Out with the Old, In with the New!
In addition to welcoming in a New Year, many of us are welcoming in a whole lot of new stuff. Holiday gifts have been received and new purchases have been made, which means it is undoubtedly time to start clearing the clutter.
Tossing unnecessary items from the old year and organizing your home for the New Year is an excellent way to start 2017 with a fresh perspective. We totally understand it’s tempting to sling outdated items and empty boxes into the garage, attic, or a closet. Organizing can be an intimidating endeavor for some people, but do you really want that stuff to pile up any more?
To help you, we’d like to offer a few simple suggestions for setting aside time to tackle the task.
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 oversentimental 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
We wish for you to have a wonderful 2017, and please feel free to call upon us for real estate advice. Our team specializes in helping Floridians buy and sell homes. We also enjoy connecting customers with other experts in home matters and interior design.
Call Dick and Karla Nielsen at 813-294-5786 for expert advice throughout the New Year.
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