Saying Goodbye to all the Clutter
by Kate on JUNE 18, 2012 in GO GREEN, HOUSEKEEPING, MONEY
Does anyone else feel uneasy or anxious when there’s just “too much” stuff around you? I do.
I’ve spent the last month or so, slowly cleaning out our house of all the excess stuff we have accumulated (and I still have a long way to go). It’s unbelievable how many things have moved with me from apartment to apartment to house that never get touched. WHY DO I EVEN HAVE SOME OF THIS STUFF???
Here’s the little game that I’m playing with myself:
1. Have I used/worn it in the last year?
If yes, clean it, organize and put it back away.
If no, go to question 2.
2. Does someone I love need it?
If yes, offer it to them first.
If no, move to question 3.
3. Could I upcycle it to something I will actually use (or sell)?
If yes (and I think I’ll actually find time to do it), put it into my work room.
If no, move on to question 4.
4. Could I get money for it?
If yes, offer it on Craigslist (and move to question 5). (FYI, I offer it on craigslist before eBay because it potentially won’t have to travel as far, thus uses less energy….Plus, I hate going to the post office.)
If no, offer it on Freecycle (and move to question 6).
5. Did someone take it?
If yes, YAY!
If no, try eBay if I’m willing to ship or Freecycle if I’m not.
6. Did anyone take it from eBay or Freecycle?
If yes, YAY!
If no, donate to Goodwill or similar organization. Avoid sending stuff to landfill at all costs!
And, the very last step… QUIT BUYING MORE!
Now I’m off to put up a few more posts to Craigslist. Happy Spring Cleaning!
