Drowning in stuff while navigating midlife transitions? Professional organizer Mary Beth McKinnon reveals why decluttering now might be the greatest gift you'll ever give your family.

Mary Beth shares her personal journey of helping clear out her mother's home after a move to assisted living—a process made doubly painful because her mother was simultaneously grieving her husband and her possessions. This experience transformed Mary Beth's perspective on our relationship with our things and sparked her mission to help others avoid leaving this burden for their children.

Far from just practical advice, this conversation explores the profound emotional aspects of our belongings. 

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: 

• Compassionate strategies for getting started without becoming overwhelmed
• The best tip I've ever heard for cleaning out photos on your phone
• Ideas for helping family and friends with the clean out or downsizing process
• Ways to make the entire decluttering process less stressful

 🎯 OMG Moment: Give yourself grace throughout the decluttering process. Perfectionism is the enemy of progress, and even small improvements create a sense of lightness and accomplishment that motivates continued effort.

TAKE ACTION:

Find Mary Beth on Instagram @marybeth.mackinnon - and keep enjoying her tips and tricks!

Grab your free StoryCycle resource from Cheryl to navigate the emotional challenges of this process as well.

Listen to Cheryl’s interview with paper organizing expert C. Lee Cawley.

WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS: 

Whether you're considering downsizing, helping parents through transitions, or simply feeling weighed down by decades of accumulated possessions, this episode provides both the practical tools and the mindset shifts needed to create more space—both physical and emotional—in your midlife.

Find all the coaching and podcast resources at cherylpfischer.com. 

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Let’s talk midlife body positivity, self-talk, and redefining aging for women — without the “midlife crisis” narrative.

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