Need advice on where and how to start with going through, packing, sorting, eliminating 44 years of stuff?

Susan, is this a hoarding situation? I didn't interpret it as such from your info, just that sometimes you can accumulate a lot in 44 years if you don't regularly weed out unwanted things. If they were hoarders, there are businesses that specialize in clearing out those types of homes. I imaging they know to look for important paperwork or sentimental things in the mess. If they weren't hoards, I would still start by locating all important paperwork, sentimental items, things of value that are not appropriate for craigslist or garage sale. You may want to contact an estate sale company and see if they have advice. When I went through my in-laws things I had my sons and grandson help and there were many interesting possessions that sparked conversations with them and illuminated the fact that our LOs were not just "old people". As much work as it was, they felt they were helping with something important and worthy and it created more compassion and understanding of their seniors. After we sorted through everything worth preserving it was still too much for craigslist or ebay so we had a "name your own price" sale. People picked what they wanted and paid what they wanted and the money was going to fund my in-laws Residents Trust in their NHs. Knowing this, people were more willing to pay a more fair price, and we didn't have to clean, fix organize, stage or price anything. So, hoping yours is not a hoarding situation...peace to you!

There are some posters who have dealt with the hoarding issues with their parents. I hope they chime in to help you. Someone else just posted a similar thread. See if you can follow their thread too. Geeeeez, hoarding sounds like a nightmare. The other poster mentioned a rat killing a dog. Can you imagine? Poor pooch. Also about their home being infested with bugs. Gross.

Good luck with resolving this nasty situation.

Maybe ask some friends to help