Out with the Old, In with the New!

The holidays are officially over, and people are now getting back into the rhythms of their normal lives. The celebrations, food and leftovers are by now gone, but you’re probably lefts with some fantastic memories and quite a few great gifts to old on to, but sometimes those gifts are replacing older items that you’ve used up which are taking up space in your already crowded home, closet, garage or storage area.

With this influx of new stuff, now’s the time to tackle letting go of those old & unused items that are unnecessarily choking up your space. From our friends from Keller Williams Tampa Properties in Carrollwood, Dick and Karla Nielsen posted a great article on how to best sort out your post holidays gifts to make the most of your your space & getting your home whipped into shape for a tidy 2017!

Start by simply scheduling at least one morning or afternoon for the project. Wear comfy clothes and put on some music to make the chore more fun. Entice a friend or your spouse to work on it with you and reminisce over-sentimental items or photos you come across along the way.

It’s wise to begin by taking an inventory of new items that have entered your home. Perhaps you have some new gym equipment needing a space, or a fancier television ready for mounting. Once you’ve evaluated where you want to put your shiny new stuff, you’ll want to make a firm decision on what to do with the old items. Set yourself free from unnecessary items and eliminate clutter with these great options:

  1. Give: Utilize those empty mailing boxes and gift boxes after the holidays by filling them with goods to be donated to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other charitable causes. Clothes, household items, and furniture are wonderful, tax-deductible donations. You may also want to think about friends and family who could enjoy a gently used hand-me-down. If you got the latest iPad as a gift, then perhaps your young niece or nephew could enjoy your old but perfectly good iPad.
  2. Sell: Got two,sell one. Most people do not need two of the same thing. If you have a valuable item or received an unneeded gift that could fetch you some extra money for the New Year, try listing it for sale. There is no shortage of reputable websites out there helping people sell everything from bicycles, to sewing machines, to high-end purses.
  3. Dispose: Of course, some worn-out items may end up in the trash. Visit your county’s website for proper disposal of bulky items, appliances, and electronics. For example, Hillsborough County offers disposal tips and a list of drop-off centers on its website.
  4. Store: If you can’t donate, sell, or trash old items, then you’ll need to find a place for it in your home. The important thing is to avoid unnecessary clutter, and be sure to always sort before you stow. Carefully pack and label any items heading into storage (you’ll thank yourself later). In Florida, also consider storage temperature. For example, your old record collection is not going to survive in the garage. Take heat and pests into consideration before choosing a storage location. In sum, experts suggest that only the most special items that you know you’ll need should occupy precious storage space.

These simple tips can make a big difference in maintaining a beautiful, clutter-free home in the New Year!

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