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Sorting Through Memories: Decluttering After Death with Arwen Dropmann

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4th April 2024

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About this episode

I had the pleasure of interviewing Arwen Dropmann, a skilled professional organiser with a background in social work.

Arwen is a social worker and has additional training in grief and loss, disability, chronic illness, hoarding disorder, motivational interviewing, neurodivergent affirming practices, and compassion-focused therapy.

We delved into the realm of decluttering, organising, and the emotional connections we have with our belongings, especially when coping with the death of a loved one.

Remember to share this episode with anyone who might find it useful or comforting. Subscribe for more enlightening conversations like this one.

Stay organised and cherish every moment,

Catherine 

Show notes

Guest Bio
Podcast Guest - Image
Arwen Dropmann

Professional organiser

Arwen Dropmann is a qualified social worker with additional training in grief and loss, disability, chronic illness, hoarding disorder, motivational interviewing, neurodivergent affirming practices and compassion-focused therapy.
She has worked as a Professional Organiser since 2017, with her business Calm Space founded at the start of 2020. She has lived and learnt experience of disability and neurodivergence.
Arwen cares deeply about professionalism within the organising industry and joined The Institute of Professional Organisers Board to make a positive contribution to the sector as it grows and matures, and is the board member responsible for Membership and Accreditation
Arwen describes herself as in her 40’s; young enough to do the lifting and shifting required in a decluttering session and old enough to bring some life experience to her work.
She lives in Brisbane, Queensland, is married with two teenage sons and has a new found appreciation for vintage items.

Summary

In This Episode:

  • Arwen shines a light on the challenges families face when dealing with a loved one's belongings after death.
  • We explore the emotional aspects of decluttering and organising, especially in sensitive situations like handling a deceased person's possessions.
  • Arwen provides practical advice on future preparation, emphasising the importance of organising essential documents and planning for unforeseen events.

This episode should enlighten anyone who has grappled with clutter or faced the daunting task of sorting through a loved one's belongings. Arwen's insights highlight the importance of preparing for the inevitable and the emotional journey that accompanies it.

Transcript

1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,690
Arwen Dropmann: You hear a lot of
stories of, we're so overwhelmed.

2
00:00:02,700 --> 00:00:05,560
We had very little time
to wrap up this property.

3
00:00:05,560 --> 00:00:07,170
It needed to be listed for sale.

4
00:00:07,649 --> 00:00:10,950
I only had a week to do it because I've
got family and other responsibilities

5
00:00:10,979 --> 00:00:15,329
and a lot goes in the skip bin, which is
usually contrary to most people's values.

6
00:00:15,330 --> 00:00:17,930
And it's probably contrar                        ... Read More
                    

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