How to Get Rid of Your Stuff

It isn't yet time for spring cleaning, but who says you can't clean your home anytime? With the holiday season rapidly approaching, there's no better time to clean (in my opinion) than when you'll be having people over to see your home. It can't hurt a thing to root through some of those boxes that have been in the closet for years and get rid of a few things so you can make room for more. All it takes is a little bit of time and a little more will power. I have found it is extremely freeing to get rid of items I don't use anymore. Sometimes you can even get a bit of cash for them, be it at a flea market, eBay, or Craigslist. So how do you begin?

Start wherever it seems logical - usually I begin at the literal "top." I go to the most obscure rooms and closets and look at the uppermost shelf. Left to right, I pull down boxes and root through them. Sometimes I get rid of most things in the box, and sometimes only a few things. Usually I end up getting rid of quite a few boxes worth of things, though. At the very least, going through these things may allow you to consolidate some boxes and containers. Starting at the top shelf allows the dust to fall down, and as I work my way "down" through the room or closet, the dust and other litter (stray papers, etc.) falls to the ground or the next shelf down. Then when I finally reach the floor, I can vacuum it and pick it all up.

Don't think you have to do it all in one day. Sometimes cleaning out only a closet can help things. It makes room for more things that you didn't realize you could put away and neatens up more than you might think at first.

Ask yourself questions about an item before deciding to keep it. I'm sure you've heard it all before, if you're a packrat like me. Ask yourself how long it's been since you have used the item. If it's been longer than six months or a year (depending on the sort of object it is), you should consider whether you will ever use it again. If it's been numerous years, most likely you won't use it and should put it in a box set aside for trash or items to give up. If there is an object such as a decoration, think about how often you appreciate it. If it disappeared tomorrow, would you realize it was gone? This doesn't mean get rid of everything. If you wouldn't miss an item if it disappeared, though, maybe someone else can make better use of it. If you've actually completely forgotten you owned it, perhaps the decision has been made for you already.

Go through more than just the boxes. Some people keep cosmetics for years past the date at which they expire. The same goes for bath items and ratty old clothing. If you don't wear it anymore and can't stand to look at it, it doesn't have to stay just because your beloved aunt knitted it for you. Someone else might make better use of it. If an item is separating, it's a good idea to throw it out instead of shaking it up for the millionth time. Have old magazines hanging around? If you don't have a use for them, someone else might. Old electronics are often appreciated for junk or repair and resale. How many old VCRs do you have hanging around that you will actually use? They're only taking up room - do something with them or get rid of them.

Get over the emotional attachment. It can be difficult; I know from experience myself. Part of me thinks that getting rid of a toy I had as a child will somehow insult the toy. The toy has no feelings; you do. You are regretting getting rid of it, secretly wondering if you may ever use the item again. It won't miss you, but you fear you might miss it. If you haven't used it, you probably never will. If you're fretting you're your mother might be insulted that you gave away her gift, stop. She can't read your mind, and how does she know it didn't break or get destroyed? A gift is given to you - it is yours now. Do with it what you will. Don't try to fool yourself - it really feels much better to get rid of the item and make room for something more useful, despite the second-guessing just before you actually discard it.

What do you do with all the stuff you've finished sorting through? You've got plenty of options. You could sell the stuff - eBay is a good choice for clothing items, book and magazine lots, and collectibles. Books, albums, and various other things can be sold on Amazon.com as well, especially if they are in good condition - just name your price. Craigslist is a good place to sell things locally - they also have a "free" section where you can give items away if you would rather. Take your items to a flea market and set up a table. Contact friends and ask if they're interested in anything. If you can't sell some of the items or don't care to make money off of them, you can give them to a thrift store. Another site to consider is FreeCycle, a site where you can give things away locally through an email group.

It really isn't so difficult to get rid of old things, and it's truly worth it for the feeling of accomplishment you get afterward. After getting rid of a bunch of stuff that's useless or near it, you'll feel a lot lighter, and your home's floorboards probably will, too.