"Moose" refers to Robert Bly's description of himself

Our Memories are Not in Our Things — They are Inside of Us

Karen Caccavodecluttering, Financial Organizing, Life Lessons, Memorabilia, Possessions, Preserving Memories, Working with Seniors

It’s not an easy lesson. And I learned it the hard way…. One spring evening in London, I went to hear Robert Bly recite his poetry.  He had won the National Book Award for Poetry in the US a few years earlier in 1967, yet the audience was small.  Afterwards, we all went to the local pub for a pint. …

Illustrates Dad's Clutter Game

Dad’s Clutter Game: How to Get Rid of Stuff

Karen Caccavodecluttering, Life Lessons, Possessions

I remember Dad’s Clutter Game that he invented for my siblings and me when we were young.  It was a good rainy-day activity that kept us busy and out of each other’s hair.  And it seemed to satisfy his life-long crusade against clutter. How would we get rid of stuff? Dad would set each of us up with paper grocery …

Bonding with our possessions makes decluttering challenging

Possessions: Why Decluttering is So Challenging

Karen Caccavodecluttering, Possessions

A few years ago, I was asked to speak about decluttering and organizing.  As my audience took their seats, I offered a basket of letter openers bearing my company name, and invited them to help themselves.  Then I began my talk.  I mentioned the trap of freebies, suggesting that “a freebie isn’t really free.”  Once we take them home, they …