Around the Bluhmin’ Town

By

Judy Bluhm

There is nothing quite like a New Year to get us in a tidying up mood. January is the perfect time to declutter! Out with all the “stuff” we never use, wear or even like. Marie Kondo, Japanese decluttering guru, whose “tidying up” book and teachings, are supposed to show us the way to a neater and more joyful life. The KonMari method, as it is called, is all about positive change through organizing and letting go of the “stuff” you no longer need. Easier said than done.

Another “roadmap” for getting rid of “stuff” is the book called, “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.” The concept is that you start gifting, selling, donating or tossing the items in your house (and garage) that you no longer need to ease the burden on your loved ones when you are gone. Depressing? Perhaps, but a brilliant idea, since it appears our kids don’t want our collectibles, mementos or china.

Just a month before my husband, Doug, unexpectedly passed away, I happily showed him the “Swedish Death Cleaning” book. Oh, how much fun it was going to be to declutter. He chuckled and asked, “Is one of us Swedish? Because I know I’m not.” Very funny, Doug. I pointed to the garage where he had plenty of unused tools and items on his workbench. He laughed and pointed to the kitchen and said, “You go first.”

Okay. Lesson learned. It is much easier, even exhilarating, to organize and get rid of your own stuff. And heartbreaking to let go of your loved one’s possessions after they are gone. That is a process that takes time. On Christmas Day, in the middle of gift opening and while the roast was cooking, I went into my garage to get a garbage bag and saw one of my grandsons standing quietly in front of Doug’s tool chest. When I asked what he was doing, he turned around and said, “remembering.”

Some possessions hold memories and stories, like little markers representing a special trip or a life that was shared. Those things we keep. To declutter the “stuff” we don’t need or want, it’s best to start in your closet. As Kondo says, if you aren’t enjoying an item, get rid of it. Give it away! Feel no guilt! Simply recall the pleasure it gave you when you bought it. I have a metallic gray handbag with long fringe that I bought when out with my girlfriend because she said it looked like me. Well, I have never used it because it really looks more like something Tina Turner would have loved. Tidying up can show you the error of your shopping ways.

Sorting through stuff is an eye-opener. It forces us to look beyond decluttering, but to ponder if there is anyone in our lives who would really want our things. And if those “things” are in a box and not displayed for our enjoyment, what is the point of keeping them?

Ready for the “tidying up challenge?” Experience the freedom of letting go. Oh, and if anyone wants an (ugly) fringed purse, just drop me a line. It’s yours.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local realtor. Contact Judy at [email protected]. Or visit www.aroundthebluhmintown.com.