Get on a high note decluttering
It’s the second week of 2017 and you know what that means. Exactly, most people are still on their high to make their resolutions stick this time! “This is the year I’ll change – no more excuses!” This is one of my clients who’s preparing for his first garage sale already!
For him, a garage sale is a deadline. A deadline to start the letting go of all the stuff he doesn’t use or need. But it’s also an opportunity, well, actually 4 opportunities:
Move forward
First, it lets him make a new start. A new year, just like the start of a new week or new month, is for many a great time to make a change and start something new. My client has set up 4 boxes in the hallway: A donation box, a garage sale box, a need mending/fixing box and a throw away box. Over the last week, he started to clean his house. Whenever he saw or held something, he questioned himself:
- Do I use it?
- Do I need it?
- What’s the worst if I don’t have it?
If the answer to all questions was “No!” or “Nothing”, he’s placing it in the respective box. When I followed up with him today, he mentioned how easy it feels for him. Wow! Decluttering, letting go, easy?! Yes, because it feels so good for him to let go of so many things that are just bringing him down unknowingly.
Earn some money
The second opportunity for my client is making a little bit of money. Selling at a flea market or garage sale won’t make you the next Warren Buffett. Yet, with a bit of negotiation, you can earn some pocket money towards your weekly grocery bill, a special dinner or to simple put it aside and save it.
Create space
Speaking of saving, this is where opportunity number 3 comes in. Letting go of unwanted stuff creates space in my client’s home. While the stuff is now in boxes in the hallway, he can already see free space on the bookshelves and in his closet. Even if he’s unable to sell all items at the garage sale, he’ll donate what’s left to a local charity. He’s not going to bring the stuff back home or fill up his house with new items. He’s now deciding how his house and home should look and feel like.
Make someone else happy
The final opportunity is potentially the one with the biggest impact for my client. Having chosen to move forward and to let go, he can contribute to someone else’s happiness. This other person may need these items far more than my client does. This other person may also appreciate these items far more than my client does. Knowing this, my client feels very good about his actions and has less emotional attachment to his belongings.
While each of us have different reasons to declutter this year, going to a garage sale can make it a fun closing of this process. My client has identified 4 motivators to sell even more at the garage sale and is excited about his prospects. Did you ever think of hearing decluttering and excitement in one sentence? It’s possible as you can see. If you also want to experience this high, contact us and find out how we can help you to declutter and find that peace of mind!
Until next time,
Agni