The Purge: Letting Go Part I

It's almost time for Spring cleaning again. Before everyone starts taking everything down from the attic, out of closets, and heading down to the basement let's talk about the best way to handle the first step in organizing; how to successfully get rid of the excess.

Every Professional Organizer has a process that they feel works best to rid homes, offices, cars, and storage units of items unused. The most popular being to create piles labeled keep, sell, donate, trash. Another method used for closets is to turn the hanger the wrong way, when the item is worn, turn the hanger back. The other is to have a separate area for clothes and items not used within the past six months to a year. While these are all wonderful ways to deal with the excess we tend to create, there is a more realistic approach.

In today's post we will discuss where and how to start the process of eliminating unneeded items. We will also touch on how to set and keep rules for elimination, and how to put the space back together in an esthetically pleasing way.

Rules:

The rules are simple, pick up each item. While holding item assess the value of the item by asking a series of questions (see below). Based on your answers place the item in what I call the "bye bye basket," or place it in a place for items to keep. There is no magic percentage of items that need to be thrown away, just be honest with yourself. Items that are kept should be wiped down. Items that seem too cumbersome to wipe down should be put in the "bye bye basket".

What you'll need:

First select stackable rubber or plastic storage containers, I always have between 5-10 for each project. I suggest Rubbermaid Roughneck 10-gallon storage containers. Use at least one storage container for each room. I suggest the rubber and stackable is because you will want to be able to stack them in your car to take items to consignment stores, and charity. Also, if something spills it will be easy to clean up. Many Organizers suggest trash bags, however depending on the size of your home, length of project, and number of items to be eliminated I feel that stackable storage containers are preferable, as they are reusable, won't rip, and have lids to ensure anything going to consignment won't get wet or damaged in transit

Where to start

I suggest starting in the master bath, because it is easy to get done in a day or two and will give you the momentum to get through the master bedroom. To ensure everything gets attention I empty every drawer, take everything out of the cupboards, & take everything out of the shower. Each item that is kept gets wiped down, and everything else goes in the trash or the storage bin I am using for the master bath.

When I pick up an item I ask myself four questions. 1) Is it still being used? 2) How much is left? 3) Have the contents expired? 4)Will it be missed?

My inner dialogue sounds something like this:

Pro Organizer Me (POM): Do you really need thirty eyeshadows?

Hoarder Me (HM): Of course, I do. Hello, Halloween!

POM: Okay. When was the last time you dressed up?

HM: Five years ago, but I think I will dress up again this year.

POM: As what? A woman with every eyeshadow color ever made?

HM: Well, no, but what if that green shadow comes back into style or MAC stops making that shade?

POM: Yes, but the shadow is almost gone, do you think maybe the space is more valuable than the shadow?

HM: Okay, fine.

Other questions to ask: Does my toothbrush need to be replaced? What's in this apothecary bottle? How often do I use this crimper? How many pairs of tweezers does one girl need? How many bottles of shampoo and conditioner do you need in the shower?

Throughout the purging process I suggest throwing away anything that is clearly trash. This will save time down the line, and possibly help you be stricter with yourself. Once everything has been removed analyzed you are ready for the final step, sorting out through the items you are getting rid of. Always do this in a different area of the house such as the garage, or even in your living room to eliminate the urge to keep items you no longer need. This is the time to determine what can be donated or sold, and what is trash. Items to be donated should be placed neatly in another storage container, separate from items to be sold. Label storage containers appropriately and stack in a safe place for later.

Stay tuned for Part II, the master bedroom. I will discuss practical ways to downsize your wardrobe and increase profit on the items being eliminated.

The

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