Do you want to get rid of your clutter fast? Here are three steps to get it done:
- The Three Pile System – As you attempt to de-clutter a cabinet and closet, put every item into one of three piles: Things to keep, things to
sell, donate, or give away, and things to throw away. The things you keep should be either things you use or things that are valuable to you. As a general rule of thumb, the average downsizer will only take about ⅓ of their possessions to their new home so this pile should be pretty selective. Things that have value but you no longer want or need can be donated, given away (to family, friends) or sold. If it’s broken, chipped, or out of style, throw it away. - A Home for Everything and Everything in Its Home – Now, put the things that you’ve chosen to keep away properly. If they’re important enough for you to keep, find a place for them to stay.
- Manage the paper. According to the IRS, you need to keep your tax records for 3 years from the date you filed your original return or 2 years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later, if you file a claim for credit or refund. Keep records for 7 years if you filed a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction. Anything older than that can be shredded. Union County offers mobile shredding days when residents can bring their confidential documents to be shredded and disposed – click here for the dates.
As you empty each cabinet, your home will start to feel lighter and brighter. Not only are you making it easier to move, you’re making it easier to sell your home and making it easier to live there in the meantime.