I'll admit it: I'm kind of a pack rat. But not in the traditional sense. I am a sentimental pack rat, and have a hard time parting with objects that were meaningful to me.
I'm fine with papers. Papers can be shredded by the bag without a moment's hesitation. But that rug? It was the first one we bought together! And the lamp? Surely I'll use it again once we have more space...
Clothes are an issue too, in a that's-still-cute-even-though-I-never-wear-it way. This last issue I've solved in the past largely by inviting friends to rummage through my hand-me-downs. This way I feel like I've gifted something and can rest easy knowing that it will have a good home and be enjoyed until the new owner passes it along.
I do enjoy donating things to Goodwill, and do so very often, but today I tried something different. Today I decided to get rid of that futon once and for all (because we have not used it ONCE in this house). And that area rug that still looks new but has had no place to sit since we moved out of the townhouse? Yeah someone else should take that too. And instead of trying to lug these bulky items to Goodwill by myself, I posted these two items on Craigslist under the FREE category.
Within ten minutes both items had been claimed, and I had to write several apologetic emails to other interested parties. A few hours later the new owners came to claim the items. Just like that, I had decluttered my guest room and made two people very happy!
It's great to donate to organizations like Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity ReSale, but if you have an item that you don't want/are unable to move, this is another great option. A bonus for sentimental types like me: you get to experience the joy of seeing your trash become someone else's treasure!
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