Holding on while letting go: Meghan Yuri Young’s fresh start

Clearing out a home filled with decades of memories is never just a physical task. It’s a deeply emotional process of grief, reflection, and healing. Following the sudden loss of her father, Meghan Yuri Young found herself with his home full of his cherished belongings, from intricate model car collections and vintage license plates to boxes of nostalgic keepsakes. Transforming her dad's house into her own sanctuary meant learning how to hold on to the memories that matter while letting go of the physical clutter. By bringing in 1-800-GOT-JUNK? to handle the heavy lifting, Meghan discovered that creating space isn't about erasing the past—it’s about opening up room for a fresh start.

Q: How did you feel when you first realized how much stuff needed to be cleared?

Meghan: It was a complete mess! Going through everything was heartbreaking, beautiful, overwhelming, and exhausting all at once. When you lose someone suddenly, there’s a real sense of guilt tied to getting rid of things that they loved and that you feel you should love too. But taking a deep breath, being compassionate with yourself, and giving compassion to others grieving alongside you is where it all has to start.

Q: Was there a specific moment when you realized it was okay to feel conflicting emotions about letting things go?

Meghan: Yes, it really starts with accepting that it’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling. It’s okay to feel guilt, and it’s equally okay to feel relief. Grief is different for everyone. You might look at something and think you can't get rid of it because your loved one cherished it, but with time, you learn that you can move past physical things.

Q: With so many items in the home, how did you decide what to keep and what to let go of?

Meghan: It was tough because I was looking at entire collections—like his whole model car collection, superhero figurines, and even BIC lighters! Ultimately, I decided to keep the things that truly represented him and us the most, like the model cars he spent so much time crafting. You realize you don't need to keep everything to hold onto the person. I’m happy with the home, the photos, and the memories, and that allowed me to let go of the rest.

Q: How did your decision to transform and live in this home come about?

Meghan: We actually weren't planning to move here permanently—we thought we’d stay in the city and use this as a cottage experience. But as we put our blood, sweat, and tears into building and caring for it as a labor of love, we asked ourselves why we were putting so much into it if we weren't going to live here. Taking ownership of "Billy's Blue Lake House" and turning it into our home helped settle my grief.

Q: What does the concept of intentionality and a "Fresh Start" mean to you now?

Meghan: I love the idea of intentionality—when you let go of something, look at what that opens up and makes room for. A fresh start for me is asking: What do we want our life to look like, and what are those possibilities? As we grow, we constantly shed our skin to step into the next phase. Every morning we wake up and look out at the water; it feels like a fresh start, and I'm not looking back.

Q: What was it like having 1-800-GOT-JUNK? step in to help with the cleanup?

Meghan: Honestly, it was such a relief. When the truck arrived and the team took over, it felt like a huge burden being lifted. They handled all the heavy lifting and loading, which allowed us to focus on the transition. As I watched the truck drive away, I realized I didn't need to do this all by myself.

Q: How does this home feel to you now after making space?

Meghan: Surrounding myself with his spirit—even if pieces of his physical stuff are gone—makes me feel grounded. By clearing out the garage and giving ourselves room to breathe, the home now holds endless possibilities. Thankfully, because of this home and the space we've created, it could be anything right now.

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Navigating grief and clutter is an ongoing journey that requires time, self-compassion, and a clear vision for the future. As Meghan Yuri Young’s journey shows, letting go of physical items doesn't mean letting go of the love or memories shared with those who have passed. Partnering with a support system, whether it’s family or professional assistance like 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, can ease the heavy burden of cleanouts so you can reclaim your living space with intention. Ultimately, clearing out the unnecessary clutter opens up space to honor the past while embracing all the possibilities of a fresh start.