- Go through your closets—at least one a day—and make two piles. Keepers and giveaways. A good general rule of thumb is that if you haven’t worn something for two years, give it away. Seeing what’s actually there to wear will make getting dressed each day that much more enjoyable.
- Sort through all your winter gear—hats, gloves, boots, scarves. For those that come in pairs, if one half is missing, toss the other. Organize your usable items and place them into buckets, or on shelves where they’re easy to access. No more searching for that darn mitten!
- This is a great time to wash your pillows, blankets, comforters, and bedskirts. And you’ll be that much more comfortable when you crawl under the covers with a cup of hot chocolate on those cold, miserable winter days.
- Pots and pans in a jumble? Time to toss or give away the excess and look into more convenient storage systems. Consider a hanging rack or nearby drawer for frequently used pans, and storing the special occasion ones elsewhere.
- As for your spices, throw away those that are expired or almost empty. A great idea is to label them with the date you buy them and discard them if more than a year has passed since they will have lost their zest. Alphabetizing them makes them that much easier to find
- Pull out all your cans and boxes from the cupboards and reorganize them. Find multiples? No surprise there. If you’re not going to use them, give them to your local food bank.
- Piles of paper everywhere? File what needs to be filed and recycle what doesn’t.
- Feeling ambitious? Get out the Windex and clean the insides of your windows so you can gaze at the beautiful wintry mix outside your window while staying warm and cozy inside.
- Have even more energy and looking for a family project? Gather the clan together, grab some toothbrushes and deep clean the grout in your kitchen and bathrooms.
- They didn’t like that last idea? Go down to the basement instead, and after everyone cleans out a corner have them bring their favorite old game just discovered under a pile of ‘stuff’ — then gather round and play.
The family that plays together stays together!
Happy holidays from Junk-A-Haulics!
Remember that we toss your junk, but donate whatever we can to those in need.