June 13, 2023

Honoring Memories: Organizing Belongings with Love and Purpose with Janine Sarna-Jones

35 minutes

Are you struggling to sort through your household items after the loss of a loved one? It's not just a matter of spring cleaning; it's an emotional journey that requires empathy and support. In this episode of Financially Ever After Widowhood with Stacy Francis, Janine Sarna-Jones, organizational maven, shares her expertise on navigating the process of dealing with a partner's belongings. She and Stacy explore the balance between keeping reminders and avoiding a mausoleum effect, and the importance of making thoughtful decisions about items with a future life. Janine offers valuable insights on honoring memories while finding space for joy.

There is no predetermined timeline for sorting through your partner's belongings after their passing. Take the necessary time to mourn and be emotionally ready for the task.

Going through your loved one's items can bring up memories, thoughts, and feelings. It's a process that allows space for grieving and healing.

Finding a balance between keeping reminders and creating a space that brings joy is essential. Curating meaningful items and letting go of the rest can help you maintain a healthy environment.

If moving to a new space, avoid making hasty choices in the midst of grief. Moving should be a well-thought-out decision that aligns with your long-term goals and financial capabilities.

Making thoughtful choices about items that can benefit others allows for a sense of purpose and ensures that belongings don't end up in the landfill. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact beyond personal grief.

Items can be given a future life through donation to charities, animal shelters, and nonprofit organizations.

Clothing and personal items can be repurposed and given new life. Tailoring clothes to fit yourself or transforming them into quilts or memory pieces can be a meaningful way to honor memories.

There are no rules on how to deal with the personal effects of someone you love. Each person should find a way that brings them comfort and preserves the memories in a way that feels right for them.

Kindness and self-compassion are essential during the grieving process. It's important to show yourself the same understanding and grace when navigating the challenges of sorting through belongings.

Seeking support from professionals and involving your friends and loved ones can make the organizing process more manageable, physically and emotionally.

Resources

Janine Sarna-Jones on Website| LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Estate Clearance Checklist PDF Download

Donations and Waste: Junkluggers

Selling Items: Craigslist | Ebay

Making Clothes into Quilts and other items: Memory Stitch

TV Shows: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH ALL OF THE STUFF WHEN YOU LOSE A LOVED ONE?

Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | Twitter

Email: [email protected]

FrancisFinancial.com

A Financial Guide for Widows

Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!

...more

View all episodes

By Stacy Francis

4.8

3939 ratings