Easiest Clutter to Toss in 2017

JANUARY 2017

“What you possess in the world will be found at the day of your death to belong to someone else. But what you are will be yours forever.”

– Henry Van Dyke

Quite a thought…. the minute you die, technically speaking, all your stuff belongs to someone else. And you were going to do what with it??

Thanks to RB for sending this quote and accompanying comment to me – it is golden!

5 Items to Toss in 2017

Most people do very well when they’re given specific instructions on what to do. So – if you’re one of those people, see how you do with this list. Email me at cindy@aim4order.com so I can applaud your efforts. Ready? Here goes:

1. Old magazines

This is a tough one, but if you have piles and piles of magazines that you’re going to read or refer to one day….the odds are that you won’t. Have an honest chat with yourself and acknowledge that you do not have the time to read ALL those magazines and the odds of finding an article that you once read is pretty slim. Pick a date that’s reasonable and anything prior to the date gets recycled.

2. Expired Food

Most people are guilty of having expired foods in their pantries and closets and drawers because newer foods have hidden the older foods from view. Take out your magnifying glass and look at some expiration dates. It is especially important to toss anything with yeast (cake mixes, etc) because old yeast can cause serious health issues. If you’d like a list of foods and their expiration dates, click here.

3. Junk Mail

If you have bags of old junk mail that you’ve saved because you feel it needs to be shredded, you have 3 options. One option – take all of it to a place that shreds (Staples, Office Depot or mobile shredding trucks that you can find on line). Two – Recycle all of it but pull out the ones with bank checks and new credit card offers. Something that just has your name and address does NOT need to be shredded. Three – hold your breath and shove all of it into black trash bags, mix in something gross that can coat the papers and throw them out on Trash Day.

4. Old towels and sheets

I am amazed at the amount of space that old towels and sheets take up. Most people can live with 2-3 bath towels/hand towels/washcloths per person and maybe 1-2 beach towels per person. Sheets are a little complicated if you have seasonal preferences, but the max ‘should’ be 4 sets per bed. Most people can live with a small bag/container of rags. Most people can have 4 extra towels to take care of wet dogs. The remaining dozens of towels can really go. The SPCA and other animal-related charities will love you – or any charity for that matter!

5. Old office items

Are you finished needing tag board, graph paper, binders, reinforcements and child-safe scissors? Do you really need 15 packs of looseleaf paper? Old office supplies can be donated to local schools or non profits.

How about every former laptop and desktop computer you’ve ever had, along with broken printers? Is it time to say farewell?? I say GO FOR IT! Check out your local BEST BUY, STAPLES, DUMP or go to www.earth911.com for recycling resources.

Feel free to add to this list and keep me posted on your progress. You know I love to hear from you!

TAX TIP – Label a folder or large envelope that can be used to store all tax related documents that will be arriving in the mail in the next month. If you get emails related to online accounts, you can print the documents right away and place them in the folder, too. Keep it in a handy place. Imagine having everything in one folder/envelope when it’s time to do your taxes?!

eBay 4 Less Clutter – My husband, Howard, is eBaying up a storm! He can eBay just about anything – silver, china, designer purses, collectibles, pens, signed artwork, coins and more. If you are thinking about parting with some of your possessions, call 410-484-8328 or email ebay4lessclutter@gmail.com to discuss. It’s a win/win for all!

“Helping Baby Boomers and their Parents Lighten their Loads.”

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in your home, contact me. Together, we can transform your home into a happy, tidy place where you can feel at peace. We can also get you ready for your next move… more enjoyable, faster and easier!