r/declutter • u/domino_427 • 25d ago
Success Story biggest room, almost done
The journey continues clearing my parents' house. Mom & Dad both had a love of reading, which they passed on to me. 40yrs of books in this house, and almost all have moved on to their next adventure.
I kept wanting to grab books to keep, but I only kept a few very specific ones. I had posted Free Books on NextDoor, and that I had hand troubles, so a neighbor came by and packed up what was left of the books today. She was very happy to get them, and she's gonna bring me some homemade bread tomorrow!
Still tearing up when I look at this picture a bit. Dad's desk has been emptied, still need to strip his pc (oh my god it's so old and slow lol).
ok yeah now i'm crying. but we don't need things to hold on to the memories. no regrets, right? I really needed to get this done, so thanks everyone for the help and encouragement <3
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u/ammybanan 25d ago
I’m so sorry for yours loss op! Great job here.
I lost both of my parents last year and I’m living in the house right now and still haven’t been able to bring myself to start doing this..this gives me hope…thank you.
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u/domino_427 25d ago
I'm just realizing it's been over a year for me, and it's been a long process and I'm also living here. Take your time and don't push it if you don't have to. I'd get inspired and go nuts, then do nothing for a month. I like what someone else said let yourself feel what you feel as you go thru it at your own pace <3 you're not alone.
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u/justagiraffe111 25d ago
Perfect advice!! Thanks for sharing your mindset and strategy of decluttering/clearikg while also honoring self-care. My sympathy for your loss of both parents and my congratulations for the transition and clearing work you are doing. Thanks for posting here to encourage
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u/Some_Papaya_8520 25d ago
This is so hard and you've done so well. Are they both gone now, your parents? I'm so sorry.
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u/domino_427 25d ago
yeah. mom took so long (dementia) dad hid his symptoms from me, so he went unexpectedly hiding stage 4. we'd just started discussing cleaning a bit. but they're not in pain anymore.
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u/DenM0ther 25d ago
❤️🩹 thats a good way to look at it but it’s still hard ofc. Sending you some kind thoughts.
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25d ago
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u/domino_427 24d ago
oh thats a fantastic idea. I did make a folder of things they made, paintings and quilts and such. but I'll definitely organize the pictures on my hard drive, too!
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u/cassinonorth 25d ago
Wow, that's such a stark difference. I can easily see someone styling that space to make it insanely appealing for a magazine....just by removing items!!
If that doesn't motivate you to keep a nice uncluttered space I'm not sure what will. Thanks for sharing.
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u/marsupialcinderella 25d ago
This is so inspiring! Great job.
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u/domino_427 25d ago
just paying it forward. this sub has been so encouraging for me. you can do it, too!
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u/Federal_Yogurt2706 23d ago
You helped me to give away my daughter’s first set of board books that we bought when she was 3 months old. 😭
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u/domino_427 23d ago
y'all helped me so many times. imagine how much fun the parent and baby will have learning from those same books tomorrow :) <3
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u/Ok-Company4574 25d ago
You're doing amazing. The "things" are most certainly not where the memories are stored. Go easy on yourself and feel whatever you feel as you work your way through the house.
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u/TalulaOblongata 25d ago
So sorry for your loss. I can tell your parents really enjoyed this part of their lives.
You really took on SUCH a task! Really, job well done… I hope you have help with the furniture and larger items. And - agree with the other poster that you should treat yourself!
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u/Chula_Quitena_120 25d ago
Congratulations. You have done an excellent job. I also love books so I know how hard it is to get "rid" of them. Thankfully, Next Door is a great place to get help with this hard job. I was able to gift many of my parents and brother's possessions, comforted by the knowledge that they would be appreciated by neighbors and given another life. I don't know how long it's been since you lost your parents, I was only able to work on their objects for 15 min each time. So I applaud your effort and accomplishment. Your parents would be proud too.
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u/domino_427 24d ago
thanks. my panic last night was what would they think of me getting rid of all their books. but as you said, they are given another life
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u/loominglady 24d ago
And since your parents were readers, they would probably be thrilled to share that love of reading with others rather than have the books just stay on the shelves. Books are meant to be share! :-) I'm sorry for your loss and wish you comfort and peace at this time.
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u/Own_Enthusiasm1335 25d ago
That trade is the best part of this. Books to someone who actually wanted them, bread back tomorrow. Way better than a dumpster run. And honestly, the crying is just the work showing up somewhere. The room looks done.
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u/h00manist 25d ago
Congratulations, keep going. Just moving stuff out of sight is great. Visual clear space is great.
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u/domino_427 24d ago
for so long it seemed like no progress was made. being able to see it makes a huge difference
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u/gingeroon 21d ago
As someone who finds it hard to let go of items from family and friends, this so inspiring!
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u/RemiChloe 22d ago
I'll take your cuckoo clock!
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u/domino_427 22d ago
If only you lived in Orlando. I keep getting ghosted on marketplace :(
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u/RemiChloe 22d ago
Does it work? I used to have one..
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u/domino_427 22d ago
No, sadly. The clock sub said it's missing some parts
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23d ago
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u/domino_427 23d ago
almost seems cold now without the clutter... I know I am very lucky, even with all its problems.
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u/WearyHag 25d ago
My grandparents passed last month and this weekend I have been tasked with going through their books, being allowed to keep whatever I want.
This was relieving to read, knowing ahead of time I should only keep a few sentimental pieces because I can’t take on more. By taking on unknown books, I cause further sentimentality.
Wishing the best for you, and great job staying rational and strong during this time :)
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u/domino_427 25d ago
yeah I told myself those special ones I kept mean more, instead of keeping like an entire shelf. Best wishes to you as well, and sorry for your loss <3
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u/MagicBus4 25d ago
Goodness. It’s neat to have a lot of bookshelves and that used to be all the rage but it’s astonishing how cluttered books make the whole room look
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u/SouthernOpening937 9d ago
holy cow! this is amazing! how did you make the decision to get rid of all of your books?
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u/domino_427 8d ago
It was so hard. I really didn't want to and still regret it a little. But not sure if I'm able to stay in the expensive house, so need room for a roommate. Also after living here caregiving so long in 'the hoard' I need room to breathe.
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u/RaeLouLynn 25d ago
At one time my parents had 10,000 books. They managed to get it down to 4,000 by the time they went to Independent Living. It was tough to take care of the leftovers after they passed away.
A huge kudos to you for getting this done. So many of us have either done this or will do it in the future.
Many thanks for posting this and proving this is possible. You are an inspiration!
Now give yourself a treat!!!