Finally Fall

I think we can safely say that the Fall has arrived, for which I am grateful. Fall is my favorite season. Crisp sunny days, cool nights, the smell of leaves, apples and cider, and sweaters that come out of the closet. Soon it will be Halloween. And then the day after Halloween, otherwise known as the beginning of the retail Christmas Season. As Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, this has annoyed me for some time.

As an adult, I realize that the time frame between these two holidays is not all that long, and for most of us, there is way too much to do. This year, however, I have a challenge for you. I will get to that in a bit. First, I have a story to tell you.

The “Stuff” Business

As Professional Organizers and Move Managers, we are in many ways in the stuff business. We have clients of all ages and backgrounds that are in various stages of life, but all are having to rethink their current situation, what the next step is, how to get there, and especially, what to do with all of their stuff. Much of the time, we are called in with time enough to explore options, formulate a plan, make appropriate decisions, and see our clients enjoy the fruits of their labors, like an organized and functional office, an awesome craft-room, a garage that now fits the car, or getting that 3000 square foot household down to 800 square feet in order to be able to sell the house and move into that amazing retirement community.

Sometimes we are called just in the nick of time, but that creates a level of stress that we would truly prefer to avoid. And unfortunately, sometimes, we are called in after the fact, to help with the organization, cataloging, disbursement, sale, donation, or disposal of someone’s belongings that we have never met. And never will.

What You Can Learn From “Stuff”

You can learn a lot by organizing all of someone’s belongings. What was important, what was interesting, where they were from, how they spent their time, and sometimes by the dent in a chair, where they spent most of it. There is a certain air in a house where someone used to live until very recently, and was still in the process of living when things came to an abrupt halt. A stillness, as if the belongings themselves were waiting to pick up where they left off the last time their owner was there.

The bag from Wal-Mart with the store receipt still inside sitting on the table. The bowl of pancake mix with the water not even all the way stirred in waiting on the table. The pot of tea on the knitted cozy sitting on the kitchen counter, still half full. These are things that momentarily take my breath away, because one minute you are making tea, and the next minute the show’s over. It’s that fast.

We all hope to have time to take of these things ourselves. But let’s face it, we aren’t going to be the ones taking care of our own stuff after we pass. Think about that for a minute. If something happened to you right now, what would become of all of your stuff? Who would go through it and decide what goes where and who gets what? Who will protect your information? Your privacy? Your secrets? And let’s be honest, we really don’t want to do it for anyone else either.

Receiving heirlooms or an inheritance is one thing, but figuring out what to do with an entire second household of furniture, antiques, linens, clothes, shoes, dishes, appliances, books, papers, collections, artwork, craft supplies, china, crystal, silver, carpets, hobby equipment, exercise equipment, tools, lawn care and garden equipment, chemicals, plants, electronics, CDs/DVDs, computers, email and other online accounts, and a kitchen full of unused and still edible food?!?! Yeah, it’s a lot.

Some things we can’t do anything about. Odds are if we pass at home, there is going to be some food still in the cupboard and in the icebox. But we can take the time now to make and document the decisions that we will want carried out when that day comes, as well as doing some things right now.

Points to Consider

Make a Will

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having a will, and having one now. When it comes to this, there is no such thing as doing it too early. When that day comes and your loved ones are in a state of mourning, they do not want to have to also try to figure out what to do. And for some families, having your wishes officially in writing dispels any question about who gets what. This prevents arguments and makes for a more peaceful transition.

As you may suspect, not all families do well when a loved one passes. And there are valuables left behind. Sometimes this issue can rip a family apart. This is extremely unfortunate and sad, but also to a good degree, preventable. I know that talking about wills can be difficult, but it is less difficult now rather than later. It is peace of mind for you now and peace of mind for your family later, knowing they handled things the way you wanted.

Write Down the Stories of Your Stuff

If you have an item that is unique or an antique and it has a story that goes with it, write it down and keep it with the item. This helps determine who might appreciate it more as an heirloom. Or if you decide to sell it, it can increase the value and selling price. It is the memories and associations with the items that make them keepers!

Start De-Cluttering NOW

It is never too early to start clearing out your home. Because let me tell you, your kids do not want to do it. They especially do not want to do it all at once at a time of grieving. You may decide to start donating things. Or you might choose to pass the heirlooms along earlier than you expected to. You can even list items for sale for some extra money to enjoy retirement.

Stop Buying So Much

For one month try to buy nothing but the bare essentials. Before you buy something, ask yourself seriously, “Do I need this?” You might be surprised at the money you save, but also that you managed to survive without giving into every whim. And when you do go shopping, make sure you do an inventory of your stockpile BEFORE you go. Make a list of what you NEED. If you find yourself looking at something that is not on your list, have that conversation with yourself, “Do I need it? What are my financial goals, and would this money be better spent on them?” Think long term.

Stop Buying Crap

Nothing personal, but don’t buy the cheap version of something because you want it now.  Save up, do your research, buy quality, and then take care of it. And again, before you buy anything, ask yourself the usual questions.

ClutterTroops Challenge

If you are one that has reached that season of life when down-sizing might be on the horizon, consider giving a cherished family heirloom to family members this holiday season. Include a letter telling them why you chose this item for them. They will be interested to know how you got it and the history behind it. Be very thoughtful and selective when doing this – you don’t want to come across as dumping your stuff on your family!

For example, my mother, who turns 90 later this month, still feels obligated to send me checks for Christmas and for my birthday. I am 50 and she is on a fixed income, so this makes no sense. I tell her not to bother, but she insists she wants to do something! She also has a beautiful collection of different china teacups from all over that she has not used in many years. So instead of a check, I am going to ask her to pick out a teacup that reminds her of me.  It can be for Christmas, for my birthday, for just because. I actually like tea, and Downtown Abbey, so now I’ll have the appropriate cup for when I am watching it!

I guess I’ve rambled on long enough for now. So get outside and enjoy the daylight while it lasts, breath in the fall, and be in the present. And then, do a little planning for the future. I know it seems big, but remember this: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Oh, and call ClutterTroops.