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.  

In this replay of a transformative conversation GRUFFtalk host Barbara Hannah Grufferman had with organizing guru Julie Morgenstern, you’ll learn how to get on top of your belongings, obligations, relationships, and so much more so you can find more joy and greater peace. 

Julie Morgenstern has published six bestselling books, has appeared on Oprah, the Today Show, and is an organization consultant and time management expert.  

Some of the topics that are covered include: 

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, we 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  

Three questions to consider when decluttering:  

1) What is the time and emotional burden that you are going to leave to your loved ones if you don’t tackle this now?  

2) What do you want people to know about you, or to see about you when you are gone?  

3) Is everything in my home something that I use and love?  

3 power takeaways to start shedding:  

By purging and decluttering your life now, you’re giving a gift to yourself and to the people you love  

Get started by identifying the 20% you use in every category in your home so that what remains are the things you really use and love.  

Start small and tackle one category at a time. Do not go room by room, but stick to categories such as books, or pots and pans. 

“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:   

Website: https://www.barbarahannahgrufferman.com 

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