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By Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now!™
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Reader Question
We are preparing to downsize from a 3-story
(with full basement), 4-bedroom house to a 2 or
3 bedroom townhouse with a walk out
basement.
The thought of weeding through 37 years
accumulation of stuff is so overwhelming that I
can't get started. I have boxes of photograhs to organize. I don't
know what to do with old sewing patterns that no longer work. The
rest of it is just things that I have saved over the years--clothes,
children's memorabilia, toys, books, not to mention the furniture
we don't plan to take. Can you help me get a running start??
Kathy Burkman, Lincoln, NE
Our Response
Dear Kathy,
Congrats on this new phase of your life! No matter how fantastic
your current location/situation may have been, it’s always exciting
to get a fresh start.
You mentioned boxes of photos to organize. It’s important to not
allow yourself to get bogged down by a task that you would be
able to take care of after you move. Don’t worry about your
photos now. Just box them up in acid-free photo boxes, and deal
with them after your move.
Regarding, your old sewing patterns, you used the phrase “that
no longer work.” If you meant that they wouldn’t work for anyone,
that’s a no brainer. They need to be tossed. Keeping lots of old
paper around can attract pests. If they won’t work for you
because or sizes that would no longer fit or styles that would no
longer be enjoyed, they can be donated.
For children’s toys, clothes, etc. it’s very important to remember
that there are so many people out there who have less than you
probably do. By donating usable items to a thrift store, church or
other organization, you will be letting your items bless someone
else’s life. Pick up two items at a time, and donate at least one of
them, if not both.
Furniture you don’t plan to take can be dealt with in numerous
ways. You can donate, bring them to a consignment store or you
might have family members who could really use the stuff. You
might also try to sell it yourself on a site like CraigsList.
The most important things to remember are to take the project in
small pieces (we like to call it baby steps) and also to keep
moving forward. Resist the urge to get bogged down in the past
by dwelling on the memories each item holds. The memories will
still be there after you move and you have more time to indulge
yourself with them.
Reader Clinic Submittal
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find out if your clinic question was chosen to be featured.
Thank you!
Maria Gracia
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