Streamlining Personal Spaces - SPS

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Hello,

As many of us go through the years, we notice that we accumulate more than we may want to (myself included). There are many ways to rid ourselves of clutter, and our unused/ unwanted items. And if you look for it, you can find help. I recommend some research into your community for any up and coming activities, events, and workshops. I recently attended a workshop, in which I found a lot of useful information through. This was through our downtown community centre in Kitchener on May 6^th (2014), and was called "T's Downsizing, Decluttering, & Moving".

When I discovered this event through other research I was doing I decided to plan ahead a bit, and called to see if I would be allowed to bring in a video camera. Of course I offered to sit at the front with it (aimed at the front only), and a copy of the video (to the company doing the workshop) - if they wanted it. The community centre running the workshop got back to me, with news of permission granted. Yes! So I attended the workshop, and wrote down as many notes as possible. I am sharing those notes here with you now, and possibly the video after the viewing/ editing process is complete.

I consider these notes as "Things to think about/ do when..." for each category listed here, and have re-organized them from their original presentation. 
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Starting us off with...

SUPPLY NEEDS

*Markers *Packing paper, bubble wraps [, and padding (where needed)] *Covers *Bags

*Boxes:

Many usually only need 35-40. You can call ahead to local stores, ask your moving company, or go online (kijiji, etc...). [various shapes/ sizes as require; & from local places you can find out if they give away their empty boxes, & if so when/ where they are available, and can be picked up.]

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Now that we can be prepared...
I like to think of every room, as an organization of a closet... (^&~)

CLOSET ORGANIZING

~ Take everything out, it makes it easier.

~ Sot into 4 piles: *seasonal *now *someday *never

Get rid of both the never & someday piles. [For me, the someday pile would include my 'alterables' o be removed also = 5^th pile]

~ Find the right closet organizer pieces. Ex. Shoe rack, small boxes, 1/2 racks, shelving, etc...

[also comparisons within these. Ex. Shoe rack = floor model vs. door hanging model.]
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MISSION POSSIBLE!- 10 TIPS/ TOOLS

[NOTE: Not in any specific order., and [my notes]].

1. Start in one room, with one thing, at one side of the room; and work your way around the room.

2. Touch things ONLY ONCE, to avoid second-guessing.

3. Use colour/ sticker codes to sort through it all.

Ex. Keep [blue], Gift [red], Donate [green], Sell [black] [, Trade? (orange)]

4. Get as much done as possible while you have the energy[/ are thinking about it].

5. Pick something that can be done during a relaxing activity when getting tired.

Ex. Sort through a box during watching tv.

6. Help is great! Ask with a scheduled time, so they can look at fitting it into their schedule(s).

7. Find the right fit for each item to go to.

If there are emotional ties to an item, this helps a lot more than we may realize.

Ex. A family heirloom = Check with the family first. As someone you did not expect, may want it.

8. Take pictures of any items you want to remember, before giving them away.

[Always great for a memories album/ scrapbook]

9. Upload your music cds onto your computer/ online where you can access it any time.

[If you don't already have a Youtube channel, start one. This is a great place to record all your favorite music albums/ playlists.

Ex. I have some I burned a while back with some great titles I came up with, that I will be adding to my personal channel (freakyhippygirl - http://bit.ly/1i0uacM).]

10. DON'T PANIC!!!

Schedule the time you have accordingly for each day.

Ex. On Monday(s) from 9am-11am, I will find a buyer by looking at/ talking to... [(both online & offline)]

[& Things to include (if necessary):

~ Finding any buyers

~ Finding the right fit for specific items

~ Finding any online auctions you can contribute to

~ Finding local locations for donations

~ Sorting into piles

~ Possible distractions from others]
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SORTING

~ Make a list for each of your categories. Ex. Keepers, gifts, donations, etc....

~ How much do you:

*Like/ love it? *Use it? *Want to give/ donate it? [anyone in mind?]

~ How much space are you moving from and into?

*What is the difference? *What will fit?

Measure your furniture, and then your new space to compare.

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GIFTING

~ Do those you have in mind, want it?

~ Ask everyone you know first! Otherwise someone interested, may be missing out.

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DONATING

~ List options of where you want to donate.

Ex. Thrift shops, Rona, Community Centres, and Causes [Ex. Out of the Cold, or any outreach programs helping our homeless], etc...

~ Call them and ask about their pick up/ drop off options, and if you can get a tax receipt [RE: tax receipt (if wanted/ needed)].

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SELLING

~ Clear signs/ ads [Keep It Short & Sweet; K.I.S.S. method]

~ Have a sale part way through (specify time)

~ Options:

*online (kijiji, ebay, amazon, craig's list, etc...) *auctions *garage/ yard sale

*dealer (ex. Antiques) *consignment shops

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NOTES:

~ For all this great information that fit into the 1 hour time space, I really appreciated this workshop! 
~ It is also extra inspiration for me when I think of my yearly attempts to do "Spring/ Fall cleaning". 
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Until next time...

Take care & Safe travels!
Trish the Dish/ C.E.S. (*@^@*)
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