By Patrick Fagan
Move Manager, Act Together Moving Services
We all accumulate extra stuff over the years but moving isn’t the only opportunity to pare down the clutter. An end of year review of 5 areas can serve as an excellent farewell for the non-sacred things we just don’t use or need any longer.
#1 Area: Clothing
Open up your closet door and ask yourself the following questions:
- Have I worn that in the past year?
- Do I have shoes, hats or belts that I no longer wear?
- Which pieces from my summer wardrobe are “on the way out”?
#2 Area: Food cupboards
Review the best-before dates on all non-perishable food and survey the freezer for frost-bitten, spoiled food. Tripping over canned meats and vegetables, cereal or rice? Box it up for the local food bank and you’ll make a directly impact to people in your community who need your help.
#3 Dish Wares:
Any chipped or cracked dishes are hazardous for eating and washing, so recycle it or if you’re very crafty you could re-purpose in a mosaic if they hold special sentiments, like a wedding gift or your mother’s favorite bowl.
#4 Books/ Magazines:
It’s astonishing how many books I dislike but, for some reason, still keep. Then I’ll be honest with myself and ask: Do I really want to keep this book? Will I read this book in the next year?
#5 Electronics:
Household electronics that you no longer use can be of great value to people in countries such as Haiti. An older but functioning cell phone & charger are items of great need and there are local charities who can get them to those in need. In White Rock we turn to the Project Aftershock Thrift Store.
This year-end reduction doesn’t necessarily need to include items which are close to the heart. Approach with a fun, objective sense of curiosity and saying good-bye to clutter will feel like the right move.
Smaller Spaces 