My latest blog on an estate sale while still alive

[andrewschorr]

See if this blog resonates with you! blog.patientpower.info/2014...

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Good advice Andrew. Please let us know how you go working out what to keep and what to dispose. I've made a very, very small start but still seem to be collecting more than I'm discarding

Neil

PS I wish there was a foolproof way of knowing what you are about to throw out after not using it for ages, won't be needed the week after it's gone

[Kwenda]

While my elder brother keeps accumulating bigger houses and more stuff, his younger two brothers downsize…

So I am with you on this one Andrew. Have already reduced property sizes and the amount of possessions.

MUCH less to have to worry or think about; we don’t truly miss anything, and we have more time for family and friends..

Dick

[Newdawn Administrator]

Oh how this resonates with me Andrew! I keep looking round and promising myself a good clear out (just wish my joints would co-operate some days). It's so liberating but like Neil I suffer the doubt of 'but what if I need it...?' Reality is we rarely do.

When my mother moved into supported housing it took us many weeks to empty her property and it was an exhausting and at times emotional process.

I admire you and your wife becoming 'global citizens' (and am envious of a downsized home in beautiful Barcelona!).

Happy INDEPENDENCE DAY to you and all our American members on this 4th July!

Newdawn

[Kam73]

Oh yes! When my husband was first diagnosed a year ago I told him we needed to get rid of all the junk that had accumulated over the last 20 years. It is an overwhelming job, one I did not want to do by myself in the future. So far we have tackled cleaning out closets and donating clothes. My husband is almost finished organizing the important papers. Next up is the basement! I encourage everyone to start cleaning out and have an estate sale while you are still alive.

[andrewschorr in reply to Kam73]

Thanks! It's a long weekend here in the US so I guess I have to hit those storage lockers! Best to you. Andrew

[jangreen]

We are just about to move into a retirement complex. We will have our own two bedroom flat just also the comfort of living within a community. But yes stuff needs to be got rid of. We cannot keep everything. Some things are stored while some are just taken down the dump. But this does leave me feeling lighter with less clutter there is less dusting so although it can be emotionally tiring its worth it in the end.

[stunned]

De cluttering is not only very liberating, but can be very profitable to local charity shops. I have been de cluttering for a while now and have 3 boxes

1,junk for the tip

2,good stuff that the local Cancer shop can sell for much needed money

3,sentimental keepsakes.

I am being very prudent and only keeping what fits into a small cupboard.

So far the stuff sent to the local Douglas Macmillan charity shop has raised £1500 in just over 3 years.

Even my garden now only contains plants and shrubs that need little attention. Bedding plants and bulbs are for the more active gardeners.

My attic only contains a couple of empty suitcases and Christmas decorations.

Even my will, living will and power of attorney (should it ever be needed) are all completed and my sons know exactly what they need to do if or when the time comes.

Nothing has been left to chance and the boys will not have the extra burden of sorting loads of stuff at a very emotional time.

On a positive note, the sun is shining and today is a good day.

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