GON Reader Letter
#1
Help Aging Parents Sort Through Their Personal Items and Bestow Gifts
In response to your article Organizing Thought of the Day about moving and downsizing in your April 13th issue...
I would also suggest that helping aging parents to sort through their items and perhaps bestow gifts that would have otherwise been designated in a will to those you wish to receive the items. Not only do you get to see them receive your gift, you are also ensured that the item has gone to the place intended.
Before my mom passed, she started giving away her collection of cherished teddy bears, giving my daughter and I first chance of course. These were some of her favorite things and gave them to the ladies at her bank, the pharmacy, etc.
After her passing, my dad continued to give them away. My dad also gave items to my children, his only grandchildren, in the week prior to his passing , so that the items would "mean something to them'" rather than them going to my brother and then my kids. This caused a bit of a rift at first but it was
understood.
After his passing, as the executrix of their estate I was tasked with going through a household of 50+ years and sorting through so many items that were trash. My dad had been
keeping receipts and warranties from watches purchased in 1980 and beyond. I also found my bicycle receipt from 1980!
Because so many treasures were mixed in with the trash, I had to be vigilant in going through every item to ensure nothing was lost. We had 2 large dumpster loads (8' x 20' x
8') and had a junk service come out to take other items and they took 4 truck loads away!
Unfortunately, this occurred during 2020 and the height of covid and we were not able to donate or
sell items they were all taken to the city dump. It pained me greatly to see items broken down and taken to the trash, but we did not have space in our home for more items.
We did end up moving into my childhood home which also necessitated me purging my own household items. Just last fall I
was finally able to get through the boxes housed in my living and dining room and get my sewing room mostly set up.
When we first moved in, we had so much stuff that my husband just wanted
me to get rid of things and I just couldn't for the sake of more room and worrying that I would realize I needed something and have to re-buy, it but I persevered and a lot of what I ended up parting with were things that I was able to let go.
Thankfully I was able to donate all of the items we did not need and I was able to let go of more of my parents, and generational items that I have been given. I made the decision that if it doesn't fit with my design aesthetic or isn't something I like then it must go.
I did give my kids an opportunity to see if there was anything they wanted kept, but many of the things I was "sure" they would want...they didn't. I have to admit some things were kept just in case because they had just turned 21 last December.
Thanks for your newsletter and guides that have helped me make decisions and let things go.
-- Nancy F.
GON Reader Letter #2
What I Do When I Give a Gift
On the topic of gifts in your April 11 issue, since I’m in my 70’s, I do understand clutter much better now. Whenever I give a gift, I usually tell the recipient “You have my permission to throw this away, donate it, or re-gift it.” (As you say, no strings
attached,) It was new, most likely not expensive, given with thought, but all of our wants and needs are different. Hopefully they will pass it on to someone who might just love it if they don’t.
Love your ideas, tips etc! Thanks!
-- Pat King, Cypress, TX
GON Reader Letter #3
Don't Forget To Wash This
Hi Maria,
I have another item that should be added to the list of things that should be washed and often aren't in your March 27 issue. I am guilty of this. Reusable shopping bags can get pretty grimy with weekly use.
Thanks for all your tips. I always learn something new from you.
-- Eileen from Ontario,
Canada
