Next Mother's Day will be the first one that I will be celebrating without my beloved mom, but I was lucky enough to spend meaningful time with my mom while she was still here. Thanks to my organizing skills, I dedicated time to assisting her with decluttering my parent´s home. This not only brought a sense of order but also provided me with the invaluable opportunity to connect with my mom.

Losing my mom has been an incredibly painful experience, but the time I spent with her and the knowledge I gained about her have helped me feel a profound connection to her even though she is no longer with us. Understanding all the little details has brought me a sense of peace during this difficult time. We all live very busy lives, but I am here to help you in planning meaningful time with your mom and nurturing a strong relationship while also helping her. By sorting your moms possessions , you will reveal fun details about your moms life. You will understand what are the real treasures at her home. It's important to know that decluttering can be a tiring process, so remember to take breaks between sessions to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Approach the decluttering journey with care and, most importantly, enjoy the moments you share with your mom.

1. LEARN ABOUT HER VALUES

Ask her to select her most cherished possessions, items that hold special significance for her. Encourage her to curate a collection of at least five meaningful objects before your next meeting or to capture them in a photo to share with you. Together, explore the stories behind these treasures and unravel the symbolism they hold. Our attachment to certain belongings often reveals deep-seated emotions and values, shedding light on sources of gratitude and joy. This exercise will help her with decision-making when decluttering her space. Document her insights through writing or recording—it will prove invaluable in the days ahead. You will thank me later :-)

2. DECLUTTER LINNEN CLOSET

You will discover the meaningful items in her possession, some of which might have sentimental or family ties, making them precious to her. Take the time to categorize all belongings. Inquire about the items that hold the most significance for her, capture them in photos, and document their stories. Guide her in decluttering items that lack value or are in poor condition to create a more curated collection.

3. ORGANIZE HER COMPUTER

Create a personalized playlist of her favorite songs and enjoy listening to them together. Take the time to organize her photos and documents on her computer , ensuring they are securely saved. Consider teaching her effective ways to manage her digital files, allowing her to work on it at her own pace. My mom wrote a document with her childhood stories , encourage your mom to do the same.

4. DECLUTTER HER CLOSET

Decluttering a walk-in closet can be quite challenging and time-consuming. It often requires dedicating at least a weekend or two to effectively organize and streamline everything. While professional organizers work swiftly and efficiently, they typically do not delve into the sentimental stories behind each garment with their clients. However, if you're seeking a more personal touch, consider sorting through your mom's wardrobe together with a professional organizer. It will help you to learn fun stories from her life. Encourage her to part with items she no longer needs by donating or recycling them right away.

Consider working with a professional organizer to assist you in the decluttering process, allowing you to focus solely on making decisions. Their expertise can streamline the organization of your space, making the task more efficient and effective.

5. ORGANIZE DOCUMENTS

Streamline her paperwork to simplify errands by optimizing the organization system. Create labeled folders and categories to ensure easy access and smooth navigation for current and future needs. This process will not only save time but also reduce stress by managing documents effectively.

6. ORGANIZE KITCHEN

Organizing the kitchen and pantry may require a bit more time investment, spanning at least a full weekend. However, look forward to engaging in enjoyable activities with your mom. Get ready to uncover a treasure trove of her recipes, favorite dishes, and cherished cooking memories. Consider setting up a notebook to neatly jot down her culinary secrets or marking pages in her beloved cookbooks for easy reference.

7. DECLUTTER DRAWERS

You may discover some hidden treasures that require attention and uncover the stories behind her jewelry pieces as you carefully arrange them in her jewelry box. Remember, the true value of jewelry lies in the narratives they hold, not just in their material worth. Should you encounter broken watches or bracelets, offer your assistance in restoring them to their former glory. Take a moment to sift through her stationary items, ensuring that everything remains functional. Items that serve no purpose or are in poor condition can be donated or recycled, allowing for a more organized and meaningful collection.

Remember, the true value of jewelry lies in the narratives they hold, not just in their material worth!

8. DECLUTTER BATHROOM

You will gain valuable insights about her preferences regarding favorite scents, colors, or beauty essentials that bring her comfort and joy. Understanding these details will simplify your gift shopping for the upcoming Christmas season. Additionally, consider inspecting her medicine cabinet to discard expired items and refresh her first aid supplies.

9. ORGANIZE SENTIMENTALS

You will discover so much about your mom by exploring her cherished keepsakes. Consider dedicating a special container for her treasured mementos, such as love letters or meaningful artifacts. Engaging in this activity is a beautiful way to bond with your mom, allowing you to delve into her past while creating new memories together. Pay close attention to the stories she shares, as they offer glimpses into her life experiences. Don´t forget to play her favorite songs from a playlist you curated together, adding another layer of nostalgia and joy to your time spent together.

10. ORGANIZE PHOTOALBUMS

This is a wonderful opportunity to delve into her childhood memories, cherish her past friendships, and hear love stories. The exploration may also unveil fascinating details about your family history, offering a chance to reunite with long-lost friends and relatives. Immersing yourself in family photographs promises moments of immense value with your mom. Cherish these moments, and allow yourself the luxury of time to absorb all the precious insights.

11. CREATE MOODBOARD

Together, you can create a moodboard during Christmas season or after New Year's. Cut out inspiring pictures from her favorite magazines or craft an online version on Pinterest. Once completed, assist her in recycling the old magazines. Planning the moodboard with goals and dreams for the upcoming year can be an exhilarating experience. By helping her visualize and achieve these aspirations, she will feel happier and loved.

EXTRA TIP:

Give your mom the opportunity to choose from one of the 11 delightful options for the upcoming Mother's Day. Kindly remember to tag me in your Instagram post or story, or simply share a picture with me. I hope you will have fun and build a stronger and more meaningful relationship with your mom.

With love, Lena