The last few months have been very stressful for everyone. But it's also given people a lot of time to work on clearing their clutter.
Then again, there's the problem of what to do with the clutter if the donation centers are closed or they won't pick up.
Clearing you clutter should be an ongoing project. I always have a donation bin going at all times. When the donation bin gets filled - it's time to take it to the donation center. So what goes into the donation bin? Anything and everything. If you have kids and they outgrow their clothes - put it in the bin. If they outgrow their toys - put it in the bin. It will fill up quickly!
You can go through your rooms - one by one - and take a good look at everything in the room. First start with anything that you don't really like anymore. Your tastes change - so let someone else enjoy the item! If your room looks too crowded - move some things out. It will open up the room and make it look bigger.
Go through your kitchen. What gadgets haven't you used in the last 6 months or a year? If you haven't used them - ask yourself "will I ever use it?" Be honest! If you aren't using them (but will during holidays or only once a month....) - put them somewhere out of the way - instead of on the kitchen counter or in a prime location.
Go through your garage and basement - and clear out things that you rarely ever - or never use. If you "might need it someday" - you can always borrow it or buy it again (which can be cheaper than storing it).
A lot of people have tons of books - that they have already read (numerous times) or never read at all. Maybe it's time to let them go.
What about memorabilia? How long are you going to keep it? Why are you keeping it? Do you have a place to display it - or is it just taking up valuable space? Take a picture of it, write a story about it and let it go.
What about things that you are keeping for your kids - who are all grown up with families of their own? How long are you going to store it? Ask your kids if they want it (they probably don't). If they do, give them a deadline to pick it up - or you will donate it. If they don't want it - donate it.
When you are going to start a decluttering project - give yourself a time limit - so that you don't get overwhelmed. Take frequent breaks.
Now - as for the donation dilemma. If your favorite donation center is not accepting donations yet - you have two options. Either you pick another donation center that is open or you continue to store your donation bin for a time in the future (hopefully soon) that it will start accepting donations again. But, put a time limit on how long you are willing to wait.
Clearing your clutter gives a lot of people a sense of freedom and clarity. If you don't experience that - it's o.k. At least it will give you a less cluttered home!
Happy Clearing!
Less Clutter = Less
Stress SM in
your home, your business and your life
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