… Decluttering
space – not only to carry out the usual happenings in our homes; but also to incorporate area(s) to work and learn or dare I say, hide out in . Some of us got started until the task overwhelmed us and we put it aside for another day. Others persevered and got the job done and made a promise not to let it occur again. Some got help doing it, making it more fun and less paralyzing. So, make it fun, not only for yourself but for those who are going to be involved and will benefit from the exercise. Start slowly and build momentum by your success. Let’s get it sorted first. It would have been more fun if it had been in-person help but alas, that wasn’t to be. Mostly, I have had to sneak stuff out of the house as I’ve been doing for many years. Thankfully “the washing machine ate it” still works (not just for socks either), as does “it’s around here somewhere, I’ll look for it later” (only to be forgotten for a time at least).
journey. Get a big strong container to store their favourite items – their treasurers that you will be storing for some time to come. A list of their keepsakes will make it easier to review over time. In time, those saved items will change so consider them “save for now”. Every parent has some ideas about what they should save but I caution you, keep it to the one container or a warehouse of containers you will have. You might share and enjoy a “Memory Day” every 6 months to a year with each child, to remove some items and replace with others. It’s a time you will always remember with your children. There are always others who can benefit from your generosity. You may have family or friends who would welcome it. Just in case that doesn’t happen though, check online for charities to find out what type of contributions they need or will take, whether they will pick up or you will have to deliver; and more – i.e., Goodwill Industries, Mission Services, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, The Salvation Army, Dress for Success, SafeSpace London, Habitat for Humanity, to name a few). You may know of others. There are also businesses that will take clothing on consignment (i.e. for you Consignment, Style Encore, Style 360, are just some of them). Basement Boutique The basement might be that place that we rarely go to, except to do laundry; but where there is still space for those “extras” that we accumulate and don’t need in our everyday life, or for any other reasons only you can relate to. Imagine though, if we cleared it out how much extra space we could have? Perhaps those extra pieces of furniture will make it the space we only visualize. Bathroom Bewilderment Really, just how many different lotions, potions, makeup, shampoos, conditioners, soaps and bubble bath, cleaners and sponges, can we possibly use in a lifetime? I realize that every one of them is apparently better, until the next commercial espousing the miracles of the new one on the market. Do they last forever?
So, the decision is made. Let’s get at it!
Set up a STATION of boxes and label them as SAVE, DONATE, RECYCLE & TRASH My Tip: You may need several “DONATE” boxes (identify each with the recipient of your bounty) in order to facilitate easier disposal of your donations. My Tip: Review recycle options in your area for best practises – I found a couple of options and created boxes for each. My Tip: I also set up a QUESTIONABLE box for those “hard to let go, I’ve got to think about it” items. I took a picture of each item before placing it in the box. I also set up an area for furniture pieces that could be donated or perhaps used when space became available. Keep only those pieces you love. Your journey’s start: Go to the one space that is creating the most stress for you. Ask yourself important questions that only you the answers to. My Tip: Give yourself a break, please don’t choose the biggest room in your home UNLESS it has the least amount of paraphernalia in it. Start at one side of the room and work your way to another. Do one room at a time. Each room will get easier to sort and reorganize. I actually enjoyed the memories of some of the items.
My Tip: if the space belongs to a child, draw them into the
Bedroom Battleground
26 — 2020/2021 - 3
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