If some days you look around and realize your house is too cluttered, you’re not alone. We all have things we just don’t use anymore, and yet we allow them to continue to sit in our house, closet, or garage, day in and day out, simply taking up space. You know that treadmill you haven’t turned on since 2002 and now just acts as a clothes rack? Or maybe that outfit you bought three years ago but still haven’t found an occasion to wear it? Well, how about setting aside some time in the next month and getting rid of that stuff once and for all? It will give you more space, and it will feel great to finally get rid of it! And if you plan on moving soon, think about how much easier your move will go when you have fewer things for your Austin movers to load up and transport. Here’s how to get started on getting rid of items you don’t need.
Keep It in the Family (or At Least Within Your Circle of Friends)
Maybe you’ve finally come to terms with the fact that you’re probably not ever going to step on that treadmill again…but your sister–who has been trying to get in shape–just might! After all, one person’s “trash” is another person’s treasure.
So as you go through the things you don’t want, think about friends and family members who might be able to use some of them. Maybe you have a perfectly good set of pots and pans you never cook with, and your best friend–who’s just getting into cooking more lately–would love them.
Or perhaps your son’s old clothes would be perfect for your neighbor’s younger son. Whether you donate your unwanted items to friends and family or sell them at a super low price, keeping them within your circle is a great way to help out loved ones while getting rid of things you no longer need.
Make Some Money While Downsizing
If no one you know wants your belongings, another option is to sell them. Among the easiest ways to do this is to take pictures and put them on Facebook Marketplace, or any local Austin Facebook groups that let members buy and sell. In fact, there are a few groups that are specifically for buying and selling in the Austin area. Similarly, you can post your items for sale on sites like eBay or Craigslist.
If you prefer to sell your items in person rather than online, consider going to a local resale store. For example, you can get money for your used clothing, shoes, purses and accessories at the Plato’s Closet in South Austin.
If you have furniture or household items to sell, head to consignment stores that take these items. Design with Consignment is one example of this kind of store in Austin. This way, you get your unwanted belongings off your hands–making more room in your home–and you make a little money at the same time!
Donate Your Goods
As nice as it is to make some extra cash when downsizing, it’s not always a practical endeavor. Maybe you don’t have time to take pictures and write a description for every item you have so you can sell online, and you don’t want to spend your Saturday at the local consignment store. In this case, donating is a good idea.
In fact, since donations are usually tax-deductible, this tactic can be just as profitable as selling your stuff, especially if you usually owe at tax time. So head to the Austin Goodwill or Salvation Army to make your donations as you downsize. Most locations can even pick up your items if you can’t transport them yourself.
You can also donate gently used professional attire to Dress for Success, as they’re often looking for free clothes, shoes, and other accessories. This way, you know you’re helping a good cause while making more room in your home.
Throw Out Old Items
You know that saying, “when in doubt, throw it out?” Well, it applies here! If you know you don’t use it, and no one you know want wants or needs it, it’s probably time to just throw it away.
This is particularly true of stained or torn clothing and shoes, ripped up furniture and broken household appliances. If you’re having trouble getting rid of items you want to throw out, you can contact LoadUp in Austin to come pick up your junk.
Following these tips can help you get rid of anything you don’t need in your house. And if the reason you’re trying to declutter is that you plan on moving in Austin soon, contact us to schedule Austin movers to come help you from start to finish on moving day!