People often boast about how great they feel in their homes after a good spring cleaning and purging. Moreover, every real estate broker will tell you that well organized and decluttered properties sell much faster than houses that are packed with stuff.
The problem is that we sometimes hang on to home items for no good reason. Read our list if you are at a loss as to how to start this “un-treasure” hunt.
Yesterday’s News
Many people automatically save old newspapers for reuse, like lighting a fire, packing fragile items during a move, or paper-mâché crafts with the kids. But the truth is that you can easily find this kind of paper if you should ever need some. There’s no point in letting it pile up in your basement.
That Stack of CDs
Let’s all admit it, CDs are now practically archaic technology! That CD rack in the basement is betraying your age and doing nothing for your decor. Store your CDs if you’re nostalgic; however, consider reusing the rack as a more useful storage solution for washable diapers or beauty products, for example.
Your Children’s Many, Many “Masterpieces”
While your little Da Vincis’ are out of the house, secretly recycle some of their art and crafts that are filling up your storage bins. There is no point in saving everything. From birth to the end of primary school, a child produces enough drawings to fill a house! Here’s a tip: only keep the art that has sentimental value.
Socks That Are No Longer Two of a Kind
We all have a hungry dryer or washer that seemingly devours socks. You end up with a sock drawer full of singles. Don’t bother keeping them in the hope that their companion will turn up (wishful thinking!). Just put them in the trash.
Board Games With Missing Pieces
Board games for adults or children that are missing cards or tokens will likely never be played again. That’s just how it is; unless, of course, there is a possibility that you will find the fugitive pieces during the spring clean-up. If this is not the case, get them out of your house. This also applies to puzzles.
Potentially Your Entire Collection of Plastic Containers
So, what does your plastic container drawer or cabinet look like? A disaster, probably. Admit to yourself that within the whole lot, only four or five of them are still useful and recycle any that are cracked or missing their lid!
Dinosaur Electronic Devices
Technology today evolves at such a rapid rate that our electronic devices are often obsolete before they malfunction. Because of the materials used to manufacture them, they should not be simply thrown away. Take the time to dispose of them at designated governmental drop off locations. Here’s a tip! Sell your old video game consoles by posting an ad on a classifieds website — it’s very popular!
Clothes You No Longer Fit Into
Planning to lose weight in the next few months? Awesome, if that’s what you want. But when you reach your goal, you will no doubt want to reward yourself with new clothes. So, get rid of those worn items that have been hanging in the closet since your early 30s.
Broken Furniture and Accessories
Why are you storing that footless bar stool, ripped decorative cushion, and light fixture that no longer works in your garage? If you think you’ll eventually have the time to repair or repurpose them, keep them. Otherwise, make room!
That Sports Equipment You Say You’ll Start Training With… Next Week
Those dumbbells, the yoga mat or the treadmill is taking up far too much room in your house. We know that someday you plan on integrating regular exercise into your daily routine, but for now there’s no point in keeping these items.
Is one or more of the items on this list gathering dust in your home? It’s time to let them go! You’ll feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders!