Room to Grow, So Others Don’t Groan
Pick a Room, Any Room
Last August, we nudged you to pick a few meaningful personal items and consider where they might go, after you die (or before). And if you’re like most of us, you’ve been thinking about it ever since (wink, wink).
Spring has a way of inviting movement. Windows open. Light shifts. And suddenly, the things around us feel more visible.
So it seems like good timing to give ourselves a slightly bigger—but still manageable—container: a room, a closet, or a collection.
Because here’s the truth: The things we’re holding onto did their job. They brought us joy, meaning, comfort, identity. And while it’s tempting to believe others will feel the same, that might be a stretch.
When we die, finding homes for important possessions often is more like a job for our loved ones—one they don’t have the bandwidth or inclination to take on in a way only you could. And if they live far away…we’ve made that even harder.
Consider this your Spring-fling down memory lane.
This SMALL STEP requires no heavy lifting.
Step #1: Pick your container
One room.
One closet.
One collection.
(Maybe not the bathroom, you decide!)
That’s it.
Not the whole house.
A definitely NOT your life’s inventory.
Step #2: Touch with your eyes.
No need to pull everything (or anything) out. This is a noticing pass.
Take the room or collection in slowly. No doubt you’ll grin at a few things and sigh at others, which will let you know you’re on the right track!
We “touch with our eyes” all the time,
now you’re doing with it a different purpose.
Step 3: Make a “Down and Dirty”List
Grab a piece of paper and create a few simple columns:
What is it? (description)
Backstory (if there is one… or “what even is this?”)
Where might it go? (person, friend, neighbor, nonprofit, thrift shop, school, club, etc.)
Value (real or perceived—both count)
You can be detailed or broad. “Box of holiday decorations” counts just as much as “grandpa’s favorite hammer(s).”
Now pause, and take a moment.
You just did something important and hopefully appreciated the process.
Good job at taking one or many things off your loved ones’ plate during a time that future you won’t be able to.
That list you just created, it’s a gift that reduces guesswork. It reduces overwhelm.
It gives your people a glimpse into what mattered to you—and what didn’t.
And maybe most importantly, it reminds you that you’re allowed to decide while you’re still here.
Step 4: Give it a home (the paper, not the stuff…yet)
Put your list into a folder labeled: GOOD TO GO
Keep it in a place you can easily update and key people can gain access to when needed. And most importantly, make sure those key people knows it exists. (ie. your executor, family member, or other trusted human.)
No need to formalize this in your Will unless you want to (although there might be good reasons to formalize it).
For now, let’s move the ball this far down the court to your GOOD TO GO folder!
Step 5: Bonus points (future you just gave you a standing ovation!)
Add a small label to items (back of framed art or bottom of things on shelves)
Tuck a note or story inside
Write a short letter to the person or group you want to have this
The future you just gave yourself a high-five, a low-five and a fist bump.
Now go brag to whomever will listen!