6 Steps In Dealing With Inherited Clutter | Get Organized Wizard (2024)

Decluttering can cause a lot of stress. This stress is magnified when it’s inherited clutter.

Pressure can mount when you are faced with the decluttering task of things that are not yours or are left to your care.

Why?

Because simply, this isn’t your mess!Yetyou have to clean it up!

It’s an emotional and sometimes physical burden, that can be made easier when equipped with the right tools and mindset to tackle it.

Let’s focus on two main things.

1. Knowing what items to keep
2. How to deal with items you decide to let go.

Before we start our steps, we are going to programour mindset to Miss/Mr/Mrs Practicality and take noteofthe following:

1. You cannot keep everything.
2. You cannot keep everything.

If you think you may need a little pep talk before you start decluttering, check out this post: 7 Myths That Keep You Stuck In Clutter

Got it? 🙂 Remember, You Cannot Keep Everything! Let’s start!

6 Steps In Dealing With Other People’s Clutter

1. Itemise Things

Itemising things can reducethe feeling of overwhelm and keep you moving forward. It allows you tomake fast decisionsand maintain momentum throughout the task.

For example:Cleaning out the children’s stuff after they have left home

Grab a bunch of boxes and label them with things like:

• School Papers
• College Papers
• Toys
• Games
• Photos
• Clothes
• Music
• Throw
• Donate

As you systematicallywork through the items, you can toss them into the appropriate box. The benefit is you touch each item once, and once only.

You can easily sort out the Throw and Donate boxes. The other boxes are dropped off to your child, with a big smile and pat on the back for you!

2. Let The Owner Choose

If you are helping someone move home or downsize from a largehome to a small home, they’ll probably need to feel in control of the move (even though they’ve asked you to take charge).

To help you and them, set limits or boundaries that can ease the owner into a better mind frame.

For example:Moving a parent into a care facility

Explain things to your parent like:

• Space restrictions
• Need Vs Want Vs Have
• What benefits the new facility offers
• Letting go is all part of taking the next step

3. Take Photos

Often, space restrictions will dictate what stays and what goes. Some items may hold sentimental value, monetary worth, or family history.

Making decisions about what to do with these items can be made easier by taking photos of them.

A beautiful photo display book can be printed up, detailing a history of the items that have been tossed. It’s a lovelykeepsake book holding vast memories that will be more valuable and space efficient than the actual items themselves.

For example:Movingfrom a large home to a small home

Take photos of:

• Rooms, places, spaces that hold significance
• Furniture, toys, belongings that won’t fit in the new place
• The person in their favourite spots. By the garden. In the kitchen. Out the front.

4. Re-gift or Pass On

Passing much-loveditems on to people who will makegood use of them is rewarding for the giver.

For example: Think of times someone has admired something in the home

Family, friends, or even neighboursmay have admired or commented on something over the years. Perhaps return a gift that was received from a special someone.

Considering others whomay love the opportunityto have the itemand continue to cherish and care for it will be easier for the owner to let it go.

5. Toss Or Donate

The decision to toss or donate can be made simply if you follow somebasic steps. Follow our special Declutter Clinic:Should I Sell, Donate, Or Throw It Out? here.

For example:Sell, Keep or Donate

Sell it if:

• It’s worth more than the cost of selling and
• You’re motivated enough to organize the sale.

Donate it if:

• It’s in good condition and
• The question of donating versing tossing won’t immobilize you.

6. Sell Items Online

If you have the time and the motivation, you can try selling items online.

Some people find a lot of success in sellingonline. Other’s find it a compete headache! If you are inclined to give it a try, start small to avoid feeling overwhelmed. There can be a lot ofquestions and upload work getting the item ready to sell.

For example:Selling good, unwanted items online

Sell it if:

• You’re motivated enough to organize the sale
• The owner ishappy to pass the item on to someone else
• The ownergenuinely feels the item can be used or enjoyed by someone else

As the person charged with the task of decluttering someone else’sbelongings, try to remember that relinquishing much-loved items can be overwhelming. Be patient. Be understanding. Be kind!

Please share your experiencesin dealing with a loved-ones clutter.