Legacy Projects & Home Organizing
Legacy work and organizing isn't about death and dying, it's about life and living.
Legacy work is about making connections and sharing precious moments with the special people in your life. Creating organized living spaces, downsizing, or Swedish death cleaning (organizing material items in preparation for death) makes living spaces safer and allows thoughtful attention to all of the material possessions of the dying person.
LEGACY PROJECTS
Legacy work is the process of assisting people in crafting and sharing memorable experiences, memories, or important personal messages that can be passed on to loved ones. It is important to document the person's life, values, wisdom, and anecdotes to leave a lasting impression, message, or memory.
The beautiful thing about legacy work is that there are no regulations, constraints, restrictions, or eligibility requirements. You do not need to be elderly, possess a lot of wealth or time, or even be diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Legacy work can be done at any age. It can be a lifelong project or completed in an afternoon. Legacy work is personal, it is unique, it is a reflection of a person’s deepest wishes of the transmission of knowledge, traditions, cultural heritage, values, beliefs, family history, and much more.
Legacy work has a profound impact on everyone involved. It brings a sense of purpose and closure. It allows for deep reflection. We all need to know we have made a difference, that we will be remembered. Legacy projects bring emotional and spiritual comfort for the person completing the work and the people receiving it. People feel peace in knowing that feelings, emotions, wisdom, values, and love were shared and left to stay for posterity.
This work not only impacts the person creating the project, but also the family and a broader circle of people who may be touched by the stories, memories, and values that are shared. Legacy projects can spark meaningful conversations with everyone involved and bring families together, transmit cultural heritage and traditions. It can encourage the community to honour and recognize the contributions the individual has made, whether through service, work, or personal relationships, and reflect on how their actions have shaped the collective community.
Key elements of legacy projects that I will help facilitate:
Values & Beliefs
This work is done around core values, ethical teachings, and philosophies of life. Projects could come in the form of a letter, videotape (increasingly common at funerals and life celebrations), written statement or essay, or poem.
Personal Stories & Experiences
These types of projects tell life stories and personal memoirs.
A great way to capture these memoirs and pass on family history and heritage is through projects such as journals, quilts, and collages, to name a few.
Family & Relationships
These projects are all about guidance for future generations, important family traditions. And life lessons for loved ones.
In this instance, celebrating family traditions is important. Creating a family recipe book for future generations to be inspired by is impactful, decorating ornaments for key holidays, and creating playlists that retrace milestones are also great possibilities
Spiritual or Religious Legacy
Some clients prefer to focus on their religious beliefs and leave behind teachings and spiritual reflections. Terms such as ethical wills or spiritual wills are described as spiritual documents and can take many forms. Some people leave notes in their religious books, others create scrapbooks/notebooks with prayers, poems, and quotes. These projects communicate our spiritual reflections to family and loved ones.
Words that matter:
Do not let the memories fade; create a legacy that will ive through the ages.
-Unknown
ORGANIZATION SERVICES
I work with clients to create calm, organized living spaces, offering emotional and practical support throughout.
Whether my clients need home organizing, downsizing, or Swedish death cleaning services, together, we’ll sort through their possessions, pass down treasured keepsakes to loved ones, donate items to charity, and responsibly dispose of things no longer needed.
This process not only makes space safer and more manageable but also reduces stress, providing peace of mind and a sense of control.
HOME ORGANIZING
One of the services I offer as an end-of-life consultant is to assist with home organizing for the elderly, creating safe, functional, and comfortable living spaces by decluttering and optimizing storage.
My goal is to help seniors maintain independence, improve their well-being, and reduce the risk of accidents, all while fostering a peaceful environment during this important time.
Benefits of Home Organization:
Reduced Stress and Anxiety.
A clutter free space promotes calm and helps lower stress levels.
Improved Mental Health.
A well organized environment fosters a sense of control, accomplishment, and peace of mind.
Increased Independence.
A thoughtfully organized home makes daily tasks easier, empowering seniors to live more independently.
Enhanced Safety.
Decluttering reduces the risk of falls and other accidents, creating a safer environment.
Better Overall Health.
A clean and organized home supports both physical and mental health, contributing to a higher quality of life.
DOWNSIZING
As part of my end-of-life planning services, I offer compassionate downsizing assistance to help individuals and families navigate the emotional and practical challenges of reducing their belongings when preparing for a new living situation—whether that’s a smaller home, assisted living, or hospice care.
Downsizing goes beyond decluttering; it’s about making thoughtful, intentional choices that honour my clients’ lives, legacies, and current needs. This service provides support during a difficult transition, allowing clients to find comfort and joy in creating a new, peaceful space filled with only their most cherished belongings.
Key elements of Downsizing that I facilitate:
Assessing.
Assessing what will fit in my client's new space, guiding you to carefully consider what you truly need and want in your environment.
Assisting.
Assisting clients in keeping what matters most, ensuring that the items they retain are meaningful, useful and necessary for their daily life.
Supporting.
Supporting clients in letting go of the rest. Discussing how to release surplus belongings in thoughtful ways—passing down keepsakes to loved ones, donating to their favorite charity, recycling, or scheduling a "garbage run" for what’s no longer needed.
SWEDISH DEATH CLEANING
(Organizing material possessions in preparation for death)
Swedish Death Cleaning, or "Döstädning," is a thoughtful and compassionate approach to decluttering, inspired by a Swedish tradition that encourages individuals to thoughtfully downsize their belongings as they age to not burden family and loved ones after their death.
This process isn’t about simply getting rid of things—it’s about reflecting on what truly matters, keeping items that bring joy or hold meaningful memories, and letting go of the rest in a gentle, respectful way. Swedish Death Cleaning is a way to honour a person’s life story while ensuring their home is prepared for the future, with care and intention.
Key elements of Swedish Death Cleaning that I facilitate:
Sorting through possessions.
I support clients so they can focus on what truly matters and bring clarity to their living space.
Passing down treasured keepsakes.
I help clients and make sure that meaningful items are passed to loved ones, preserving their legacy.
Donating to charity.
I facilitate my client’s decisions to contribute to causes that matter to them by giving away items they no longer need.
Disposing of unwanted items.
I support clients to safely and thoughtfully let go of things no longer needed, keeping their homes organized and functional.
Important Words:
“Putting your house in order, if you can do it, is one of the most comforting activities, and the benefits of it are incalculable.”
-LEONARD COHEN, THE NEW YORKER
-Margareta Magnusson, author of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Make Your Loved Ones’ Lives Easier and Your Own More Pleasant.
Services & Associated Fees
First Steps:
The first step is to get to know one another. I offer new clients a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions, express concerns and wishes, and for me to understand your unique situation and needs. We can discuss and determine how I can best support you. I will follow up after our initial conversation within a few days.
Fees:
Fees are determined based on the customized approach tailored to each client's unique needs. End-of-life support is highly personal. It is your journey with me at your side. I will collaborate with you to determine the most suitable plan, whether it's on an hourly basis or as a part of a session package. Additionally, I offer a sliding scale for clients facing financial limitations.
Payments & Cancellations:
Fees are due at the start of our services, and can be paid via e-transfer or cash before we begin working together. Clients will receive receipts for all services provided.
I kindly request 48 hours notice for cancellations. If less than 48 hours notice is given, clients will be charged the full fee, except in emergencies.
Who I Work With:
I welcome individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds who are seeking compassionate, personalized support in navigating end-of-life decisions, care planning, legacy work, and emotional transitions. My services are available to all, regardless of age, background, beliefs, or circumstances.
Where I Work:
As an end-of-life consultant, I bring compassionate care to a variety of settings, including homes, hospices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and retirement homes. I meet each client where they are, providing personalized support that respects their unique needs and circumstances. This includes offering services online if the client prefers.
