Create a garage sale staging area in a spare room in your home where you can temporarily store items until time to have a sale. That way you won't have to remember where all of those things are when the time comes to sell them.
Organizing expert Pam Hix offers tips for getting your home in order, simplifying storage and clearing up clutter.
The first problem that usually needs to be addressed when decluttering the home is the "Too Much Stuff" syndrome. Organizing your belongings will be easier if you have less of them. Don't be afraid to get rid of things from time to time. Consider having a yard sale.
Have a box of markers and stickers handy to label prices as you go.
Begin the de-cluttering process slowly. Start with a drawer or a shelf. Take each item out, asking yourself the following series of questions:
Does this add value to my life? When was the last time I used it? Do I have duplicates of this item? Does it need to be repaired? Is it worth repairing? Could someone else use it, or is it junk? If I am going to keep it, does it belong here?
As you go through this process in a room have handy a number of boxes labeled with the following:
Donations/Giveaway Consignment (Lots of money can be made from your old junk.) Repair Doesn't belong here Trash Undecided
Immediately after you have finished, take the repair and donation boxes out to the car and be sure to place them in the front seat, not the trunk where they could languish for quite some time.
Decluttering is an ongoing process, so make it easier by following the "In and Out" rule. Each time you bring in something new, force yourself to get rid of something old.
Guests Pam Hix
Organization Consultant, Everything's Together Organizing Services
13012 June Terrace
Minnetonka, MN 55305-2740
Phone: 952-939-8080
E-mail: pjhix@aol.com Also in this Episode
