glitterpunkrealtor blog

Loss, Grief and all our stuff

July 06, 2025

This summer we lost my mother-in-law. She was a real estate agent also, as well as an interior designer, and these were the two topics I knew we could chat about no matter what. She was surrounded by loved ones and passed peacefully, and I’m forever thankful that she had the opportunity to spend time with her only grandchild in her final months.

I’m no stranger to grief or loss - I’ve lost friends and family, young and old, and several pets in my handful of decades on Earth. I have also had to grieve the loss of jobs, friendships, stages of life and general unexpected change. It never gets easier and it never unfolds the same. The loss just always sits with you. I have learned to live with my grief, and do my best to deal with it in healthy ways. Some transitions have a bigger impact on you and in ways you didn’t expect. This transition was filled with revelations and surprises - my kid’s resilience, the strength of my marriage under extreme stress and a mountain of stuff. There was 80+ years of collections, memories, electronics and documents.

Considering many people have dealt with this before me, I doubt I am going to share some novel information, feelings or ideas. But, I am hoping to inspire you to consider having conversations with your loved ones about preparation of how you leave this world, the reality of attachments to consumed goods and what footprint you’ll leave behind. To be clear, I am not here to judge anyone, their stuff or how you consume - live your best life! But, after five days of moving, packing and driving around with someone else’s stuff, I have some thoughts to share.

Thought #1

It’s okay to love your collections but I don’t condone hoarding!

I love that people collect certain items! But, it’s also important to think about whether those collections are being treated with the respect they deserve. Are you willing to properly store, maintain and enjoy it?

Thought #2

I highly encourage folks to discuss and share their plans for their property, collected items, and pets upon their passing or have documented instructions.

Without planning, items of value may be lost, ruined or discarded!

If you want items to remain heirlooms then you should have care instructions to share along with designating the caregiver.

Thought #3

If you don’t plan your life, it will just unfold however.

If you’re lucky, there will be family or close friends willing to help you out during your time of need and through difficult transitions, but the worst outcome is suffering in solidarity. Now, if that is your preference, then fine but I wouldn’t wish that on anyone as it can be the most undignified, lonely, scary and sad.

I think all people deserve a transition through life’s stages, including its conclusion, with dignity, support and love. A little bit of planning earlier in your life can go a very long way!

I am a local Las Vegas real estate agent. If you are in the Las Vegas area and need real estate help, I’m happy to be of service! Send me a text to schedule an appointment today. Or you may book an appointment online here.