If extra furniture, tools, building materials, or unfinished projects are getting in your way, make room
by clearing out the clutter.

Shawna Holmberg, an East Hawaii-based professional organizer and owner of Dhucks.com, offers the following tips:

1.  Be honest with yourself -- if you bought the materials for that home fix-up project a while ago but you haven't gotten to it yet, ask yourself these questions:
--How long it will take? (Now, consider doubling that estimate.)
--Do you have the time to do it?
--Do you really want do it?
--When will you make the time to do it?
Over time, needs can change.  The project that seemed right when you started it may not work for you today.  If this is the case, how does the project need to change?  Does it make sense to modify the project and complete it?  Or is it easier or more cost-effective to start over?

2.  If you've decided to complete the project, get the help you need.  Maybe that project was a bit
bigger or more challenging than you had initially thought. Maybe you just really dislike one aspect of the project (hanging the drywall or doing the plumbing or...). Identify who you need to help you move the project forward. If cost is a concern, think about trading your help for theirs.

3.  Let go of the shoulds, musts and "have tos"--
just because you thought you wanted to do that home fix-up project doesn't mean that you still have to do it. Life gives us other interests and priorities along the way and maybe yours have changed.
Sometimes it's better to let go of those unfinished and unwanted projects because they can cost you valuable space in your garage and a lot of wasted mental energy thinking about what you haven't done.

4.  Give to a worthy cause -- share those unfinished project materials & extra tools or home goods with others who need them. Sometimes helping others is just the incentive that we need to let go of unused items. The Hilo ReStore is a great place to donate your new or gently used building materials, tools and even the furniture that you may be storing in your carport. And in fact if you have a car, truck, boat or other vehicle taking up space in your carport that you've been meaning to fix up someday you can donate it too and get your space back.

Bring your new or gently used donations to our store at 140 Kinoole Street, in Hilo, one block south of the downtown post office, across from the East Hawaii Cultural Center, in the old Hilo Hotel.

If you need pickup for unusually large items or have too many items to bring in, please call us at 935-6677 or email us.

For clutter consulting or to work with a "clutter buddy," please contact Shawna Holmberg at www.dhucks.com or 808-969-3800.

The ReStore carries plumbing and electrical supplies, paint, light fixtures, tools, cabinetry, flooring, building materials and furniture, all at 50% or more off of retail.  These new or very gently used items may be leftovers from other building jobs or donations from individuals or stores.  When you shop at the ReStore, you'll enjoy great bargains, help raise money to build more affordable homes, and care for our earth by recycling!