These moments of truth were turning points that greatly impacted their thought process. So much so, that Sophie continued to return to rooms already reviewed and decluttered, declaring there was still too much stuff. She was eager to simplify belongings and life and appreciated decluttering more and more and the project progressed.

We organizers often ask clients to name their goals at the beginning of any project. We then put a plan together to help achieve those goals. The plan always includes creating the system to support how to arrive at the goal.

Ready to downsize to a smaller living space? A thoughtful approach to what you are keeping is much better than last minute crisis decisions that can lead to potentially costly and regrettable mistakes.

The home had seen a lot of life, as many so often do. It was the childhood home for the three kids raised there. It stood witness to birthday parties, Sunday dinners, backyard vegetable gardens, holiday hosting, and TV movie nights along with the day-to-day activities of family life.

Decluttering is often the first recommendation a home seller may receive from a real estate professional (or well-meaning friend or family member). According to the National Association of Realtors, a decluttered home does indeed sell faster and for a higher price than one not decluttered.

Spring has finally arrived and with it often comes the desire to renew the spaces in our homes. After months of cold, winter hibernation, we often want to throw open the windows to let in the clean, fresh air, and throw out the unwanted items that have been taking up space.

Not so fast on the throwing out part.

Time and again, I work with people aching to love their home again. Life gets busy, clutter begins to build and things get shoved into places. The feeling of overwhelm takes up permanent residence. It’s time to shoot Cupid’s arrow to restore that loving feeling.

So many rules, challenges and styles have emerged; it’s hard to keep up with them all. And so it goes, decluttering is decluttering, no matter what it is called.

While the decision to let go comes with relief, it is often accompanied by a surprising feeling of stress. ‘Where will my stuff go?’ Generally speaking, no one wants to think that their longtime prized possessions will end up in a landfill and yet that often is the prevailing thought about what happens to stuff once it is removed from home.

As we all continue to age, our bodies and minds are prone to changes which often make us vulnerable in our own homes. Decreases in hearing, vision and mobility for instance can all contribute to an increasingly untidy home and therefore, risk.