5-6 WEEKS TO GO
3. SIMPLIFYING & CONSOLIDATION
The big clean out - what goes & what stays?
Now is the perfect time to do a big clean out. There are two key questions that will make this process a lot easier:
1) ‘Do I really need this?” If the answer is “NO” check there is no sentimental value and let it go.
2) Sometimes its hard to let things go – so ask yourself the following question: “ Have I used it in the past two years?” Again if the answer is “no” – let it go. Purge!!
Have a clean out weekend – it’s very therapeutic, especially when you feel overwhelmed. It may take 2 to 3 weeks just to go through each room systematically to determine whether you want to keep items or toss them but when you see the pile of things for the tip or ‘Salvo’s’ you’ll realise how much more uncluttered your new home will be.
**Remember, if you are doing a child’s room, obtain your child’s co-operation or permission.
Where to start?
Generally the garage is a good place to start – not only is it easy to clear out the unwanted clutter – it allows you to start using the clear space.
Set up some boxes or Glad Tuff bags from the supermarket and mark them with their ultimate destination: “Charity”, “Garage Sale”, “Tip” or “Goods to be Returned” (for borrowed items). Restore faith in human nature by putting borrowed goods in post-packs and mailing them back or arranging for them to be picked up or dropped off to the appropriate person a sap. People appreciate having their things returned even if its years later. I have lent books to people and even though its years ago – I would appreciate them returning them.
When you don’t use it but can’t bear to part with it
There will be some things that aren’t covered by the two-year rule: eg. camping gear, tools and sentimental items. Just ask yourself
“Will they be of value to you in the future?” Yes/No
“Will I regret giving them away?” Yes/No
If you have answered “Yes” – keep it. If “No” – let it go.
Sometimes, if the items have sentimental or historical value, but you no longer want to keep them, see if a family member would like the item or perhaps an historical society or library if has historical value. If the answer is still “NO” then it is a good indicator that they are best passed onto a charity or sold. If you wish to give them away to a charity – they need to be in good condition. Your local charity may pick the items up.
Clearing out the overflow
If you have a lot of things you think are of no value to anyone, you can also hire a Mini-Skip to save multiple trips to the tip. They deliver and then pick up. It costs approx. $130 for 2 cubic metres which is the equivalent of 3 box trailers.
The local council will also pick up free, if you ring them in advance. |
