Donation Options

So you decluttered; you've decided to part with your excess items and items that no longer suit your life. What now? Place all of your donation items in bags or boxes and put them straight in your car. Don't let them gather in the garage or by the door because that is where they will stay and linger at the back of your mind and add to your to-do list. Let's get this one done. Remember, the quicker you donate your items, the quicker someone else can benefit from them.

Make sure your donation items are not trash. Donation centers need to be able to give your items to those in need, not just fill up their dumpster. One stop donation options are donation centers that are already set up. Simply find one near you and drive your donations to their drop-off space and unload! Look for Goodwill, Salvation Army, habitat for humanity, or a local donation center sometimes run by a resale shop or church. You may have also seen a freestanding donation station in a parking lot. These are self-serve donation centers where you can unload your own items at any time so feel free to use them! If it is near the holidays, there may be a local donation drive for something specific like toys or bikes so if you would like to make a special trip, you'll be making a child very happy.

If you have items that are too large or too heavy for you to transport, take a photo of the item and post it on a site like Facebook marketplace or Craigslist. In the description of your item, be sure to specify that pickup is required. You can also search for companies like Thrive that will come pick up the item for you.

Once you've donated your items, take a moment to pay yourself on the back! Now you will be able to better appreciate the items you have chosen to keep in your home and you will be more aware of the items you bring into your home.

Moving Out Check-List

So you’re moving; it’s exciting, stressful, and it can be intimidating! There are so many pieces to put into place but when you take it step by step, you’ll be in your new home with your sanity intact. As soon as you begin to consider moving, begin down-sizing and clearing out the clutter. You will be amazed at what you have accumulated. Start in drawers, cabinets, and closets- this is where the hidden things are that you won’t be anticipating. Start to look at your belongings through the lens of “do I want to take this with me into my new home and my new life?”

All those unwanted items likely fall into three categories: dump, donate, and sell. If you live in a house or a rental that does not have a dumpster, order a dumpster! You may think this seems over kill but you may have noticed junk accumulating since you’ve begun decluttering. Dumpsters can be delivered to your house and stay for a week. This will help you to focus on clearing the junk out. During this time you can also begin listing things for sale online or plan a garage sale. Designate a space to put all of your sale items so you have them all in the same spot, ready to go. For all the items you won’t be selling, donate them to a local charity organization or ask friends/family if they would like the items.

Now that your home only has the items you have chosen to keep, begin researching movers and start getting quotes. If you get the quotes while your house is full of things that will not be going with you, it will be harder to get an accurate quote. Professional movers will help you to plan the financial obligations that moving will have. It will also help bring up important questions that you may not have begun to consider. You are not obligated to use the movers, and you may choose to schedule a u-haul or enlist the help of friends and family. Set your move date and communicate how you will be moving either by choosing a moving company or telling friends and family.

Time for packing materials! Check online to see if anyone has posted free packing supplies or purchase them at your local hardware store. Start packing the things you use the least. When you pack a box, make sure there are no loose items-give it a shake and if you hear rattling, add packing paper. Always label your boxes and try to fill the boxes with like items or things from the same room. Take all of your pictures down and wrap up any rugs you want to take with you. As you begin clearing shelves, wipe them down to cut down cleaning time. Once you have cleared a cabinet or closet, place some painters tape on the front so you know this area is done.

Time to go! You should be down to your bare essentials now. Gather all the items you need to have with you in the same area so you don’t leave anything behind. Go around and do any cleaning that remains and as you complete a room, take any blue painters tape off of the cabinets and closets, close the door to the room and put them on the door. On your last night, begin putting those essentials in your suitcase or in a box as you use them. When you wake up in the morning you are ready to go! You can now remove all the painters tape, no need to double check anything since you’ve done all there is to do. Say your final goodbye and thank your space for housing you, walk out the door and on to your next chapter!