Purging has some real negative connotations these days (eating disorder, purging voters, etc), but I’m here to tell you that purging your personal space can be very empowering.
The end of a season is the perfect time to go through your closets, pantry, garage, basement, attic, even the refrigerator to discard items that are out-dated, or rarely used. You can organize piles into donations, trash, items to sell, and things ‘on-the-fence’. My motto is pretty much, ‘When in doubt, I throw out!’ (A few former students weren’t too fond of that slogan since the assignments left on their desks were often gone the next morning.)
There are lots of wonderful ways to sell gently used items including FaceBook Marketplace, Letgo, OfferUp, and Ebay. If you’re willing to invest the time to photograph, price and describe items, it’s a great way to downsize your home AND earn a little spending money at the same time.
Be sure to secure boxes or containers in advance for storing the piles, and I’m an advocate for driving directly to the donation sites once I’ve finished so I don’t change my mind. I’ve regretted a few donations over the years, but thankfully it didn’t last long, and I believe the eventual recipient is probably more in need than I.
If you’re not in the habit of purging every season or even every year, I highly suggest you start with one small space in your home. You might be astonished at how ‘free’ you feel from the clutter that’s consumed your life.
Joan Bailey Swinehart
Life Coach – JSHelpsLaunch@gmail.com