Downsizing for the Better EVERYONE’S DOING IT!
packing into a few days. This process can take weeks — or even months — and that’s completely normal. You’ll want time set aside to go through everything room by room, one item at a time. CREATE ‘KEEP’ AND ‘TOSS’ PILES. When going through your belongings, create a pile for items you want to keep and items you want to either donate, give away, or throw away. While creating a maybe pile may feel worthwhile at the time, it will only end up leaving you with more clutter. Plus, indecision prolongs the process. GET RID OF DUPLICATES. You’ve collected a lot over the years. If you have two can openers, five sets of bed sheets, three cookie sheets, and an endless supply of spatulas, it’s time
to clear out the duplicates that you don’t need or use. Consider donating everything that’s in good condition — someone surely could make good use of it. TAKE TIME TO REMINISCE. There is fun to be had in sorting through old memories. Allow yourself time to stroll down memory lane. Welcome laughter, smiles, and tears. You can even invite your loved ones over to help and share in the stories as you pack up the items you hold dear. Don’t let decluttering and downsizing be a daunting task; take it one step at a time. Even if you aren’t moving anytime soon, it’s always a good idea to cut down on the amount of clutter you hang on to!
Whether you simply want to eliminate clutter or move to a smaller home now that the kids have moved out, downsizing has increased in popularity in recent years. But, if it’s your turn to downsize, you may find it challenging and unexpectedly emotional. Here are some tips to make the process easier. START EARLY. This process cannot be rushed and will not be a quick one, so don’t try to squeeze all of the preparation and
IT’S EASY TO BE ECO-FRIENDLY IN RALEIGH 3 Affordable Ways to Get Started
VOLUNTEER Consider donating your time rather than money to causes that support North Carolina conservation. You could create a workplace collaboration between your job and an environmental group, like EarthShare North Carolina, or volunteer for a local cleanup on a regular basis. If you don’t see a cleanup opportunity in your area, start one! You can make a big difference.
As we celebrate Earth Day this April, we all have an opportunity to make small changes to impact the planet. But this kind of commitment isn’t always accessible or affordable. Luckily for Raleigh, sustainability is kind of a lifestyle! We were ranked 10th in the nation for our efforts, according to the U.S. Cities Sustainable Development Report. This Earth Day, make it your personal mission to try one of these eco-friendly, Raleigh-based activities. SOURCE LOCALLY Take advantage of the North Carolina State Farmers Market, right here in Raleigh. The market is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers food, meat, and other products that are grown, raised, and made right in our state. This limits the carbon footprint of the products you choose to stock your
home. Plus, there’s no greater feeling than supporting your local producers. You can learn more about the State Farmers Market on Facebook. SIGN UP FOR COMPOSTING Composting can prevent about 650 pounds of natural food waste from entering landfills every year, according to Wake County. So, our county decided to make this possible. Every year, Wake County provides a compost bin sale, so residents in our region can turn their waste into valuable soil for just $50. This is half the price of the normal cost of these bins! And if you’re not a gardener, these bins still have value. Spread your composted soil in potted plants or donate it to friends, family, and local organizations like schools or community gardens. Visit WakeGov.com to learn more about the compost bin program.
Find more groups to support online at EnvironmentalGroups.us.
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