Whether you’re moving out, staging to sell or renovating, it’s time to declutter. Decluttering isn’t just tidying up; it’s getting rid of things that in your heart you know you’ll never use. It’s donating, giving, selling and finally, throwing out. Here are a few steps to make this task a bit easier.
Think about the things that you’ve essentially ignored for decades. The vase on the end table, the old tools, that wool coat. Think about how someone else might benefit and treasure these things as you have. Share them with others and you’ll see how easy it is to let go. If you don’t already have a favorite charity, click here for some recommendations.
Do a little bit each day. Clean out one bookshelf. Ask yourself honestly if you’re really going to read these books again. Call your local library to see if they take donations.
Find out what's happening in Summitfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Go through your closet. Look at clothes that are more than two years old and haven’t been worn. If in good shape, donate. If not, toss.
Magazines and newspapers; if you haven’t read the article in six months, it’s out-of-date. Recycle.
Find out what's happening in Summitfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
If family and friends have expressed an interest in certain items, now is the time to gift them. Enjoy the satisfaction of seeing the pleasure your gift conveys.
Paperwork and files are sometimes the hardest to purge. Check with your financial adviser as to when bank statements, cancelled checks, utility bills, etc. can be shredded. Much of your current information can be found online, so you won't be accumulating as much paper going forward. Be aggressive with paper but keep receipts of jewelry, art, capital improvements and other expensive purchases Go through all of your instruction manuals and discard those of equipment you no longer own.
Photographs--who doesn't have boxes of cherished images? But instead of storing them, have them digitized (made available to view on a computer). It preserves the picture and takes almost no space. This can be done with slides as well.
Try these steps and see if they don't give you a sense of freedom and control. If the prospect of decluttering is still daunting, you could always contact a local personal organizer or move manager.
If you are a caregiver and would like to learn more about house calls or other home care services, please visit the website of the Coalition on Family Caregiving at www.cfcares.org. The Coalition on Family Caregiving, formed in 2003, is a group of community-based organizations, businesses and individuals whose mission is to assist family caregivers by offering support, education and information on resources and services.
