Last week, we talked about why sorting through belongings feels so much harder than expected. This week, we want to talk about what comes next — because once families make the emotional decision to let things go, they’re often surprised by the sheer scale of what that decision involves.
To put it into perspective, preparing a home for sale often means sorting through 40–60 years of accumulated belongings. That can translate into thousands of individual items — furniture, papers, clothing, tools, décor — each requiring a decision.
This past week alone, we helped two families get houses ready for sale. In one home, we uncovered incredible treasures tucked inside a literal wooden chest deep in a basement. In another, we found pieces sitting right in the middle of the living room — in daily use, beautifully cared for, and part of the home for more than 50 years.
Different homes, different stories — but the same reality: these aren’t “just things.” They represent care, continuity, and lives well lived.
Sustainability sounds simple — until you try to do it
Many families tell us they want to donate instead of discard. It’s an important value — one we deeply respect and try to honor whenever possible. But what surprises people is how complex donating has become.
Today, many donation organizations:
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Require photos submitted in advance
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Accept only specific categories or conditions
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Offer limited drop-off hours or appointment-only windows
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Cannot take large furniture, electronics, or mixed loads
Even when items are approved, getting them there can mean:
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Securing a large vehicle or truck
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Coordinating heavy lifting
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Making multiple trips
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Discovering on arrival that not everything can be accepted
For families already navigating emotional transitions, this can feel frustrating and discouraging — especially when the intention is to do the “right” thing.
Once you decide to let go… where does everything go?
This is often the moment people feel stuck. From our experience, families usually face a combination of choices:
Some items are donated when they meet current requirements and can genuinely support community needs.
Others are rehomed through online sales, allowing them to be appreciated by new owners who value them.
Some pieces are shared within families, which can be meaningful but also emotionally complex.
And sometimes, despite best efforts, responsible disposal is the only remaining option.
None of these choices are wrong — but managing them all at once can feel overwhelming.
You’re not failing if this feels heavy
If you find yourself stalled at the “what do I do with all of this?” stage, please know this:
You’re not doing anything wrong.
You’re balancing memory, sustainability, responsibility, timelines, and logistics — often while managing grief or major life changes. That’s a lot for anyone.
At Caring Transitions of Parsippany, our role is to help families think through options, reduce the physical and emotional burden, and ensure belongings are handled with care and intention — whether that means donating, rehoming, or thoughtfully letting go.
If you’re trying to navigate donations on your own, we’ve also put together a list of thoughtful local and national donation resources on our website, which you can explore here:
https://www.caringtransitionsofparsippany.com/giving-back-to-our-community
And if you ever need help — or simply want to talk through your situation and get a few practical suggestions — we’re always happy to be a sounding board. A quick phone call can often bring clarity, even if you’re not sure what the next step should be yet.
Next week, we’ll talk about how to start making decisions without burning out, even when everything feels important.