In the 38 months before our mother’s death last October, my siblings and I cleaned out three residences of our parents: the 1,500-square-foot condo where they’d lived for 17 years; their one-bedroom, full-kitchen apartment in an assisted living home; and finally Mom’s room in a nursing home.
Only the last one was a simple cleanout. Our parents didn’t let go of much. I resolved to be easier on my survivors.