How to Clean a House after Someone Dies
To start cleaning a house after someone dies you have to be in the right mindset, and this is one of the hardest things to do. When a loved one passes, sometimes we don't have a choice in how long we have to get the home packed up and turned over to the owner or sold. The entire process can feel overwhelming and can be difficult emotionally.
I have noticed through the years as a professional organizer, when it comes to clutter and disorganization there are reoccurring themes as to why it happens. Loss of a loved one, growing up poor, or having a brain condition like ADHD, and rebellious tendencies just name a few. Maintaining an organized home after loss is particularly difficult for a lot of people. Especially the loss of a loved one through death or divorce. It is hard to go through loss, and when picking up the peaces often the symbolic things make it even more difficult.
One client, who was happy to share her story, lost her husband in a tragic car accident. A single mom, with two teenage kids, she was ready to get back to the business, live life, and raise her kids the best she could.
Let's talk about cleaning house out after loss.
Turn Clutter into Categories
Like many people who have lost a loved one, she lost the motivation to keep up with her home and therefore let her master bedroom closet accumulate clutter and become disorganized. Sharing this closet with her husband, she continued to keep several of his things, including his ashes in the closet as a way to preserve the memory of him.
Several years later and now engaged to a man who has moved into her home and sharing the same closet she and her husband shared, she realized it's time to deal with the elephant in the room and organize her closet.
To get the process started, I did the first round of sorting and clearing the closet floor, open shelves, and the top of the shoe cubby which created several bins of items such as health and beauty products, papers, tools, utility items, and office supplies. Once that was complete, I went back into those bins and micro-sorted them even further to make the next step of purging much easier. Not knowing if she was up for the task or not, I left the bins for her to go back through and purge on her own.
Not knowing if she was up for the task or not, I left the bins for her to go back through and purge on her own.
Purging Clothes and Making Space For Life
When it comes to purging, I set my expectations for what my clients can do on their own very low. And as a way to create self-empowerment through the process, I always give people the opportunity to prove to themselves that they are capable of purging even if it's just a little bit. It doesn't always happen, but oftentimes it does and the client is left with a sense of satisfaction. I want the organizing process to make you feel proud and confirm that you are capable.
Much to my surprise, when I returned two days later she had purged at least 50% of the bin's contents. She was starting to feel her motivation and energy come back and was excited to continue the process. I then re-organized the hanging clothes and removed a lot of hangers that were not being used. That opened up space to make room for her fiancé's clothes and again made it easier for her to do the next step of purging on her own.
Once again when I returned, I was surprised and delighted to see that not only had she made decisions on what to keep and what to get rid of in her entire closet and dealt with the remaining contents of the bins, but also went into the drawers and re-organized them on her own.
She had also bought organizing products that maximized the space in her closet and helped to keep things better organized. The only work left for me to do was to refine the work she had done.
Needless to say, I was in complete shock. It is very rare that a client is able to do this much work on their own in between sessions. Typically when clients try to do the work on their own, they get sidetracked by the emotions that surface leaving them feeling overwhelmed, sad and unfocused. She admitted this was the case for her but she powered through anyways knowing she had to get this done and move on with her life.
Closet Revamp
When it was all said and done, she exclaimed, "This feels like a whole new closet!" And, her fiancé, being a naturally organized person was excited about the changes and now felt like he could settle in a little more.
It's natural to let things fall to the wayside when we're not feeling at our best. But as they say, "Life Goes On" and it is much easier and joyful when you're organized. I commend this client for taking the brave step of reaching out for help and I encourage you to take the next step as well.
Organizing is not just about physical spaces, but also about the emotional well-being of the individual. That is why we take a holistic approach to the organizing process, recognizing that true transformation can only occur when the mind and heart are also given the care and attention they deserve.
This client's story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of resilience and self-empowerment.The true transformation lies in the client's newfound sense of empowerment and the realization that even in the midst of life's challenges, progress and growth are possible.
Start Your Journey
With their compassionate, no-judgment approach, Miss Organized can transform your home into the organized haven you've been craving. Reclaim your space and peace of mind by contacting them for a free consultation today.
Resources If You Are Struggling With Grief
One of my very best friends, Christina Zampitella is a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of The Center for Grief Therapy. Experiencing grief and trauma first-hand in her life, Dr. Zampitella knows exactly how hard it is to rebuild your life after losing someone and what it's like to feel the unspeakable loss. If you need help dealing with grief, take the courageous step and reach out for help. She would love to help you.