HOW TO GET RID OF STUFF:
One of the greatest challenges downsizers express to me is their frustration in getting rid of STUFF!!
Here is a PROVEN GAME PLAN in how to get rid of things while preparing the house for sale and making some money at the same time!
SELL WHAT YOU DON'T WANT
Plan to have a few garage sales. Prepare your garage for consecutive garage sales. Clear an area for tables and then spend a few days (or weeks) piling stuff you don't want anymore onto your tables. When you have a good amount of things on your tables, place an ad in your paper or online and get ready to make some serious cash over several consecutive weekends. A few of my clients have made about $2000 to $3000 from their garage sales! Sweet Spending Money!
Another way to make money from your stuff, is to advertise it on Kijiji. Be sure to accept cash only and ensure you are safely meeting strangers. Can you ensure someone is home with you when they buyers plan to arrive?
A DATE WITH YOUR ADULT CHILDREN
Yes, I know! When your adult children graduate from high school and moved into their first apartment, they left a whole bunch of childhood and high school things behind for you to store. Well, guess what? It's time for that blast from the past.
Call your adult children and give them a deadline to come and get their things or you will give it away. Say it nicely, though!
GIVE YOUR STUFF TO CHARITIES
Many charities are pleased to take away your stuff! Some of them require you to take it to their bins, which are strategically located around the city. While others will come to your home and take your stuff away. Try these ones: momscanada.ca, salvationarmy.ca, goodwill.ca, valuevillage.ca
STORE WHAT YOU WANT TO KEEP
You may be moving to a new home and want to keep some things. But be very honest with yourself about what you really need or all you will end us doing is transferring all your stuff to a new home and have to deal with it there! That's not a fun way to begin your new downsizing life.
If you haven't used something in the last year, you don't need it. So store what you want to keep but don't need while you're selling the house and get rid of everything else. It's refreshing and liberating!
STAGE YOUR HOUSE WITH WHAT'S LEFT
After following this game plan, you should find your home containing only a few items that you use everyday and that you need to stage your house to sell. And STAGING is a conversation for another day!
Enjoy your fresh, decluttered home!!
