Downsizing and Donations
Keepers vs. Has-beens
About downsizing and more...
- Letting go of “stuff” accumulated over the years sounds difficult, but feelsliberating.
- Most of us own lots of items we haven’t paid any attention to in years—ordecades. Don’t let your attachment to things overwhelm you.
- It’s a process that brings memories of our pasts while helping us define what’s most important now.
- Focus on the excitement of a new place and plunge in, selecting those gems that mean most to you.
Ways to make the sorting and selection process easier:
- Start by knowing the new living space you’ll have; visit there and get a “feel” for it.
- Enlist relatives or friends to help make decisions choosing items and lighten the load.
- Choose a few pieces you treasure most, including sentimental ones that say “home”.
- Select only those accessories you find beautiful, meaningful and functional.
- Books are heavy and take up space, so keep your favorites and donate the others.
- Keep only clothes, shoes and accessories that flatter you; donate or toss out the rest.
- Think multi-purpose: ottomans with storage can tuck under tables, be used as coffee tables or placed at the end of the bed; drop-leaf dining tables can expand for entertaining; a buffet can hold a TV and provide storage underneath.
- Offer items to your family members and friends now—it’s gratifying (and practical)
- Face it: everyone has junk; use a service like 1-800-GOT-JUNK to take it all away.
Organizations Accepting Donations
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
800-675-2882
The Salvation Army
1-800-SA-TRUCK (728-7825)
www.salvationarmy.org
www.satruck.org
Vietnam Vets of America
800-775-8387
www.clothingdonations.org
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
800-483-5503
www.bbbsfoundation.org
Household Goods Recycling of MA
978-635-1710
householdgoods.org
Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless
781-595-7570
www.mahomeless.org