Finding Clarity: Organizing My Space During Divorce by Nicholl McGuire

Divorce is tough, filled with a mix of emotions, decisions, and changes. In the midst of this drama, years ago I found that organizing my living space became not just a task, but a form of therapy and a way to reclaim my sense of self. Here’s how I navigated the process of organizing my dwelling while going through a divorce. 

1. Acknowledging the Emotional Challenges

The first step was recognizing the emotional toll that the divorce was taking on me. Our townhouse, once a sanctuary, had felt heavy with memories that were both beautiful and painful. I made the decision to move with my children. I understood that before I could move on, I needed to confront my feelings. I took some time to reflect, journaling about my emotions and the changes I was experiencing. Church visits  helped both on and offline. I also had supportive loved ones who didn't mind listening to me cry.

 2. Setting Realistic Goals

Once I had acknowledged my feelings, I set practical goals for relocating and moving into my new living space with my children who would be living with me part-time. My primary objective was to create an environment that felt calm and welcoming. I wanted our dwelling to be a reflection of the new chapter in our lives, where we could feel safe and inspired. I broke down the organizing process into manageable tasks, tackling one room or area at a time. I started out with a one bedroom and converted the livingroom space into a childrens' bedroom until later we moved into a two bedroom apartment. We were off to a great start!

3. Decluttering with Purpose

Decluttering became a cathartic experience. As I sifted through belongings, I asked myself if each item brought me joy or served a purpose in my new life. I asked the children what they still liked and what was okay to let other children enjoy. Surprisingly, they had outgrew many things and was open to new toys in the future. I found it helpful to categorize items into three piles: keep, donate, and discard. The act of letting go of things that no longer served us was liberating. I donated several items to local charities and sold some things that we couldn't use or didn't fit, knowing that they would help others while also lightening my emotional load.

4. Creating Comfortable Functional Spaces

With the clutter cleared, we were ready to move with less stuff. I focused on creating functional spaces that suited our needs at our new apartment. I rearranged furniture to create small study and playing areas. This not only optimized our living space but also helped us mentally. I transformed a corner of my bedroom so that I could sit on the floor and relax or work in peace, complete with decorative decor, creating a room of serenity.

 5. Embracing Minimalism

When I started to clean, I found the joy of "minimalism" back then long before I knew it was a word. Simplifying my environment had tamed the chaos from the move, and I felt clear and at peace. I have since adopted a more intentional approach to my possessions, opting for quality over quantity. A simple living space, a bed, a chair, and a small table or desk along with a bookshelf and small storage drawers and accessories was good enough for each room. This change not only made my new space look larger, but also reflected the emotional simplicity I was aiming for in our lives.

6. Seeking Support

I realized I didn’t have to do this alone, but I chose to until my children and I were comfortable inviting loved ones over. Once we were ready, sharing this experience with others not only lightened the burden but also provided me with different perspectives and encouragement.

7. Celebrating Progress

Every small victory in the organizing process was worth celebrating. I took moments to appreciate the changes with the move and our new space. I hung up a few of our favorite art pieces, reminding my children and myself of our passions and dreams. Creating a space that felt authentically theirs and mine was a crucial part of moving forward.

Conclusion: A Fresh Start

Organizing our new dwelling during the divorce was more than just a physical task; it was a journey of self-discovery and healing for the children and myself. Each step I took in reshaping our environments helped us emotionally and find a sense of stability for us. As I moved forward into my new chapter during a challenging time in our lives, those apartments (the first one bedroom and later the second apartment with two bedrooms) became a reflection of my resilience and hope for the future. 

Since the divorce, my young playful children grew up to be loving and responsible adults. They have thanked me for doing what I could to build good homes for them. They were tearful when they recalled my commitment to serving and helping them grow. With smiles and hugs, they laugh about some of those days and are forever grateful about those home-cooked meals we enjoyed and still do to date!

Years ago, I learned that while divorce may close one door, it also opens another, inviting us to create a space that nurtures our growth and well-being. You got this!

Nicholl McGuire is the author of When Mothers Cry available on Amazon and other online bookstores.