The Clean Out

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Clutter is such an ugly word. Being such an organise-freak like I am, the word 'clutter' makes me cringe. Unfortunately, it is not something that I can avoid. I am staying with my parents, and my dad is somewhat of a hoarder. It is challenging to live with, and probably the reason why I am as 'anal' as I am.

De-cluttering, sorting and purging has always been a way for me to relax. If I was stressed, upset, or just feeling plain out of control, I would pick a room and go for it. Being that the majority of of my belongings are now either in storage in my parents garage (amongst my dad's recent purchases) or packed into my storage unit, de-cluttering is not as simple of a task as it used to be.

But, as they say, I must soldier on.

I will clear out the remaining junk that I still own, and no longer need, starting with a box at a time. I figured I would start with the garage. I know there is so much out there, just have no idea what it is.

I have read so many books out there about cleaning out, de-cluttering, living a life with less stuff, and have picked up 2 main points from all of these books:

1. You can only keep as much stuff as you have the room for. If you only have room for 2 magazine holders on your bookshelf, and those holders are full, you need to get rid of some magazines, rather than buy more magazine holders.
2. When starting a purge, have a sale box, a borrowed items box, and a garbage bag. I also keep a bag for giveaway items, to go to good will. 

I keep items to sell in plastic tubs. This way they are contained, and I still know where to find things when they sell. One problem that I run into, and I know that others do too, is knowing when something is worth keeping in your house, taking up space, and the time to list it for sale on eBay or Gumtree, only to make a small amount of money on it. 

I have decided that after this big clean out, a garage sale is more appropriate. I can put everything out, whatever doesn't sell will either go to good-will, or if I think that I could sell it for more than $5 online, then I will do so and put the money onto debts. 

I would love a little inspiration. It has been quite awhile since I have been able to do a clean out, and would love to see any photos, blog posts, experiences, anything that will give me and everyone else a little inspiration to get out and do this. Please upload any photos to the Facebook page, or comment with any stories and leave a link to any blog posts.

Do you need to do a clean out at your house?

What is your best tip when doing a clean out or purge?

Linking up with Diary of a SAHM for IBOT

Also linking up with Twinkle in the Eye for Flash Blog Friday