03/20/2025
I have a TON of buyers on the plate, who have thought about selling their homes, have lived there for years but are bogged down by the very idea of even packing for the first time in 20 years!
On the flip side, I have helped a lot of friends and families with Estates. So much stuff that loved ones held dear, only seems like "more stuff," the family left will have to go through, or worse...if title is not put into a trust....your loved ones are stuck doing inventory and valuation of every single personal item for probate... wait that out for four months... while maintaining the property/paying for it.
If you have questions or need help with a garage sale, decluttering, filing a trust or simply cleaning out a closet...reach out! I can help, or point you in the right direction!
Meanwhile, checkout this book!
We all carry them: the boxes in the attic, the drawers overflowing, the silent, heavy weight of possessions that seem to hold more than just objects. They hold fragments of our past, echoes of loved ones, and the unspoken anxieties of tomorrow. Matt Paxton, in "Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff," understands that this isn't simply about tidying up; it's about confronting the very essence of what it means to hold on. This book is a gentle hand reaching out to those who feel trapped by the weight of their belongings, not with judgment, but with profound empathy. It's for the person who weeps when they sort through old photos, the one who feels paralyzed by the sheer volume of "what ifs," and anyone who recognizes that the clutter in their home mirrors the clutter in their soul. Paxton, alongside Jordan Michael, offers a path to liberation, not by erasing the past, but by honoring it, and then, finally, freeing yourself to live fully in the present. This isn't just about decluttering a house; it's about reclaiming a life. Here are eight powerful lessons from his story that might just change the way you view your belongings.
1. Your Stuff is Not Your Story
Many of us hold onto things because we believe they define who we are. But Matt reminds us that our memories and relationships—not our possessions—are what truly tell our story. Letting go of physical objects doesn’t mean letting go of the people or moments connected to them. The real legacy is in the love, laughter, and lessons we pass on, not in the clutter we leave behind.
2. Sentimental Items Should Be the Last to Go
Decluttering is an emotional process, and diving into sentimental items first can make it overwhelming. Matt advises tackling the easier categories first—clothes, kitchenware, or paperwork—before working your way up to deeply personal objects. By the time you reach them, you’ll have built the emotional muscle needed to make better decisions about what to keep.
3. Keep the Best, Let Go of the Rest
Instead of keeping everything from a loved one, choose a few meaningful pieces that represent their memory. A single handwritten letter, a special piece of jewelry, or a favorite book can hold just as much significance as an entire attic full of their belongings. Focusing on quality over quantity makes the memories feel even more special.
4. Take a Picture, Then Let It Go
If an item holds sentimental value but takes up too much space, take a photo of it. A digital image can preserve the memory without the burden of physical clutter. This is especially helpful for things like childhood artwork, inherited furniture, or travel souvenirs that you don’t actually use. The memory remains, even when the object is gone.
5. Decluttering is About Gaining, Not Losing
Many people fear that decluttering means deprivation. But in reality, letting go creates space for more joy, freedom, and peace of mind. Less stuff means fewer decisions, less stress, and more time to focus on what truly matters—whether that’s relationships, new experiences, or simply enjoying a clutter-free home.
6. If You Haven’t Used It, You Don’t Need It
A simple but powerful rule: If you haven’t touched it in over a year, you probably don’t need it. This applies to clothes, kitchen gadgets, books, and even sentimental items. If something has been collecting dust, it’s likely not adding value to your life. Passing it on to someone who will use it is a better option than letting it take up space.
7. Decluttering Can Heal Emotional Wounds
Stuff isn’t just stuff—it often represents unresolved emotions, grief, or guilt. Matt shares how people hold onto things because they’re afraid of forgetting loved ones or feel guilty about letting go. But facing these emotions head-on can be healing. Letting go can be a way to move forward, not a way to erase the past.
8. Your Home Should Reflect Who You Are Today
Many people hold onto things that reflect their past selves—clothes from another stage of life, hobbies they no longer pursue, or furniture from a different chapter. But your home should support who you are now, not who you used to be. Keeping only what serves your present and future makes your space more joyful and functional.
