The presents are all opened and the family gatherings have ended. In this lull between Christmas and New Year’s is the perfect time to go through your home and open up same valuable space.
Why not venture into the junk closet or the spare bedroom and get what you no longer want or need into the hands of someone who does.
Here are some tips to help you declutter:
– Bedroom – Starting in a corner, clear one surface at a time. Donate what you don’t want.
– Home office – Clear everything off your desk except your computer. Choose three items you must have within arm’s reach. Sort the rest into three piles: review, donate, toss. Take old computers to a second-hand shop.
– Kitchen- Look for “forgotten” things tucked away in hard-to-reach places.
– Garage, carport or storage locker – See if your neighbours want your unused bikes and sports equipment. Or snap photos and post for sale online.
– Camping, BBQ equipment – Offer for free online. (Clean goods go faster than dirty ones.)
– Anything with wheels post online.
– Closet – Local shoemakers may be able to use parts of shoes in reasonable shape. The rest you can consign, sell online through second-hand marketplaces such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji, or donate to charity thrift stores at your local hospital, the SPCA or Goodwill.
– Pet goods – Rescue organizations need animal transport crates, old towels, leashes and dishes.
– Sell online – The sharing economy helps build community and keep useful items out of the landfill. Great, close-up photos are key to successful online transactions. Create a descriptive, enticing post. Be sure the stuff you’re selling is in season.
– Buy less – Commit to bringing less into your home. Consider what you really need rather than what you want.