Are you holding on to items from your past which may be cluttering your life?? It is not uncommon to hold on to precious memories or projects you intended to complete. If you have found that the items you are holding on to are taking up too much room and causing you stress, you need to face reality and start getting rid of some items.
If you have a sentimental attachment to an item I recommend you take a picture of the item, get a photo album with two picture slots per page. Place the picture of your “memory” item in the top slot and then in the bottom slot, take a 3” x 5” card and write down your memory of the item as a keepsake. This way, you still have your memory of the item for your sake, but it can be past down to your family so they can see what items meant so much to you.
Now, when it comes to letting go of the item, this is where it gets tricky. Do you have someone else in your family who may want the item? If so, check with them. If you have e-mail access to family members, send them a picture of the item and then see who wants it. You can either give it to the first person to respond or do it by generation (i.e. siblings first, then their children second, and so forth). The decision will totally be up to you and if you need moral support, work with a Professional Organizer who can talk you through the process. I’m available via phone at 503.481.0779.
If no one wants the item, then you have to decide how to dispose of the item. Do you want to sell it?? Do you want to donate it?? If you live in the Portland OR metro area, there is a great consignment shop call Heart’s Décor, located at 10630 NE Halsey, Portland OR 97220 (Phone: 503.254.0514, E-Mail: info@seniorone.com, Website: www.sosmoves.com). Otherwise if you wish to sell the item(s), there is Craigslist, eBay, or you may want to have a garage sale or an estate sale to liquidate the items. If you wish to donate the items, remember to keep a listing of all your donations for tax purposes.
No matter what you do, you may have some emotional guilt associated with letting go of an item you have been holding on to and believe me, it is totally normal. You have to learn to give yourself permission to grieve over the item and then let it go. You have to learn the world will not come to an end without this item in your life. It is simply an object, it may represent a person, but it isn’t the person. Having the photo album with the picture and your memory will give you the ability to relive the joy the item brought to you and your life.
If you have other ideas on how to “let go” of those treasured items I would love the feedback to share with my clients.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Moving or Downsizing & Need to Get Rid of Some Items???
Moving or downsizing?? Craigslist is a great way to get rid of some of those items you've been holding on to and now want to get rid of without the hassle of a garage sale. Just be careful...if it's a small enough item, meet the person in a public place. If it's a large item, get their name and phone number and do a Google search to make sure there are no major hits on the person. If you can move the item to a garage or entry way, the better off you will be. Try not to let the person in your home as they could be "checking out" what you have. It's worked for me and my clients, so give it a try (plus it's easier than eBay...no shipping involved).
When you go to craigslist.com, locate the city you want to sell in and then go to the upper left hand corner and click on "my account" and set up a personal account. MAKE SURE you have a strong password as some people make it a hobby to hack in to accounts. Always be sure to add a picture of the item for sale. It will increase your chances of a sale.
When setting a price, remember you are only going to get pennies on the dollar for items. It you purchased something for $100, start by asking $75, and then if it doesn't sell, update your post by going in to your account and re-post at a lower amount. Chances are, you will get lucky at about 1/2 price of what you spent on the item new (always put the purchase amount in the description to show what it was worth new).
Craigslist is also a great place to post "FREE" items...those things you just want to get rid of but don't want to drag to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
If you have a large item, always add a comment that the purchaser is responsible for transportation; therefore, there will be no question as to who's going to do the heavy lifting.
Good luck!!
When you go to craigslist.com, locate the city you want to sell in and then go to the upper left hand corner and click on "my account" and set up a personal account. MAKE SURE you have a strong password as some people make it a hobby to hack in to accounts. Always be sure to add a picture of the item for sale. It will increase your chances of a sale.
When setting a price, remember you are only going to get pennies on the dollar for items. It you purchased something for $100, start by asking $75, and then if it doesn't sell, update your post by going in to your account and re-post at a lower amount. Chances are, you will get lucky at about 1/2 price of what you spent on the item new (always put the purchase amount in the description to show what it was worth new).
Craigslist is also a great place to post "FREE" items...those things you just want to get rid of but don't want to drag to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
If you have a large item, always add a comment that the purchaser is responsible for transportation; therefore, there will be no question as to who's going to do the heavy lifting.
Good luck!!
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