5 easy tips to dispose of your stuff
As a professional organizer, I am often asked, “Have you seen anyone with that much stuff?” The answer is yes and much of it is not being used by my clients. The questions are how much should I have, how much is too much, and what should I keep? There is no simple answer as everyone is different and their reasons are different.
Many of my clients have boxes stored in the basement or overflowing closets and are wondering what to do. Here are 5 easy tips for deleting your stuff.
When I work with my clients, I often talk to them about passing the items on to someone else who can enjoy them as much as they do and give that item another life. If it’s stored in a box, you’re clearly not using it. My first piece of advice is that donating to a family that can use it will give it a much better feel than leaving it in that box.
My next piece of advice is if it’s something you have from a deceased relative, are you honoring it by leaving it in the corner of your basement? The answer is no and you must turn it into something to honor it or take a photo and tell the story of that family member.
Tip 3 is if you had to move due to a job change, would you really want to move all those boxes and pay to have them moved? Due to recent events, many are moving to find work.
The next tip is if you are holding the item for someone, have you asked them if they want it? I find that many of my clients keep things thinking that their children will want them in the future, but that is not the case. Every generation is different, and much of today’s generation isn’t interested in grandma’s items or dishes that can’t be washed in the dishwasher. Ask and accept your answer.
The last piece of advice is that you do not save everything for a special occasion. Start using them now and enjoy them because that special occasion may be far away. Many items I see are only used once a year. They were made to be enjoyed and those who gave them to you would be happy if they were being used and not stored in an old box and forgotten.