211- When Grief Meets Clutter: A Gentle Path Forward with Melinda Grace

What happens when grief meets clutter—and neither knows where to go?In this meaningful conversation, Michelle sits down with professional organizer Melinda Grace to explore the emotional weight of stuff after loss. Together, they unpack why decluttering after grief is so much more than tidying up—and why it often feels impossible to even begin.Melinda introduces her GRACE Method, a compassionate, step-by-step approach to organizing that honors both memory and healing:Gather → Release → Acquire → Cultivate → EnjoyThey talk honestly about why clutter impacts mental well-being, how grief freezes decision-making, and why letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. You’ll hear practical strategies for handling sentimental items, creating memento spaces, and designing systems that support the life you’re living now—without erasing the life you loved before.This episode is filled with permission, patience, and practical tools for widows who feel overwhelmed by their homes, their hearts, or both.If you’ve been avoiding a room, a closet, or a pile because it feels too heavy—this conversation is for you.Why clutter can intensify emotional exhaustion during griefHow the GRACE Method brings clarity without pressureWhy releasing items is emotional—and how to do it gentlyHow to honor memories without being buried by themThe power of a memento box (and how to use one well)Why starting with the most stressful space can create momentumHow organization can restore a sense of control and accomplishmentWhy enjoying the process matters just as much as finishing itHow to give yourself permission to move slowly and compassionatelyWhat You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy clutter can intensify emotional exhaustion during griefHow the GRACE Method brings clarity without pressureWhy releasing items is emotional—and how to do it gentlyHow to honor memories without being buried by themThe power of a memento box (and how to use one well)Why starting with the most stressful space can create momentumHow organization can restore a sense of control and accomplishmentWhy enjoying the process matters just as much as finishing itHow to give yourself permission to move slowly and compassionatelyMelinda's Links Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR9J9QN8IG: https://www.instagram.com/melindagraceorganizing/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melindagraceorganizingPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/melindagraceorganizingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-grace-0a3632329/Click HERE to learn about the Widow Goals Support Program Click Here to learn more about the upcoming Widow Goals retreatClick HERE to order Michelle’s book Widow Goals: Steps to Finding Peace When You Lose Your SpouseClick HERE to order the Widow Goals WorkbookClick HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook Leader GuideClick HERE to apply to be a Widow Goals Group LeaderClick here to be sent an email on the anniversary of your spouse's passing, wedding anniversary, and more Click HERE to review Widow Goals on AmazonBook Michelle as a speakerGo here to see a list of all the areas we have Widow Goals Groups⁠⁠To join our podcast listener community, send me a message here. Thank you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here to apply to be a guest on Widowed 2 Soon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Michelle on TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow me on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/widowed2soon_/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/widowgoals⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠See my videos on ...