What happens when grief meets clutter—and neither knows where to go?

In this meaningful conversation, Michelle sits down with professional organizer Melinda Grace to explore the emotional weight of stuff after loss. Together, they unpack why decluttering after grief is so much more than tidying up—and why it often feels impossible to even begin.

Melinda introduces her GRACE Method, a compassionate, step-by-step approach to organizing that honors both memory and healing:
Gather → Release → Acquire → Cultivate → Enjoy

They talk honestly about why clutter impacts mental well-being, how grief freezes decision-making, and why letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. You’ll hear practical strategies for handling sentimental items, creating memento spaces, and designing systems that support the life you’re living now—without erasing the life you loved before.

This episode is filled with permission, patience, and practical tools for widows who feel overwhelmed by their homes, their hearts, or both.

If you’ve been avoiding a room, a closet, or a pile because it feels too heavy—this conversation is for you.

• Why clutter can intensify emotional exhaustion during grief

• How the GRACE Method brings clarity without pressure

• Why releasing items is emotional—and how to do it gently

• How to honor memories without being buried by them

• The power of a memento box (and how to use one well)

• Why starting with the most stressful space can create momentum

• How organization can restore a sense of control and accomplishment

• Why enjoying the process matters just as much as finishing it

• How to give yourself permission to move slowly and compassionately

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why clutter can intensify emotional exhaustion during grief

• How the GRACE Method brings clarity without pressure

• Why releasing items is emotional—and how to do it gently

• How to honor memories without being buried by them

• The power of a memento box (and how to use one well)

• Why starting with the most stressful space can create momentum

• How organization can restore a sense of control and accomplishment

• Why enjoying the process matters just as much as finishing it