Walking into my nans and popas house now feels so strange. Their bungalow is a place that I spent many happy hours in. I know where everything is and I know the feel of each room. Yet that home is changing as it gets cleared. We are now having to decide what to do with their belongings. We will be keeping some, selling some and giving it away. It is not an easy process but it is something that has to be done after a loved one dies. In this post we are offering suggestions on how to clear a house and how to use a furniture delivery service.
My nan was a hoarder, not in the pile everything up sense but she didn’t like to get rid of much. Once she had finished with something it went up into the attic incase it was needed again at a later date. Popa was a creative handyman. He would make furniture and adapt things well into his late 80’s. Looking at their belongings is emotional, there are stories behind many of the pieces. This is why clearing their home is hard.
What do you do with someone elses belongings?
- Everytime we go up to the house Erin brings something else home. She has cushions on her bed from their bedroom – most were ones we had bought as christmas presents in previous years. Yet we can’t bring it all home and neither can the rest of the family accomodate everything. However there are bits that have found a new home. I have bought home a tall lamp, one that stood in their living and now it stands in mine. I have have also bought home little nik naks – those things we picked up on day trips as a child. Chloe has bought home a electric blanket and a few other bits.
- Post it notes, one tip is to walk around the house with post it notes as you sort into keep, sell, charity shop and bin. Let others in the family do the same as you never know what means something to someone.
- If you cannot make room for the big pieces like sturdy sideboards and units consider selling it. 1960’70’s furniture is sought after by many. If the pieces are beautiful, strong and original they may well be valuable. We are looking at selling the furniture on Facebook selling sites. There are many and it is worth searching facebook to find local groups.
- eBay is another option and it can be useful to look things up and see if they have sold previously. Look at the markings on china or furniture to discover if it is a reputable brand that has a resell value. Shiply offers a furniture delivery service that is easy to arrange and makess buying and moving large pieces of furniture hasslefree.
- Charity shops or locaal chaarities are often pleased to be given homeware and furniture. Unfortunately we are living in a time when many are sstruggling financially and therefore you can make a real difference by donating goods that help others.
- Finally there will be things to bin. This is the hardest part I think as no-one enjoys throwing other peoples belongings away. But if you have done the above sstepss tthey should be no guilt attached to binning the rest.
It is not easy emptying someones home but it is something many of us will have to do at some point. Once the job is done, pour a drink, relax and think back over happier times.
