Weekly #295
Decluttering and Organizing in Relation to the Death of a Spouse
The death of a spouse or life partner can create profound disruptions in the lives and homes of the survivors. The combination of grief with a huge additional load of responsibilities can shut down even the most organized among us. In episode #295 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly, Gayle Goddard, professional organizer and owner of The Clutter Fairy in Houston, Texas, explores the implications of a spouse’s death on our decluttering and organizing efforts and offers strategies to plan for and manage this difficult transition.
Content in this episode is based on the results of audience surveys.
Some content in this episode is based on results of a survey of our audience.
The next selection for The Clutter Fairy Book Club will be New Order: A Decluttering Handbook for Creative Folks (and Everyone Else) by Fay Wolf. Shop for the paperback or ebook at Bookshop.org.
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The Weekly Tittle is an exercise designed to focus your attention on a specific space, aspect, or challenge of decluttering and organizing your home. We assign a new tittle in each webcast/podcast, then check on your progress the following week.
Think About the Unthinkable
This week’s assignment is to spend time thinking about the implications of the loss of your spouse or partner. The details of the assignment will vary depending on which of the following situations you find yourself in:
If you’re still living with your spouse or partner…
- Reflect on the responsibilities that you’ll inherit and the changes that the loss of your spouse would force upon your living situation. If you haven’t already done so, start making an outline or plan for this eventuality. Consider making this a shared project with your spouse or partner.
If you’ve experienced the death of a spouse or partner and have already substantially completed the project of settling their stuff and affairs…
- Reflect on whether you’ve left any incomplete tasks or projects in the management of your late spouse’s estate. Are there any actions you’ve deferred or avoided that you might now be ready to handle?
If you don’t currently have a spouse or live-in partner…
- Reflect on whether there are close friends or family members whom you might be called upon to support through the loss of a spouse or partner. Plan a conversation with the person or people in question to discuss their wishes.
If you’ve recently lost your partner or spouse and are still deep in the process of dealing with their stuff…
- Check in with yourself about whether you’re ready yet to get started on the next projects or tasks. If you’re ready, pick a small assignment to start with. If you’re not ready, reflect on where you might start. Talk about the project with a trusted friend or family member. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
For the full discussion of this week’s tittle, watch the Weekly Tittle segment on YouTube.
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