March 19th is the first official day of Spring! This means that the Spring Cleaning can commence NOW! The sooner the better, right?

If you're a hoarder, a first-time purger, or just finding it hard to part with a few items- this may not be as exciting for you as it is for me! I'm here to help with some tips to ease the pain and dread of purging. It’s a fact that organizing your space and reducing clutter not only benefit your physical space but your mental space as well!

Questions to ask yourself when deciding whether to toss or keep:

1.) “Does it spark joy?” (Thanks Marie Kondo!)

2.) Have you worn or used it in the last 6 months?

3.) Does it fit well / usable?

4.) Is it damaged? If so, will you repair it?

5.) Is it a family heirloom or hold sentimental value?

If the answer is NO to one or more of these questions, that item needs to ease on down the road. Let it go.

Once we get through the tough part of deciding what items to part with, we can get into the fun and profitable part! How would you like to make money from spring cleaning? Doesn’t that part sound fun?!

1. Resale/Consignment

For some people, the idea of letting something go can easily be forgotten if coins are involved. That t-shirt that you've never worn could be cashed out to buy something you want more or traded in (usually at a higher dollar value) for another wardrobe item that you know you'll get more use out of. Pricier items can be consigned or sold online to get paid closer to the retail value of your items.

2. Donating

Donating your items that are merely collecting dust can pay off around tax time! You can get a tax deduction which could easily get you a few extra tax return dollars or help you avoid owing Uncle Sam. Not to mention, it's always a great feeling to know that you could be helping someone less fortunate. Choose organizations that directly benefit people and/or causes that are important to you.

3. Gifting

Gift your friends or family members with items that you don't use or want that you know they will love or appreciate. If they are unused, they can be actual gifts. If they are used- I would simply offer them to them as a just-because, not for a Birthday or occasion "gift" gift. Even if it's something they wouldn't ordinarily buy for themselves, they will think of you when they use it or see it. 

4. Throw A Swap Party

If you've got stuff you don't want and use, you know your friends and family members do too! Tell them to bring a bag of their stuff that they no longer use/ want (you could make it a theme- "jewelry swap", "purse swap", etc if you want to add to the fun) and you bring yours. What no longer fits you, may fit your BFF just right and it's an opportunity to make the purging process more social. 

5. Garage Sale

People still have these! An apartment complex I lived at even threw one for the complex. If you live in an apartment community, suggest it to their property manager and they may go for it. 
Hope these suggestions spark a few ideas! Happy purging people!!
XO,

Loni ❤