The Lifecycle of our Homes

Introducing Spring Clearing Week 2025

3 minute read

This week we're going to be raising awareness of the impact of the belongings we leave behind after our death.

We'll be sharing a blog every day as we deep dive into what we own, what we consider to be valuable and what is of sentimental importance to us. We'll be asking about the things we inherit and how we can simplify and manage the process of 'legacy' decluttering. We'll be specifically considering the effects of a physical, digital or photographic legacy, as well as discussing ways to 'pass on life skills for future generations' and 'living with intention'. We'll also be approaching the more sensitive but vital topic of estate planning and later in the week we'll be hearing some stories from our members and our clients.

We hope you enjoy absorbing and reflecting on all the experiences, information and views shared by our members throughout Spring Clearing Week.

To get us started, APDO member Jennie Smith kicks us off by reflecting on the life cycle of our homes. 

The life cycle of our homes 

All our homes go through a life cycle, as they are organic and change according to our differing needs. Life takes place and people and circumstances change and so our home adapts with us, thus creating its history and memories. These changes can be influenced by a variety of factors, including family dynamics and financial circumstances, as well as lifestyle choices. Each home started its journey when it was built, and the people who live in that house all play a part in its life cycle.

Family dynamics, of course, play a huge part in a home’s life cycle, as people come and go. As a family gets bigger, the time might come for a larger kitchen extension and maybe another bedroom and bathroom. Later on, when a house becomes too big, as children grow and leave, some rooms may stop being used or their purpose may change. This might mean changing a spare room into a study or space for hobbies. It might also mean renting out a room long term or on a short stay site such as Airbnb. 

As organisers we are really involved in the life cycle of our clients’ homes. This can often be an extremely emotional journey, particularly for older people, as they leave their home where they might have lived for most of their lives, possibly now moving into a flat or retirement living, as their last move. We understand that our clients need time to talk about their memories and what their home means to them. Homes are more than just physical spaces: they are deeply emotional investments.

At other times, we may be asked to help clients to change a room from, say, a bedroom into a space for a hobby such as crafting, or to organise a bedroom for a new baby. We will look at the space and discuss ways to really make the room work for its new purpose. This is all part of a home’s life cycle, with memories being created at each different stage. If you would like help in your home from a Professional Declutterer and Organiser, take a look at our APDO member directory.

Our homes can create a foundation for a family and community, and so it really is our duty to maintain and look after them, not only for ourselves but for future generations. Each home’s life cycle is more than just the physical structure: it’s our memories, part of our family history and something we should never take for granted. The saying, ‘It’s only bricks and mortar’ simply isn’t true.