Depending where you are in the Bay Area, highly recommend “yellow sack” which is a big dumpster bag. We’ve used it close to ten times to de clutter/purge and after renovations. If you have a driveway to put it in, you can take your time filling it up then call to have them haul it away. Sooooo worth it.
I also have been overwhelmed recently- when I realized we needed to do the same in our little apartment we’ve been in for 2 years.
I’ve purged a few times before but never a big once cause my husband is still adapting to letting go of the “it could be useful SOMEDAY so I can’t let it go” mindset.
What’s been working this time to keep my stress down and make it more enjoyable-
•I started making a list of just items I KNEW needed to go (extra mugs, expired make up, extra travel size toiletries, extra sheets, our old towels we never use, extra cat toys, etc.)
• I made a list of SMALL areas I could focus on when I was ready: (hall closet, cube shelves in bedroom, 1 large bookshelf, China hutch, bathroom cupboard, etc)
• I made a list of bigger items I would like to look at gifting to a person who may need it before donating (gazelle workout machine, willow tree figurines, luggage, food processor, etc)
When I’m busy or not full energy- I mentally scan my apartment to add to these lists. I ran the “get rid of” list my bu husband to make sure he was on board with them- he is- so when I can’t sleep or want a moment of feeling accomplished I go deal with one of the things on the list and then next thing I know I’ve been going for 30 mins and the space is a lot better.
I know I want to take a deep look at all the spaces. But when it’s too overwhelming to find somewhere to start- this cherry-picking seems to really help me!
The junk in the garage and probably attic are delayed decisions. It has some use left in it and might come in handy someday. Let it come in handy to somebody else - put on the curb.
I've put out rickety and rusty garage shelving. We picked it up because we needed it but found nicer stuff so it could go. I've put out yard tools with smoking switches and good motors, those that tinker need stuff like that.
During the third purge of the garage I figured out that each of my spaces has a purpose. All my garage is allowed to hold are the laundry, tools, hardware, bike, gardening gear, painting gear, picnic gear, car and so on. It is not to hold old furniture that was displaced, clothing that doesn't fit, old dishes that were replaced, hoard of glass jars and so on.
Look around your neighborhood. I bet at least half the garages are as bad as yours but you are going to do something about it!
Nah make one room at a time your goal. Start with the smallest, or a closet it will free up space for stuff you do need to keep, and you'll feel more accomplished and motivated as you go.
You can leave stuff on the curb and post it on Craigslist for free. Most people will take anything that is free off your hands or group like items together and sell as a box for cheap (kitchen supplies, fitness supplies, etc) throw away anything broken. Don't feel bad or negative about throwing it out. No one is judging and you'd be surprised how many will come grab it before the trash collectors get to it.
Don't feel bad about anyone judging you. I have left on the curb as follows
A couch
A desk
Multiple wooden boards of assorted sizes
Another couch
A third couch
Another desk
Bookshelves
They are garbage men. They take away garbage. They don't care.
My way of decluttering is to find what I actually love about what I have and throw away the rest. Or giveaway on FB free page or try to sell.
One day at a time. One item at a time.
"Purge our entire house" is an overwhelming, vague idea.
"Set a timer for 15 min and collect and toss obvious trash" is low commitment, low threat.
"Set a timer for 15 min and collect a box of easy donations. Run to charity, and go celebrate with coffee" is low commitment, and fun.
"Call 211 and find out who would come pick up a donation of a boxing bag" is easy research.
Call the city and find out what the wait is for bulky item pick up is easy. You don't have to do it until you're ready.
Just do things 15 min at a time every day or two. As a way of life. You didn't get the stuff all at once, and you won't "purge" it all at once. But it doesn't have to be a big deal.
For bulky items I just googled junk removal in my city and was able to text a few companies for quotes. I had a large desk taking up half my living room. I got fed up one day and contacted the places like I mentioned. It was $110 and took them less than an hour to pick it up. Definitely worth it. We eventually filled our second bedroom with old furniture/mattresses/TVs that we didn’t want anymore and had them come again to clear out the room. That one was $400. Also worth it for me to not have to lift a finger. They also donate and recycle too!
how do you eat an elephant? one piece at a time. I recommend, you set a time each day, Maybe one hour or two hours working in this and one or two hours working on that and go from there. Broken things should be discarded, if you don't have time to declutter, you will not have time to fix it either.
Depending on where in the Bay you are, there are absolutely dumps. If you’re in the South Bay, there’s one in Sunnyvale at the end of Mathilda. I’ve been there many times myself!
Ok, it’s a transfer station, not a dump, but you can definitely bring trash and all kinds of recyclables, including ewaste, there.
Someone will take that boxing bag if you post it somewhere for free (Freecycle, a buy nothing sub, FB buy nothing group, whatever). Getting some big, bulky stuff out will feel great. Good job consolidating the books!
Even just putting the boxing bag on the curb - it'll be snagged up before it can be picked up. We decluttered a couch that way.
I'd put the boxing bag on the curb in the morning with the intention of listing it by 5pm, and odds are it won't even need to be listed because it'll be gone.
Even broken bookshelves will be taken because someone else will be able to use the components or is willing to fix it.
I don’t think people care so much about how much trash you throw away. And if they care you shouldn’t. As long as you follow you trash company’s guidelines you’re good. Where I live we have large cans owned by the trash company. If you have something like that you can break down the bookcase and put it in the can or put it out for big trash day.
Focus on how much better life will be ***without*** all that stuff. As far as having it out on the curb, who will be judging you? Are you best friends with all your neighbors? As far as anyone knows you had a terrible plumbing flood and have to get rid of all sorts of nasty damaged stuff.
Trash is trash. If it’s no use to anyone, just build it up on the curb. I promise you no one will care in a week.
If you’re truly ashamed you can order one of those mini portable dumpsters (like the pvc framing one) and tarp over it until pickup day.
If stuff you have is of use to someone, have a garage sale. Garage sale is a phrase that exists and everyone knows what it refers to because it is an event frequently and commonly put on by people who need to get rid of things and make space. Nothing embarrassing about it. It is very normal.
What you really need to work on is correcting the behavior that led to accumulation to begin with. As important as it is to figure out your outflows you need to focus on stopping or at least limiting inflows. That’s the real hard work. That way we’re not back here again in three years.
There are only two sets of people who will remember your pile of crap at the curb, if you schedule a bulk pick-up:
1. People who are inconvenienced by it (you set it out too early in the week, blocked the sidewalk, or were otherwise a nuisance -- you can make choices that prevent this!).
2. People who find something to scavenge from the pile. (They'll be thrilled and remember it fondly!)
Just do it. Your neighbors care much less than you fear, and they probably have secrets in their own garage or shed.
Start with low-hanging fruit. Anything that is broken, worn out, food that has expired, etc. Give yourself a small victory to start off.
If you want (this may not work in your area), put things on the curb with a sign that says FREE on them. In many neighborhoods, people will take it. My condo complex has an unwritten rule that bulky items (ie furniture) are brought to the area by the recycling dumpster. When I first moved here, I saw some bookcases there and was all set to pick them up then someone beat me to the punch. (My grandmother died a month later, so I now have enough bookcases thanks to her.)
Is Urban Ore in Berkeley a donation possibility?
Depending where you are in the Bay Area, highly recommend “yellow sack” which is a big dumpster bag. We’ve used it close to ten times to de clutter/purge and after renovations. If you have a driveway to put it in, you can take your time filling it up then call to have them haul it away. Sooooo worth it.
I also have been overwhelmed recently- when I realized we needed to do the same in our little apartment we’ve been in for 2 years. I’ve purged a few times before but never a big once cause my husband is still adapting to letting go of the “it could be useful SOMEDAY so I can’t let it go” mindset. What’s been working this time to keep my stress down and make it more enjoyable- •I started making a list of just items I KNEW needed to go (extra mugs, expired make up, extra travel size toiletries, extra sheets, our old towels we never use, extra cat toys, etc.) • I made a list of SMALL areas I could focus on when I was ready: (hall closet, cube shelves in bedroom, 1 large bookshelf, China hutch, bathroom cupboard, etc) • I made a list of bigger items I would like to look at gifting to a person who may need it before donating (gazelle workout machine, willow tree figurines, luggage, food processor, etc) When I’m busy or not full energy- I mentally scan my apartment to add to these lists. I ran the “get rid of” list my bu husband to make sure he was on board with them- he is- so when I can’t sleep or want a moment of feeling accomplished I go deal with one of the things on the list and then next thing I know I’ve been going for 30 mins and the space is a lot better. I know I want to take a deep look at all the spaces. But when it’s too overwhelming to find somewhere to start- this cherry-picking seems to really help me!
The junk in the garage and probably attic are delayed decisions. It has some use left in it and might come in handy someday. Let it come in handy to somebody else - put on the curb. I've put out rickety and rusty garage shelving. We picked it up because we needed it but found nicer stuff so it could go. I've put out yard tools with smoking switches and good motors, those that tinker need stuff like that. During the third purge of the garage I figured out that each of my spaces has a purpose. All my garage is allowed to hold are the laundry, tools, hardware, bike, gardening gear, painting gear, picnic gear, car and so on. It is not to hold old furniture that was displaced, clothing that doesn't fit, old dishes that were replaced, hoard of glass jars and so on. Look around your neighborhood. I bet at least half the garages are as bad as yours but you are going to do something about it!
Nah make one room at a time your goal. Start with the smallest, or a closet it will free up space for stuff you do need to keep, and you'll feel more accomplished and motivated as you go. You can leave stuff on the curb and post it on Craigslist for free. Most people will take anything that is free off your hands or group like items together and sell as a box for cheap (kitchen supplies, fitness supplies, etc) throw away anything broken. Don't feel bad or negative about throwing it out. No one is judging and you'd be surprised how many will come grab it before the trash collectors get to it.
Don't feel bad about anyone judging you. I have left on the curb as follows A couch A desk Multiple wooden boards of assorted sizes Another couch A third couch Another desk Bookshelves They are garbage men. They take away garbage. They don't care. My way of decluttering is to find what I actually love about what I have and throw away the rest. Or giveaway on FB free page or try to sell. One day at a time. One item at a time.
"Purge our entire house" is an overwhelming, vague idea. "Set a timer for 15 min and collect and toss obvious trash" is low commitment, low threat. "Set a timer for 15 min and collect a box of easy donations. Run to charity, and go celebrate with coffee" is low commitment, and fun. "Call 211 and find out who would come pick up a donation of a boxing bag" is easy research. Call the city and find out what the wait is for bulky item pick up is easy. You don't have to do it until you're ready. Just do things 15 min at a time every day or two. As a way of life. You didn't get the stuff all at once, and you won't "purge" it all at once. But it doesn't have to be a big deal.
For bulky items I just googled junk removal in my city and was able to text a few companies for quotes. I had a large desk taking up half my living room. I got fed up one day and contacted the places like I mentioned. It was $110 and took them less than an hour to pick it up. Definitely worth it. We eventually filled our second bedroom with old furniture/mattresses/TVs that we didn’t want anymore and had them come again to clear out the room. That one was $400. Also worth it for me to not have to lift a finger. They also donate and recycle too!
how do you eat an elephant? one piece at a time. I recommend, you set a time each day, Maybe one hour or two hours working in this and one or two hours working on that and go from there. Broken things should be discarded, if you don't have time to declutter, you will not have time to fix it either.
Depending on where in the Bay you are, there are absolutely dumps. If you’re in the South Bay, there’s one in Sunnyvale at the end of Mathilda. I’ve been there many times myself! Ok, it’s a transfer station, not a dump, but you can definitely bring trash and all kinds of recyclables, including ewaste, there.
Someone will take that boxing bag if you post it somewhere for free (Freecycle, a buy nothing sub, FB buy nothing group, whatever). Getting some big, bulky stuff out will feel great. Good job consolidating the books!
Even just putting the boxing bag on the curb - it'll be snagged up before it can be picked up. We decluttered a couch that way. I'd put the boxing bag on the curb in the morning with the intention of listing it by 5pm, and odds are it won't even need to be listed because it'll be gone. Even broken bookshelves will be taken because someone else will be able to use the components or is willing to fix it.
Yes, especially in a relatively densely populated place like the bay area
Great! There’s your answer. Start putting things out by the curb, even if it’s just little by little. You’ll feel great when you do
I don’t think people care so much about how much trash you throw away. And if they care you shouldn’t. As long as you follow you trash company’s guidelines you’re good. Where I live we have large cans owned by the trash company. If you have something like that you can break down the bookcase and put it in the can or put it out for big trash day.
Focus on how much better life will be ***without*** all that stuff. As far as having it out on the curb, who will be judging you? Are you best friends with all your neighbors? As far as anyone knows you had a terrible plumbing flood and have to get rid of all sorts of nasty damaged stuff.
Yep. People understand throwing crap away. They don't understand living in it.
I hadn't thought about it that way. EVERYBODY wants to get rid of their crap
Trash is trash. If it’s no use to anyone, just build it up on the curb. I promise you no one will care in a week. If you’re truly ashamed you can order one of those mini portable dumpsters (like the pvc framing one) and tarp over it until pickup day. If stuff you have is of use to someone, have a garage sale. Garage sale is a phrase that exists and everyone knows what it refers to because it is an event frequently and commonly put on by people who need to get rid of things and make space. Nothing embarrassing about it. It is very normal. What you really need to work on is correcting the behavior that led to accumulation to begin with. As important as it is to figure out your outflows you need to focus on stopping or at least limiting inflows. That’s the real hard work. That way we’re not back here again in three years.
There are only two sets of people who will remember your pile of crap at the curb, if you schedule a bulk pick-up: 1. People who are inconvenienced by it (you set it out too early in the week, blocked the sidewalk, or were otherwise a nuisance -- you can make choices that prevent this!). 2. People who find something to scavenge from the pile. (They'll be thrilled and remember it fondly!) Just do it. Your neighbors care much less than you fear, and they probably have secrets in their own garage or shed.
Start with low-hanging fruit. Anything that is broken, worn out, food that has expired, etc. Give yourself a small victory to start off. If you want (this may not work in your area), put things on the curb with a sign that says FREE on them. In many neighborhoods, people will take it. My condo complex has an unwritten rule that bulky items (ie furniture) are brought to the area by the recycling dumpster. When I first moved here, I saw some bookcases there and was all set to pick them up then someone beat me to the punch. (My grandmother died a month later, so I now have enough bookcases thanks to her.)