There comes a point where many families need to address the proverbial elephant in the room: What happens to all of my parents' stuff someday?

Whether you are helping aging parents downsize, supporting a move into assisted living, or simply thinking ahead for your own future, this conversation is important.

In this episode, I sit down with Emily McDermott to talk about an inspiring topic (and book) with an unusual name but one that's so impactful: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.

Together we talk about:

• Why planning can ease stress for loved ones
• The difference between sentimental and simply old
• How to start downsizing without overwhelm
• Why asking family members what they actually want matters
• The emotional side of letting go
• Why waiting until a crisis often makes things harder

This conversation is really about keeping what matters and making thoughtful decisions while there is still time and space to do so.

If you’re helping a parent downsize or beginning to think about your own future, I am confident that this episode will meet you right where you are.

Grab Emily's free guide "5 Simple Steps to Start Swedish Death Cleaning"

Connect with Emily:

• Website: www.simplebyemmy.com
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplebyemmy/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/simplebyemmy

Have a question or two about the downsizing process? You don’t have to figure this out alone. I offer 30‑minute coaching sessions to help you get clear next steps for your parents’ situation, whether you’re local or supporting them from a distance.

Book your session here → 30-Minute Downsize Coaching Session

In this episode, I’m sharing who this podcast is really for and why I’ve shifted my focus toward helping the sons and daughters navigating downsizing, caregiving, and clearing out a parent’s home.

If you’ve been carrying this in the background of your life and wondering where to begin, this is for you.

Download the free guide: 👉 Helping Your Parent Downsize and Move

Gift bags seem harmless to keep, but over time, they can gradually multiply around the house. In this episode, I share how my own stash turned into bags of bags and a simple way to keep them under control.

Download your free declutter list below:

👉 40-plus Declutter Checklist — Organize with Grace

Thinking about downsizing?

I also offer virtual downsizing planning sessions. If you'd like to find out if this could help you, fill out the short interest form. I will personally follow up with you.

👉 Start Your Downsizing Plan

What if you didn’t need a full weekend to clear your closet?

In this episode, I’m sharing why “just one thing” might be the simplest and most sustainable way to begin. When decluttering feels manageable, you’re more likely to repeat it. One item at a time becomes space, relief, and momentum — without overwhelm.

If you’re ready for calm, steady progress in your home, this is your place to start.

→ Ready for more personalized support? Book a session with me here: Work with Grace

→ Get this free resource and get monthly updates from me: Declutter Checklist

Paper without a due date can be the hardest to deal with, like notes, lists, journals, and ideas you’re not ready to decide on yet. In this opening episode of a short series on paper, we start with understanding why writing can feel safer than deciding, and why paper often lingers longer than we expect.

Links mentioned in this episode:

→ Get this free resource and receive monthly updates from me: 40+ Things to Give Away, Donate, or Toss https://organizewithgrace.com/declutterchecklist

→ Work with me: Finish It with Grace https://calendly.com/gracerehman/fiwg-session

Have a question? Email me hello@organizewithgrace.com

January doesn’t have to be productive to count.

In this episode, I share why it’s okay if you moved slower than expected, felt tired, or didn’t follow through on New Year’s resolutions. Instead of pressure, I offer a simpler way to reflect using two simple questions that help you move forward without overwhelm.

I also speak to you who jumped into decluttering (especially paper) with momentum, then found yourself slowing down or second-guessing the pace.

This episode sets the tone for what’s coming next: a new series focused on paper and how to approach it without guilt or rushing.

If you’d like support as you begin (or return to) decluttering, I invite you to join my email list.

When you join, I’ll send you a simple declutter list you can use as a starting point. It’s not a challenge, not a schedule, and not something you have to finish all at once. Just a clear place to begin when you’re ready.

You can sign up using this link: 40-plus Declutter Checklist — Organize with Grace

Start where you are.

I’m glad you’re here.

There’s that one thing you keep meaning to deal with. The closet. The paperwork. The room you close the door on. You tell yourself you’ll get to it, but somehow you never do.

In this episode, I talk about why it’s not that you don’t know where to start. It’s that doing it alone feels like too much. I share the simple first step most women are missing, why decluttering stalls halfway through, and how support changes everything.

I also introduce Finish It With Grace, a side-by-side session for the woman who’s ready to stop circling the same project and finally get it done.

If you’ve been stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with yourself, this episode is for you.

👉 Sign up for a session here: Finish It With Grace - Book Your Session

This episode is one of the most downloaded on the show, and I’m bringing it back with a fresh intro and outro for the holiday season. If you’ve ever bought something on impulse and wondered why, especially when life already feels full, this gentle replay will give you clarity and awareness.

Inside this episode: • A relatable impulse buying story • Why we make emotional purchases • How small items add to clutter • A calm way to move through the season

I hope this episode brings you a soft pause and a little more clarity today.

The holidays may have already passed by the time you hear this episode but it's not too late to work together on a project that you've been meaning to complete and Finish It with Grace is the session to get things done!

👉Find out more about this 1:1 Session, then schedule. It's that easy!