I just gave another seminar to people who want to declutter, organize, move and survive!. I've given the class several times and find the same questions come up. Everyone who attends is usually at a loss about how to start to get rid of their stuff…..their VALUABLE stuff!! I always talk about donating items to a worthy charity…..and I ALWAYS have someone saythat they have items that they don't use, but can't part with them because they paid "so much". One woman in my last class had 3 wool blankets she hasn't used in over 10 years, but she thinks they were about $75 each. So I asked her if she didn't want to donate those blankets to people who could really use them versus sitting in her closet. She said she would think about it and might try donating.
I've written about the decluttering process before, but thought I would share the information again.
Here are some helpful hints:
Before you start, determine a timetable and stick to it! Or, you'll never finish….which is probably why I get hired 🙂
Begin in the least used areas of your home.
Figure out what percentage you need to reduce. You may be moving from a 1,500 square foot home to a 750 square foot home. So a general rule of thumb is that 50% of your furniture/possessions needs to go. That doesn't mean that you need to take out 50% of every room. You might keep everything from a Master bedroom and remove everything from a spare bedroom. Just so when you get done, you have about 50% less!
I always use the "One Year Rule". If you haven't used it or looked at it for over one year, chances are your don't need it!
We all receive the donation envelopes for the Lupus Foundation or Disabled Vets that has a bag to donate and a number to call to arrange for pick up. Everytime you get one, call immediately! It will force you to go through your house and find something to give away because you know they're coming.
When you start sorting, sort in to four piles:
Keep
Sell
Donate
Throw
I can guarantee that your "keep" pile will be the biggest. But once you've sorted a room, think about the percentage you have to remove and the "keep" pile will get smaller.
Once you're done, you will feel great about donating things to those who need them. You can have an Estate Sale too. I've written before about Ebenezer Hearts and Hands Estate Sales. They're a non-profit and are great people to work with. http://www.fairviewebenezer.org/Programs_and_Services/c_115998.asp
It's also a great time to have a garage sale or give items to family/friends.
All in all, when you're done you will feel great and your home will sell faster.
