I love that "kick in the door" comment! Brilliant! (I'm getting addicted to that word. For some reason, when I say it, I picture Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, or Ron Weasley.... but, I digress).
That "slow bleed" can be frustrating. I felt like this place was open for weekend/evening shopping visits for quite some time.
Just look at that empty space as potential! You can do whatever you want with it. Even if you just leave it empty. Empty space gives me peace of mind, but some people like cozy (crowded, if you're a minimalist)
The first time W and I went through this (and with my first M) I had evil fantasies of all the creative ways to handle their stuff. Often involving thrift store donations or fires!
The one really bad thing I did after BD #1 with current W.... it was right after Christmas, and I had finally boxed up all the decorations and stuff. So I took the whole lot, put it in the back of the truck and dropped it at the thrift store. There were no keepsake or family heirlooms, so it was no real loss.
There were no keepsake or family heirlooms, so it was no real loss.