Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey

Interview with Kathy Vines, Certified Professional Organizer® and Author of Clever Girl's Guide to Living with Less

• Lisa Harper • Season 2 • Episode 1

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In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey podcast, Lisa Harper engages in a heartfelt conversation with Kathy Vines, a Certified Professional Organizer®, the owner of Clever Girl Organizing®, and author of “Clever Girl's Guide to Living with Less: Break Free from Your Stuff, Even When Your Head and Heart Get in the Way.” They discuss the emotional complexities of letting go of belongings. They explore the psychological barriers that prevent individuals from decluttering, the significance of memorabilia, and the importance of purposeful possession. Kathy shares insights on how to navigate conversations with parents about inherited items, the necessity of having exit strategies for decluttering, and creative ways to make the process enjoyable. The discussion emphasizes the need for kindness towards oneself during the decluttering journey and the value of sharing stories behind cherished items.

Takeaways

  • Letting go can feel emotional, especially during life transitions.
  • Understanding our attachments to belongings is crucial for decluttering.
  • Memorabilia often holds emotional weight that can be overwhelming.
  • Photos should be evaluated for their current significance, not just nostalgia.
  • Purposeful possession means understanding why we keep certain items.
  • Future fear can prevent us from letting go of items we no longer need.
  • Conversations with parents about inherited items should focus on their emotional value.
  • Having an exit strategy is essential for effective decluttering.
  • Making decluttering fun can help ease the emotional burden.
  • Sharing stories behind items can enhance their value and connection. 

Resources

Order Kathy's book, Clever Girl's Guide to Living with Less: Break Free from Your Stuff, Even When Your Head and Heart Get in the Way

https://www.clevergirlorganizing.com/living-with-less-book/

https://www.quicksandpod.com 

@quicksandpod on FB and IG and YT

https://www.clevergirlorganizing.com 

@kathyvinessays on IG 

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.