These are all things that I've kept long after I should've either thrown them out, or given them away to someone else. Why have I held on to them? I haven't the foggiest idea. (Well, the stillettos are just really, really comfortable because they're broken in.)
The Idea: Go through your living space and make a list of all the things you no longer need. If you haven't used or thought about it in a year or more, chances are you don't need it. Divide the list into two categories: Things to Throw Away and Things to Give Away. (If you're a little more enterprising, you can also add a third category: Things to Sell).
Start with the easiest category first: Things to Throw Away. Just dump 'em. Go ahead...I know it might be difficult, but take the plunge. I'm committing to dumping those stillettos today.
There are a few options for giving away your stuff. You can:
- Email the list to your friends and give stuff away on a first-come, first-served basis;
- Post your list in the "Free" section of Craigslist (select your city from the menu); or
- Take it to the local thrift shop, Salvation Army or shelter.
If your stuff is valuable, you can:
- Sell it on eBay;
- Sell it or barter it for something else you might need on Craigslist;
- Or have a garage/sidewalk sale.
The Cost: Possibly the cost of transporting the items to their final destination.
The Benefit: More space! Think of all the space you'll have once you declutter your home. You'll also be able to help someone else. One man's trash is another man's treasure, so something that is worth nothing to you might be invaluable to someone else.