Clearing the Clutter Made EASY – Part 2

Good Morning. And Welcome Back.

Last Thursday, we began our discussion on Clearing the Clutter. Let’s finish up today.

Whether you live in an apartment or palace… Perhaps, you are in your mid-30’s building a large home for your growing family. Or you are in your 50’s living in a downsized townhouse. No matter who you are or where you are in life – Decluttering is your friend.

So let’s say you have taken every item out of every nook and cranny.

You have successfully selected the useful items that make your life easier. Your possessions which provide sweet memories and good energy have been identified. And the things that add beauty to your home (which I refer to as – the ‘jewelry’) are proudly displayed.

What an accomplishment!

Now you are ready to tackle the gigantic box labeled “Gotta Get Rid of”. Or now you are looking at the corner of a spare room full of material goods that didn’t make the grade to stay in your home.

Okay. You are exactly where you want to be.

You’ve got that cup of hot green tea. Your favorite playlist of energizing music is blaring. You are wearing a positive attitude.

Now, you sort and sort and sort.

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THE TRASH BOX

It goes without saying, we both know exactly what to do with the items ending up here.

 

THE ‘FOR SALE’ BOX

This is a fun box. Local consignment stores sent checks for months after selling anything and everything I could find.

To name a few items consigned – I sold a large salsa-red sectional sofa from our former game room; a candleholder (still in the box) from Z Gallerie – a door prize from a party; a silver James Avery jewelry ensemble that I hadn’t worn in a decade; terra cotta pots galore; patio furniture; wrought irons pieces; and every ‘whatnot’ I could no longer fit in my new house.

Who doesn’t appreciate unexpected ‘mailbox money’?

See, it pays to purge…all of that clutter.

 

THE DONATE BOX

There are so many organizations who are genuinely grateful for your gently used clothing and household items. There are different options in different locales. We called local organizations and churches. Some even provided front door pick-up services. Just research what’s available in your area.

Goodwill. Salvation Army. Purple Heart. Something Special.

Definitely not dispensing tax advice here.  Would not dare. But do show your tax preparer/accountant the official receipt that each organization provides when they receive your donations.  Your CPA can determine how to handle all of your documentation for these donated items.

 

THE GIFT BOX

My Favorite. I absolutely loved driving and dropping off my items to new recipients.

I kept all of my boys’ treasured children’s books. But I gave away 3 shopping bags full of duplicates and books that were not their favorite to our business partner’s little grandson.

In this ‘gift’ corner, I had placed two very large framed doilies – handcrafted – from my great-grandparents. For sure, I felt like these pieces should stay in the family. My nieces were the new owners.

Too many miniature tea sets. Kept one. Consigned several. And gave one to the darling little girl that I’ve tutored for years.

Some of my sons’ baseball equipment went to the gentleman who has cleaned my carpet for years. His 12-year-old son is an all-star player.

I joyfully spent weeks giving away my old items to new owners.

 

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In a few weeks, I’ll write an article on Storage Solutions which is a completely different process than Clearing the Clutter.

I totally take exception with magazine experts who direct readers to: Select, Sort, and Store all in the same step. That’s way too much processing and decision-making to handle. It can demotivate and derail even the most organized person.

Because I am very budget-oriented, I like to plan before purchasing anything. Storage solutions shouldn’t break the bank.  And boy, can those containers and bins add up quickly!

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Light-hearted post on Tuesday.

Do you have a high school senior? How about a graduating niece or nephew? If so, do come back tomorrow for a fun post.