Making space

Here is what I know to be true about a home clear out… This process can be organized so that it can be smooth. Here are my favorite tips to help you.

1) My Fanny pack was essential for keeping keys and my phone close during the purge. 2) packing supplies should be purchased before you purge 3) I used index cards and an ink pen to take phone numbers and addresses of all the neighbors who I met. 4) I always had coffee and amaretto to serve…. 5) I survived three dumpsters in three days on V8 juice and so can you.

Here is what I did… to clear the clutter of a small home from the passing of my Daddio. I hired help by securing a team of men with dumpsters. Then I gave myself 8 hours to prepare for the purge. Set up card tables filled with cd’s to giveaway in the carport and drinks in the dining room. Turn the music on an invited those walking by to take some music. Soon there was help to recycle the food for the pantry, tools were taken to the maintenance for the community and the household chemicals to the detox center. Medicine was taken to the pharmacy. DVD’s and electronics taken to the Fire Station for the recreation room, household goods given to the thrift store. I never left, the decisions where swift and tasks were assigned to neighbors after rewarding the with what they wanted. In the living room staged a packing station with 8 boxes and three totes for items that were precious to me. The tote were assigned a purpose… paper records, art and personal items. In the evening when the day grew dark, I sorted through the items making secondary choices of what to ship limiting myself to two boxes each evening. There was a limited to what I could keep, due to shipping costs. Ultimately, I shipped 8 boxes home and bought a suitcase that was checked for the flight home. I always said yes to help, giving away items in exchange for assistance… 3 dumpsters in three days