Lots of couples tie the knot in February, and once that happens.... the merging of households begins. Each couple brings with them items from their own home and often the couples end up with many duplicate items.

Because of this, a lack of space becomes a major factor. Many couples opt to leave items in boxes stored in a spare room or garage. Often what was intended to be a short term solution, ends up becoming years. 

When items are stored for long periods of time, they can become dusty, dirty, bug ridden and many times if stored outside the items start to yellow and become brittle.

Instead of long term storage, sell or donate items while you can get the best price. The tough part is deciding on what stuff goes and whose stuff stays.

First, identify duplicates. Place all duplicates on the "Duplicate Table". After everything has been gone through, each person can pick seven (7) essential items that they want to keep...no questions asked. Then it's time to go to negotiate.  

Negotiating requires give and take. Be aware that if you don't want something of his coming into the home, you will probably lose something you want, too. Make sure the most important items are in your essential seven.

Finally, if you have the available space, always keep a "To Donate Box" somewhere in the garage or home. Place items in the box as you decide you want to purge them. It does not make sense to keep items that you do not want in space you need.

If you do not have a convenient space for a box, then tag items you want to purge with colored dots you can get at most stores. This will allow you to quickly identify items that you want to discard when you are ready.