We’ve spent a lifetime accumulating items for our home. We have hobbies and collect items that interest us. We update our wardrobe. We hold trinkets that were given to us as presents from our loved ones. We also have boxes of photographs and personal papers. All of these items were once new and found a place of relevance in our home. Now, some have found their way into the closets and boxes stored in the corner of our basement. We want to clean up and downsize, but find it difficult to make that first move…WHERE DO WE START??
I face this challenge myself. It seems like an overwhelming process, and we tend to put it off for another day just because we don’t know how or where to start. I’ve found the best thing to do is make a list of what you want to do. That list can be a long one, so just start with what seems to be the most simple. Once you accomplish a small task, it somehow feels easier to conquer the more difficult tasks.
Perhaps one of the items on your list is to THIN OUT YOUR WARDROBE. This is something I do on a yearly basis. I set aside a few hours to go through all of my clothes. My rule of thumb is that if I haven’t wore something in two years, and don’t foresee that item being used on a somewhat regular basis – IT GOES AWAY. There are many options for disbursement of your clothing – you can donate to charity, sell on Craigslist, Letgo, Facebook Marketplace, various Resale Shops, or even a garage sale for the larger family and more adventurous. No need to throw in the dumpster, as there is always someone in need.
Give yourself a pat on the back – you’ve accomplished one task. Now go down the list and check off other items. Concentrate on one at a time, and take a break in-between if it all seems too overwhelming. Remember slow and steady wins the race. There’s no need to do it all at once. If you can tackle one item each month – you are a superstar!
Eventually, we will see our accomplishments grow, and regain control of our living space (and sanity) once again:) Remember that there is always someway to make money off your unwanted items, and there is always someone in need if you choose to donate to charity. Your items once held high value to you, they can hold that same value for others. THE DUMPSTER IS THE LAST RESORT……….