Overwhelmed with “Stuff”
Clearing with Compassion
Sorting through a loved one’s belongings after they’ve passed or moved can be an overwhelming task. It’s not just about clearing space—it’s about facing memories, emotions, and sometimes, a lifetime of accumulated possessions. When hoarding is involved, the process can feel even more daunting.
Hoarding isn’t just about “too much stuff.” It’s deeply tied to our emotions, fears, and sense of security. Many people collect and save because they see potential value, fear scarcity, or struggle to part with memories attached to objects. Understanding this can help us approach the process with gentleness rather than frustration.
So how do we handle a cleanout with compassion while also preventing unnecessary waste? Instead of simply discarding everything, we can find meaningful ways to rehome and repurpose:
Donation: Many charities, shelters, and community organizations can make use of clothing, furniture, and household goods.
Reselling: Using our own marketplace and online consignment options, we can help families offset the financial burden of clearing out.
Art Programs: Schools, artists (like our CEO Jenny Newberry), and creative reuse centers often welcome materials for projects.
Giveaways & Yard Sales: Sharing with friends, neighbors, and the community can keep items in use.
Specialty Recycling: Some items, like electronics and textiles, require specific recycling programs to avoid landfill waste.
Cleaning out doesn’t have to mean throwing away. It can be a chance to honor the past while making thoughtful choices about what stays, what moves on, and what can have a second life elsewhere. With patience and care, we can ease the burden for families and ensure that meaningful items continue to serve a purpose.
