This is not a “Valentine’s Day” post, but it is a matter of the heart. Due to the pandemic, the past couple of years have been emotional for everyone. Many people have had to move or downsize and, unfortunately, many of us have lost someone.
In January of 2021, I suddenly lost my brother, who was only 47 years old. I saw how the aftermath of this tragedy affected my whole family and especially his wife, who wondered how she could continue to live in their house after such a loss. I see this so much and wanted to share with those who have been dealing with similar circumstances.
No matter what comes, you can always handle it, with some help. You do not have to do these things alone. OFab genuinely cares for our clients and we want to help with the good, the bad and the heartbreaking. Whatever it is, we will find solutions.
Let people help:
People do want to help, but they often don’t know how. We’ve all said it ourselves, “How can I help?” or “What can I do?” or “What can I help you with?” Let your friends and family members assist in this process by gathering up donations to give to families in need. There is some comfort in knowing that your loved one’s belongings may help others, and I’m sure they would want that.
When the process can feel too overwhelming, OFab can help by packing, boxing up, labeling, transporting to storage or arranging charity donations.
“I’m not there yet”:
When we work with clients who have to decide what to do with their loved one’s belongings, we often see them put off the process for as long as possible. Unfortunately, sometimes the living situation will have to change, and that puts pressure on the timeline of sifting through everything that you’re not ready to deal with yet.
If you’re not quite ready to go through their belongings, OFab can carefully box up items, labeling them specifically so that you can go through one box at a time at a later date. The boxes can be stored as “Future Projects”.
Below is a testimonial from one of our clients who had to deal with the loss of his best friend, and as the executor of his will, hired us to take the pressure off:
“WOW, what a lifesaver OFab and their fabulous crew were for me! As the Real Estate agent for and an executor of my friend's huge estate, I was faced with the daunting task of clearing out a 4,700 square foot Victorian house and shipping the contents to 22 heirs around the country. At first it appeared to be an unmanageable job, but when Jennifer Roach arrived on the scene she took charge from the start. The OFab specialists swirled into action packing, moving, and shipping the contents within 3 weeks, oversaw the remainder of the home’s contents to be donated to my nonprofit of choice, and then arranged for house cleaners to come in and ensure the home was ready for sale. It went so smoothly. Also, I must say, communication was superb between us since I was not able to be at the house to oversee the progress. Within days I had 100% confidence that I made the correct choice in my selection of organizers. A superb job was done and I would highly recommend OFab to prep any home you have listed and want to get on the market fast!” — Chris A.
You don’t have to go through the added stress of selling/moving out of a property alone - that’s why you have a fabulous real estate agent. What people don’t think about is how they’re going to handle precious belongings while grieving. OFab can help with this first, positive step in the healing process!
