I’d like to share the story of my dear friend, Mr. D. He was a cherished member of my partner’s spiritual community. A kind but reclusive man, Mr. D was passionate about pottery. I had never been to his home; we always met either at our place or somewhere else.
When Mr. D passed away, it was discovered that his house was filled to the brim with personal items. Living alone, his closest family were two brothers who lived out of state. They arrived to handle his estate and immediately ordered a 40-yard dumpster, filling it with his belongings. I was called in to help, and immediately managed to save hundreds of cardboard boxes from the landfill by taking them to recycling.
I then started sorting through the dumpster. Mr. D was beloved in his community, and many friends wanted a keepsake to remember him by. I found items he used for his rituals and many of his pottery tools and creations. While these items meant little to his family, they were treasured by his friends.
In an ideal world, I would have sat down with Mr. D years before his passing. Together, we could have taken inventory of his belongings and identified disposable items. His home could have been decluttered, making it more functional and inviting. I believe his reluctance to invite people over was due to the lack of space to accommodate guests comfortably.
Mr. D’s home was in a lovely neighborhood, and he could have enjoyed it more fully without spending a lot of money. This experience opened my eyes. I’ve since encountered several homes in similar states, each one overwhelmed by unnecessary belongings.
One way to address this is if someone reaches out and commissions me to help. We can work together to create a more inviting and functional space, ensuring your home reflects your true self and not just your possessions.
