Grief doesn’t ask for your permission to show up—especially at home.

There are days when walking into certain rooms feels like stepping into a memory. And there are days when it just feels like too much stuff. If you’ve recently lost someone, or if you’re starting a new chapter in your home after a divorce, separation, or empty nest, I want you to hear this:

You don’t have to do it all at once. You’re allowed to take it one drawer, one room, one step at a time.

This post isn’t about decluttering for the sake of having a Pinterest-perfect house. It’s about giving yourself space to breathe again—and slowly reshaping your home so it supports who you are now.

🛋️ Start Where the Emotion Is Light

Don’t start with the closet full of his shirts or the drawer of old anniversary cards. Start with a pantry. A junk drawer. A corner of the garage. Somewhere simple. Finishing even one small space can spark momentum and confidence.

🧺 Decluttering Can Be Emotional—That’s Okay

You’ll come across things that stop you in your tracks. I was cleaning out a random stack of his magazines and found the beginning of a love note he had started. Another time, tucked between catalog pages, I found something he had marked—a gift he was planning to get me for Christmas this year. Sometimes I sat down and cried. Sometimes I put it back and said, “Not today.” That’s all part of it. Moving forward doesn’t mean erasing anything. It just means creating space for what’s next.

📝 Set a Goal—but Keep It Gentle

Try this: one room per month. Or 15 minutes per weekend. Keep a bin or bag for donations somewhere visible. Let it be an ongoing process, not a stressful project.

Local Tip: Pataskala’s Goodwill on Broad Street or New2You in Granville are great spots to donate gently used items and give them a second life.

🛠️ Redefine Spaces With Intention

Maybe the guest room becomes a craft space. Maybe the dining room table is finally used for puzzles and coffee with friends instead of waiting for a “formal” dinner. Your home should fit your life right now, not just your past.

Even small updates—fresh paint, new bedding, updated lighting—can make a big emotional difference.

🏡 When It’s Time to Let Go of the Whole House

If for some, the home itself becomes too much—too many memories, too much maintenance, or just more space than needed. If and when you reach that point, I want you to know: it’s okay.

As a realtor in Pataskala, I help people transition from homes that once held everything to spaces that feel just right for this new season. There’s no pressure. Just honest conversation, thoughtful planning, and support.

❤️ Moving Forward Is Not Moving On

You don’t have to leave the past behind to build a future. You’re not replacing anything—you’re rebuilding around the life you still get to live. And if that means starting with one room and one moment of clarity at a time, then you’re already doing beautifully.

You’ve got this. And you don’t have to do it alone.

With care and encouragement,
Sheila Howell