Now that daily life has slowed down for most of us with the pandemic raging, you probably have time to do some things at home you’ve wanted to do for a while. If you’re anything like me, one of those tasks: cleaning out the house and getting rid of all the junk and clutter. That’s right! Let’s declutter this summer.
4 reasons your family should reduce and declutter this summer
Not feeling motivated? I feel you. But there are legitimate reasons for this decluttering movement. Check out just FOUR here:
Free Up Extra Space
Removing unneeded things will make your home feel more open and spacious. Even the attic and basement may seem less musty when you get rid of:
- newspapers
- magazines
- books
- music albums
- clothing
- and other things that have been gathering dust for years
You can now use those spaces for organized storage or for a needed piece of furniture or equipment.
Earn Income
Some of your junk may be worth something to buyers. You can sell bigger items, like a broke down motorcycle or vehicle, for parts. Post an advertisement online or do a quick “sell my junk car” Google search. Some people are looking for auto parts and will pay you even if they have to tow it away. Tools, kids’ clothing, toys, and collectibles often attract shoppers looking for good prices on common items. You may also be able to recycle aluminum, newspapers, and old metal parts of machinery. Contact local companies to see if they’re buying what you’re selling.
Donate to Charity
Another possible way to eliminate clutter: donate unwanted items to charity. Charities often accept blankets, coffee makers, printers, and various items. They sometimes repurpose broken equipment and repair clothing or bedding and use them at the facility or distribute them to those in need. Even when charities can’t use the items you want to get rid of, they may accept them as a donation and then sell them to earn money for the charity’s activities.
Thorough Cleaning
Summertime often brings comfortable temperatures for airing out rooms; as well as moving things into the garage, or loading them into the car for recycling or donation. Opening up the spaces in your home will let you clean them possibly better than you have able to for years.
- organize the closets
- take down shelving
- store new items
- completely dust, mop, and vacuum these areas for a fresh new feel and look
Decluttering often makes people feel better when they are anxious or bored. Use unexpected time at home to get your home in the best possible shape by eliminating all the things you no longer need.
Author the Writer: Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan
