Family ... House and Home
Making Room For New Blessings
by Marylin Ellis, America's Organizer Coach
Ads on TV, Radio and in Magazines tell us every day that we need possessions to make us happy, beautiful, and successful. Even though we understand the falsehood of that notion, we continue to buy, collect and keep piles of stuff at an alarming rate. In particular, seniors who need or want to downsize often feel overwhelmed with what to do with what I reverently call, “the artifacts of a well lived life”. It’s that stuff that is not good enough to keep but just too darned good to throw out that gives us the most trouble. The situation is even more daunting when moving from a home of 40+ years where every room, closet, cabinet, attic, garage and cellar is filled with the “I might need it or my kids might need it someday” stuff. As both a Professional Organizer and a Senior Move Manager I help my senior clients solve this dilemma on a regular basis.
Here are some tips to help you decide what not to keep. Ask yourself these three critical questions:
- Do I Love It?
- Do I Use It?
- Can It Be Replaced?
Love: Thinking it’s pretty isn’t good enough. Does it feed you spiritually, emit fond memories (like family photos) or make you feel happy? If it does, then you keep it!
Use: When was the last time you used it? Is it necessary for your everyday living, wellbeing and comfort? If you haven’t used it in a year, it’s unlikely you will ever will. If you liked it and needed it, you would have used it by now.
Replace: Be practical. As a nation of savers and re-users, we find it hard to get rid of things we “might need some day.” Since you haven’t used it, It’s unlikely you will even need it. If you do, visit your nearest discount store for a replacement.
Once you’ve separated out the stuff you no longer need and want, identify any antiques or unique collectibles that might be of value. While not everything that is old is of value, when in doubt, check it out by getting items valuated by a professional. You can contact an Estate Liquidator or Auction House or even check out similar items for sale online. Your peace of mind will be worth the investment in finding out! And remember, your grandmother’s china is not being honored in a dusty garage or attic. It deserves to be cherished, if not by you, then someone else.
Pass on the blessing. We are the only nation that has the luxury of having too much stuff. Regular, no longer needed household items and clothing are best donated to a local charity. The blessing you will receive from your generosity will be worth more than any monies you could receive from a sale. Get rid of your unwanted stuff and make room for new blessings.
Marilyn Ellis is an Author, Speaker, Professional Organizer and Senior Move Manager. She loves helping people navigate through their busy and challenging lives. Visit her website at www.lighthouseorganizers.com or contact her at 1-866-379-6440
