Watching a Neighbour Move Away.

[Jules]

In July an elderly neighbour fell, hit his head and ended up in the hospital for a couple of weeks. He agreed to move into a seniors’ home. He knew he was vulnerable.

One son lives in town and the rest of the family live many hours away. They’ve all spread the stays out and one or more have always been with him. They’ve been cleaning out his house all this time. I’ve seen truck loads taking things away. He had good quality possessions but there’s only so much family can take.

I know it’s heartbreaking for him to see all that he’s collected ending up in piles to go to charity shops. He was a big strapping man but age caught up with him. He always said he was going to stay here until the end. I’m going to miss seeing him about.

Our homes are relatively small, yet seeing all the items at his house really is making me realize how much we have too. I’d better start tackling my own possessions more seriously. If we had to move, our families wouldn’t be able to commit this time or effort.

 

[Llynn]

I went through that earlier this year. I had six months to get rid of a lot of stuff. That wasn't nearly enough time.

 

[Radrook]

So they helped clear out his stuff? What would happen if a senior home were not available to him?

 

[Aunt Bea]

I’ve been chipping away at this for the last few years.

It’s important to me to take care of this myself and leave as little work as possible for others.

I’m slowly making the full circle to the days when I was just starting out.

The odd thing is that I don’t miss any of it.

 

[Bella]

Seeing someone you care about go downhill is tough. Sadly, your neighbor hit his head and now has to make adjustments for his well-being sooner than he would have liked. We all have to deal with this at some point.

What's ahead of us is inevitable. By clearing out a lifetime's worth of possessions while we are still able to, we spare our loved ones from that additional burden. Getting rid of so many sentimental and treasured possessions is not only difficult, but it also takes time. I'm working on that right now. I wish your neighbor the best and hope things work out for him.

 

[rgp]

I’ve been chipping away at this for the last few years.

It’s important to me to take care of this myself and leave as little work as possible for others.

I’m slowly making the full circle to the days when I was just starting out.

The odd thing is that I don’t miss any of it.

IMO, you enjoyed it while it mattered ? and now it has become somewhat of a burden ?

I'm in about the same state .... but damn I'm slow at moving things along.

Wish I wasn't such a procrastinator .

 

[Aunt Bea]

IMO, you enjoyed it while it mattered ? and now it has become somewhat of a burden ?

I'm in about the same state .... but damn I'm slow at moving things along.

Wish I wasn't such a procrastinator .

I agree that it’s easier to ignore it!

I work at it until it starts to become difficult to let some things go and then go back to it after a few months.

I’ve also been gradually coming up with a minimalist or capsule wardrobe to reduce the amount of clothing and simplify laundry.

I admire people that are content to go through life with little more than a smile.

This post from @DGM back in 2021 has been very helpful to me.

“THIS is what we all wind up with (she points to each item as she lists it): A bed, a dresser, a TV and a chair". This was our mantra when we downsized.”

 

[Jules]

So they helped clear out his stuff? What would happen if a senior home were not available to him?

It’s a good point to do research and get on a list ahead of time when the possibility of moving is very likely. He wanted a one bedroom place and it became available.

For a couple it’s more of a challenge. For health reasons, we’d need two bedrooms. I know there’s a waiting list.

 

[StarSong]

For now my clearing out desires are limited. Haven't gotten rid of the 3 million Legos I swear we have, because they're a godsend when older grands and other children visit. Ditto board games. With four grands including one under 6 months old, those happy diversions will be useful for at least another decade.

Not getting rid of extra towels and linens because why would I? Who wants to have to strip beds and bathrooms, wash, dry and put it all back to use the same day. Not me, that's for sure.

Extra dishes? When my kids and grands are all here, we make a round dozen and I've never been a paper plate kinda gal. Same with drinking glasses and flatware. A set of special dishes from my mom comes into play every Christmas Eve & Christmas Day. Not ditching any of these anytime soon.

And so forth.

For now, I have the space for these things and still put them to at least occasional use. When or if I don't, I'll purge.

DH & I cleared my mother's house when she passed. It was a labor of love with many tearful moments but far more tender ones and plenty of laughs.

Unless something unforeseen occurs, our children will receive generous inheritances when we pass. If part of the price to pay is clearing a paid off house before selling it and getting the tax-free proceeds, I won't feel guilty about it.