The older we get the more out of hand the things we’ve accumulated in life tend to become. As kids move out and major life events happen such as weddings, funerals, graduations, and death creeps into the picture, before you know it, you’re left shuffling boxes and storage totes from one side of the garage to the other to make space for more things you probably don’t have a real use for. 

Life after 50 is certainly all about change, and I’ve experienced quite a few changes myself that have left me holding onto, and caring for, more things than I know what to do with. When we lose someone we love, it’s so hard to know what to do with the things that remind us of them. Losing my mother left me trying to figure out the pieces and brought me to today’s guest after a reader wrote in with the same concern. 

How can we better deal with life’s transitions and declutter the things we’re holding onto so our loved ones aren’t left holding this burden when we pass away? 

In this episode, the queen of organization herself, Julie Morgenstern, is helping us figure this one out. She’s published six bestselling books, has appeared on Oprah, the Today’s Show, and is an organization consultant and time management expert. 

What is the S.H.E.D. process and why is it so important?  

Julie breaks down the difference between decluttering and organization for us. While you are still occupying your space it’s important to have easy access to the things you most use and love. She also explains how eliminating things we don’t use gives us the energy and clarity we need to move forward. 

What is Swedish Death Cleaning and why would anyone do this? 

While this could probably use some rebranding, I promise it’s not as dark and grim as it sounds. Julie reveals how this cleaning method is about being thoughtful and intentional while making our belongings more manageable and valuable to the people we love. 

“I’m releasing to not give the burden of time or decision making to others…” -Julie Morgenstern 

3 questions to consider when decluttering: 

3 power takeaways to start shedding: 

“You can't move forward, if you're stuck where you are.” -Julie Morgenstern  

Check out the Swedish Death Cleaning book here: 

https://www.amazon.com/Gentle-Art-Swedish-Death-Cleaning/dp/1501173243/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1659115052&sr=8-1  

Connect with Julie Morgenstern 

Website: https://www.juliemorgenstern.com  

Connect with Barbara:  

Love Your Age: The Small-Step Solution to a Better, Longer, Happier Life 

Barbara Hannah Grufferman website 

Instagram @Barbara Hannah Grufferman 

Facebook @BarbaraHannahGruffermanAuthor 

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