Additional Coverage:
- I’m 81 and decluttering my house, so that my kids don’t have to deal with the mess when I die. It’s a strange but important task. (businessinsider.com)
Decluttering with Joy: An 81-Year-Old’s Journey to Lighten the Load
At 81, Cynthia Wall has embarked on a unique mission: decluttering her cherished home to spare her children the monumental task later on. What started as a daunting prospect has transformed into a surprisingly joyful endeavor, especially as she tackles her extensive book collection.
Wall, a self-proclaimed “repository of older generations,” admits her home is filled with an eclectic mix of treasured antiques, family heirlooms, and garage sale finds. From her Edison phonograph to her grandmother’s quilts and two sets of china, her house tells a story of a life well-lived.
However, her children have made it clear: they don’t want the “stuff.” Modern preferences lean away from elaborate china and handmade doilies, and even Great Grandpa’s rocking chair holds little appeal to the younger generation.
Recognizing the inevitable, Wall and her husband, who reside in a 2,500-square-foot, four-bedroom home surrounded by nature, have begun the process of clearing out. “If I don’t declutter my house now, my kids will have to face the larger task after our deaths,” she states with pragmatism.
The process, while challenging, has been made lighter by a shift in perspective. Wall realized she could hold onto the memories associated with her beloved possessions without needing to keep the physical items themselves.
“Grandmother used to crochet in her chair; my mother loved setting the table for company; my father hooked up an old phone that actually works. But I’ve finally realized I can keep the memories without the things,” she explains.
This newfound minimalist mindset has brought a sense of liberation. Wall compares it to the ease of her Caribbean vacations, where she enjoys the freedom of packing light.
She’s also discovered immense satisfaction in giving things away. Rather than selling items, she finds more joy in passing them on to friends or those in need.
A cut-glass pitcher went to an admiring friend, a collection of “The Little Colonel” stories found a new home with a book club friend’s granddaughter, and much of her former teaching wardrobe is headed to Goodwill.
The biggest hurdle, however, remains their vast collection of books. As lifelong readers, Wall and her husband have filled almost every room with literature.
While she’s made progress, clearing out kitchen books (save for “The Joy of Cooking”) and emptying half of a floor-to-ceiling bookcase, donating books has proven more difficult than anticipated. Yet, she’s found avenues: schools, libraries, thrift shops, retirement homes, and even prisons are often grateful recipients of books in good condition.
Despite the emotional challenges, Wall remains steadfast in her decision. Decluttering, she says, isn’t just for her own peace of mind; it’s a profound act of care and consideration for her children, ensuring they won’t be burdened by a lifetime of possessions after she’s gone.