It's definitely a long and ongoing process!

The only time I really felt like I had my world down to a "manageable" size was over a 2-year period when I got a divorce, went bankrupt and moved 4 times in 3 years. Each event cleared more and more stuff out... and it was actually a relief.

But then we set down roots, and parents die and you get stuff, in-laws die and you get stuff; life is busy and the stuff ends up in closets and attics because life is busy.

And part of me is definitely aware that I don't really want the kids to have to deal with it, at some later point.