Clearing Out the Home After Someone Passes Away

For most of the world, 2020 was not the best year. Because of the CoVid-19 pandemic, a lot of people have passed away. Which means there are a lot of families out there dealing with now vacant homes. Homes filled with a lifetime of stuff. On top of the emotional stress of a death, clearing out a home can be incredibly overwhelming. So, here's a primer for getting started, should you find yourself in the same unfortunate situation.

First and foremost, find out if you have a particular timeline to adhere to. If this is a rental property, does the home need to be vacated by a certain date? Will the home be sold or property ownership transferred on a particular day? If so, you can plan by working backward to finish the project on time.

Second, consult the will. It's important to include the proper legal channels in the process. There may be particular items in the home that have been left to a family member or friend. It's also possible that certain items have been bequeathed to a charity or organization. Those items should be given to those individuals and groups as soon as possible, so as to not displace them. 

Third, bring in the family and friends that were closest to the deceased. Are there items left in the home that someone would like to remember their loved one? There are a variety of ways to work through this process. But, the main concern is that it's a fair process where no one feels they have been slighted. Emotions can be high, so you may find a moderator to be helpful.

Fourth, based on anything left in the home, clear out the garbage and recycling. Clear out the fridge and freezer of opened foods, empty trash cans, and so on. Likely, there will be more along the way, too.

Fifth, find all the paperwork. If a will wasn't located initially, this step will need to come first. Look in drawers, cabinets, boxes, safes and any hiding place you can find. Look for important documents like birth and marriage certificates, paperwork that proves property ownership (homes, land, vehicles, boats) and any appraisals (jewelry, art, property). These will be important to dissolving the estate. Next, find paperwork related to any financial accounts that will need to be closed, including utilities (wait until the home is cleared out and no one will return), credit cards and banking/investment accounts. Shred or recycle anything else.

Finally, remember the person you cared for. Know that this is a stressful process. Know that help is available, should you need it. And, that you can get through this.

How An Organizer Unpacks Her House

Just like unpacking a client's home, I go a room at a time when I unpack myself after moving. Otherwise, just like you, I get a bit overwhelmed and start to feel scatter brained!

Moving is chaotic enough. There's no need to make unpacking any worse. So, the first thing I do when I move in is tackle the bathroom. Being able to brush my teeth and take a shower without ripping apart a bunch of boxes makes me feel human again. Especially after a sweaty day of unpacking. Plus, at least personally, I never have a ton of bathroom boxes. Then, I make the bed so I can sleep comfortably for my first night in my new place. Tackling the kitchen is the next on the list, and usually a big project. Clothes and bedroom items come next. Last, I undo the boxes of decorative items, media and whatever else hasn't made the cut yet.

When I start each space, I have the same process. With a clean slate, I first survey the new room. Do I already have a feeling that I'd like something to go in a particular space? For example, in the kitchen - do I already know which drawer I want utensils in and where cookie sheets will fit? Then, so I don't have to rip open everything just to get to those items, I open up everything for that room. (Since I've packed my own things, it's never a problem to know which boxes hold what). I break down the boxes to get them out of the way and spread out whatever will get stored in that room. Sometimes, that means I'm using the floor, the counters, the bed, whatever surfaces I need, as long as it's sturdy and safe. 

From there, I can grab the items I already know I want in a certain spot. After that, I work my way backward to zero items left to store. Sometimes, I have to stop to rearrange or adjust a shelf or move a piece of furniture over a few inches. It's better to get it done now, then to move it all after I've filled the cabinet or shelf. And, unless I buy a bunch of new items (unlikely for me!), chances are, I won't need to do this again.

Take out the trash and recycling. Wipe off the counters or sweep the floor of packing dust. Then, hit the shower, because I'm done!

How an Organizer Moves

I realized not that long ago that I move a lot! In 10 years, I've lived in five apartments. Even if I wasn't a certified organizer, I'd probably know the ins and outs of moving pretty well now! Here's how I do it:

First thing, I figure out my timeline. When is moving day? How much time have I to prepare? Then, I work backward.

Going from room to room, I break down each space into smaller chunks. The family room gets broken down by bookcase or table or desk. The kitchen is broken down by cabinets. Closets are their own sections; the bathroom, too. The chunks aren't necessarily the same size in project, but are sort of smaller categories. Maybe it's all the books in one room. Maybe it's all the dishes. Or, maybe all the linens. (Since I'm already pretty organized, these things live in one space in my home).

Then, I look at my calendar. How many chunks divided by how many days? And, will I realistically have time to tackle part of the project every day between now and then? If not, the number of days is shorter. Or, maybe some days I'll clearly have more time. I can decide if I want to count those days as two, instead of one. 

Lastly, once I've got my supplies (boxes, wrapping paper, tape), I get to work. It's the same old process as ever - do I use it? need it? love it? Is it worth boxing up, moving across town (or further) and unpacking again? The only difference is that I start with the least used or functional items. Artwork, decorative items, media are usually first. The pantry, bathroom and dishes are usually left toward the end. And, it forces me to plan out a few days of outfits. It might feel like a bother, but honestly, it's one less thing to worry about during the chaos of a move. I can set aside what I need, as if I were going away for the weekend, and pack the rest.

Then, I usually get a drink - moving is exhausting!

Off To College!

Have an incoming college student? Be sure to grab dorm room essentials sooner rather than later. Don’t wait until the last minute; Stuff will go quickly. Ideally, you would have started shopping around June, grabbing necessities here and there. But, there's still time!

Look at the college or university’s assigned packing list so that you can see exact items to bring. Also, have your student communicate with his/her roommate to ensure they don’t bring two rugs, two microwaves, two mini fridges, etc.

You don't have to spend a fortune, either. There are plenty of places to shop that are economical:

• Bed Bath & Beyond (lots of coupons to use here)
• Target
• Walmart
• Ikea
• The Container Store
• Home Goods
• TJ Maxx
•  Marshalls
• Staples
• Office Max

Leaving Behind a Houseful of Stuff

I recently took a course on the many steps involved in clearing out the home of a recently deceased person. There are so many things to consider. And, having also recently helped to clear a home of a hoarder who recently passed, I want to share some of those things.

First, know what you're looking for. Everyone has important things and papers in their space. But, not everyone keeps them in an organized manner. Keep your eyes open for birth certificates, deeds to property, passports, account numbers and the like. These documents will be necessary for the estate executor to carry out their duties. Important finds also include credit cards and keys (to the house, the car, the lock box...).

Second, know what everyone else is looking for. Are there family members or friends that are entitled to a particular item? Has the deceased person bequeathed certain items as a part of their will? If there are a lot of items and/or lots of people who will be claiming the items, consider having a box with each person's name on it. Place items in as they're found, and scratch it off your list.

Third, know when to call in another expert. If you come across items that appear to be rare or of particular value, call in an expert. Antique dealers, jewelry appraisers and even local historians can be of help. Sometimes, we find items that are so old or rare that we don't even know what they are. Online research can at least provide a starting point.

And lastly, know when you're done. If everyone has found the items they were intending to claim, and all sale-worthy items have been sold, it's likely time to start bagging up donations. Donate anything else left in the home that can still be used by someone else. Consider finding a charity with which the deceased was a part or supported, if possible. It can often make the process a little easier knowing that someone else can find use and joy from the items that remain.

5 Tips Before You Start the Moving Process

The entire moving process can be grueling. You may not realize just how much stuff you have until you have to go through it all. Below are 5 tips to do before you start the whole moving process:

1.    Declutter. Get rid of things that you wouldn’t want someone else moving for you. It may be an extra expense. Why pay movers to move boxes of things you’ll never use again?

2.    Pack things you don’t need right away. Packing things before you start moving will give you less of a headache later. Winter gear is a great example. I doubt we’ll be getting snow in May (in Chicago, you never really know though!)

3.    Label boxes properly. Write down the room it’s from and going to, along with what’s inside the box. A box has a lot of surface area so don’t be afraid to get into detail, if you think it will make unpacking easier. You can label boxes way ahead of packing and moving, too, if you want to make sure you have enough boxes to pack certain items.

4.    Make your home generic. In order to sell your home, you have to make it less you and more of a place that buyers can imagine themselves in. Take down memorabilia and photos to help better spin their imagination.

5.    Deep Cleaning. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hire someone, deep clean at both the old and the new place.

3 Tips for Shopping for the Dorms

Finally getting some freedom from your parents and you want to show them you can adult? Being prepared to live in the dorms is a mental as well as a physical feat. Everything is officially up to you to finish and follow through. Here are some ways to shop, and get your dorm ready:

1.    First, talk to your roommate. You’ll want to make sure you’re not bringing doubles of anything, and find out how much they are willing to share. Be honest with your lifestyle, and how you usually keep your room. You should both be prepared for the frustration that comes with sharing a room, but try not to judge on the way they organize; there is no right or wrong (unless there’s leftover pizza boxes that are starting to stink).

2.    Prepare a budget. Based off what you and your roommate decide to get for the dorm, you should next plan your budges stress on your (parent’s) wallet. Any budget is reasonable and based on your search skills, you can find items that fit within it.

3.    Resale shops are your new best friends. It’s fun shopping for your own place but in all reality, that stuff doesn’t need to be brand new. Dorms are a transition. You’ll be helping the environment by reusing items. And there may be family things you can use, which is a connection to home, like the cupcake pans you used to use while baking with your Grandma.

t. You don’t need to worry about getting really high quality, long lasting items. This puts les

4.    Bring a list. Once you’ve decided what you need to get, write it all down. Put the list in your wallet so you always have it with you.  Then when you’re out and you see a good deal on something, you’ll know if you really need it. It’s easy to go overboard when shopping for your dorm, but stick to that list and you’ll have a great room.

Secrets for Staging a Home

It sometimes take a long while to sell your home or find a new one you love. It always seems easier to imagine yourself in a new space when it's clean, sleek and simply decorated. Here are my favorite tips for making your home show-ready:

1) Clear the counters (and fridge door). Removing these small piles makes a huge difference. Kitchen counters should have minimal appliances, fruit bowls and gadgets. Bathroom counters should be limited to soap pump/dish, cup, hand towel and perhaps a decorative item or two, if the bathroom is large enough.

2) Remove the family photos and kid's drawings. It's harder for a stranger to imagine himself living in your home if there are photos of your family and your kid's drawings on the walls. The goal is to have your home look as close to a department store as possible. You know, because someone is shopping around... for a home.

3) Get rid of stacks of paper. Not by stashing it all in a drawer or box in the closet. NOT that. Toss out the trash. Shred the things that have personal info on it, but you no longer need. File the rest. In files. Not a random box on the closet floor.

4) Streamline closets. You don't have to sort and purge the whole thing if you don't have time. Hang clothes on hangers neatly. Color coding or hung by item type is a plus. Linen closets get the same treatment. Fold clothes on shelves or built-in drawers so they are stacked nicely. If you have them readily available, matching hangers are a bonus.

5) Pack up knick-knacks and keepsakes. Keep book shelves as open and uncovered as possible. Pack up items that are personal, but not aesthetically beautiful, with the photos and artwork. If you have an appropriate collection to keep out, do so. If not, pack up collections, as well. Label the boxes and move them to storage area on or off site.

6) Hide those toys. Utilize baskets, bins and storage ottomans to hold toys. If there are items that are not current favorites, pack them up and put in to storage with the knick-knacks. Depending on how long you anticipate your home to be on the market, you may want to pack up more than you think. If it may be awhile, keep some in a bin tucked away to make it easy to bring out between showings, but tuck away before potential buyers stop by.

Packing to Move

A lot of people are moving this time of year. Here's a couple quick tips to make the packing process easier on everyone (because let's be honest - no one likes packing!):

1) Don't pack anything you wouldn't pay someone else to take to your new home for you. Whether you're hiring movers, using your friends truck or taking things yourself, someone is taking the time and effort to pack, move and unpack your belongings. If you wouldn't pay someone for their time to move that ugly sweater you've never worn, then donate it before it even gets a chance to get packed.

2) Pack like items together. Books with books, beauty products with beauty products, linens with linens. It's that simple. 


3) Have the right materials at hand. Boxes, packing paper, packing tape, garbage bags, marker. Don't assume everything needs packing in a box. Things like large blankets, stuffed animals and hanging clothes can easily be put in garbage bags for transportation.

4) Label boxes. On the top and on at least one side. If the boxes are stacked four high, you don't want to unstack them all just to see what's in the bottom box.

5) Don't make the boxes too heavy. Because you have to lift them. Or, I do. And, that's no fun!

The Good & The Bad of Moving

A quick little list to let you know you're not alone in your trials and tribulations of moving to a new home:

THE GOOD	THE BAD
You're moving on to the next chapter in your life	You're leaving the last chapter behind you
You get to redesign how you use the space you live in	You have to redesign how you use the space you live in
You are able to rid yourself of unneeded items you no longer use	You have to pack everything you own
Meeting new neighbors	All those change of address forms
Decorating to best accentuate your new life	You have to unpack everything you own
Starting fresh	Cleaning the old home before handing over the keys
Friends & family who help with all those steps	Helping when it's their turn

Well, maybe it's not as bad as that when you've got another set of hands around to help!

Moving Time

Pardon me, if I sound exhausted! Moving is hard. As helpful as some tips are, there's no easy way around it. Moving is taxing.

I'm in the middle of a multi-step move. Which, when all is said and done, will take me 21 days to get from my old front door to my new front door. Sigh...

Yes, it will all be worth it. But, 21 days seems like forever! Especially to an organizer! So, since phase one is complete, I thought I'd share what things I've learned so far.

Phase one has consisted of moving all me belongings from my old home in to my new home. However, I'm not yet living there. That means, in the mean time, I'm living out of a suitcase. Phase two will be when a large majority of the furniture and more belongings arrive on day 21. That will be the first night the bed is there, and thus, my first night in my new home.

Definitely a Good Idea: Go through everything while packing. I don't want to pack up, move or pay someone to move and then unpack anything I don't want or won't use.

I donated a large carload of assorted things I wouldn't  need or want at my new place. A charity can make better use of these things than I can or the dumpster would.

Some things I offered to friends (like the tropical plant I have been kidding myself that I'm taking good care of), who graciously accepted. Cooking tools I don't use or had in duplicate went quickly. Linens were also scooped up pretty fast.

I had some nice things that just weren't going to fit in the new place. Fortunately, I was able to sell most of it on Craigslist. To help offset the cost and stress of moving, I was able to sell just over $500 worth of furniture! Hooray!

Definitely a Bad Idea: I waited far too long to book a moving company. The last day of the month, on a holiday weekend is apparently the most busy time. Ever. The one company that did have a truck available was about twice as much as I was expecting to pay.

I used pre-used boxes. I liked that this was very green, and definitely inexpensive (free, even!). But, the boxes had layers and layers of tape on them. Multiple labels scratched out and rewritten. And, some of the larger boxes were crumply and soft once filled. Having new or less-used boxes would have come in handy.

In short:

• Label those boxes well
• Move them in to the right room just when it comes off the truck
• Don't move anything you don't really want in your new home
• Don't be surprised when moving seems exhausting!

More to come when phase two is over....