CCLT outreach director Teresa Lambarry is among those who have tackled this issue in one way or another. She redid her closet spaces in such way as to create extra storage space on top of the closet, giving her extra places to tuck away items she doesn't often need--but wants to keep--in every bedroom.
Whenever it's time to change out her bedroom or living room set, as long as they're not too beaten up, Lambarry calls the Salvation Army for a free pickup, recycling those items for use in another home that needs them. She figures there are probably other, similar services, although some might charge a fee.
CCLT homeowner Susan Gaspar, who lives in a condominium with minimal storage, does a yearly "purge" of clothing, shoes and housewares, "and this year I am purging my books, too," she says. "Anything I have not worn, used, or looked at or appreciated in the past year will go."
Gaspar seldom sells anything because she doesn't feel like she has the time to manage the transactions. Instead, she contacts organizations like The Brown Elephant, a local theater company she likes, a veteran's aid organization, and libraries or other literacy-related groups (for the books).
"It's good to have a list of go-to organizations that will happily take your items," she says. "Knowing where you can send or drop things off as you purge makes it easier to purge quickly without worrying what you'll do afterwards."
Gaspar suggests purging one item at a time to enable yourself to think about whether you really need something. "For instance, over a couple of days, focus just on books," she says. "Go through your shelves or boxes, and be ruthless about what you want to take up space in your home, vs. what you are comfortable letting go."
Sameera Guttikonda, a new CCLT homeowner, says she ended up "downsizing" when she moved in given her home's modest-sized space. Even more "ruthless" than Gaspar, she adopted the strategy of donating any clothing, appliances or other items that she hasn't used in at least six months.
"I also like to keep to a pretty strict, 'one in, one out' policy when it comes to buying new stuff," Guttikonda says.
CCLT homeowner Miken Trogdon is right there with Guttikonda on the "one in, one out" policy. "I like to make a rule to myself that if I purchase something--clothing, shoes, etc.--that I'll give away the same amount of items from my closet to Goodwill," Trogdon says. "That way, I maximize my limited space and make sure the majority of my shopping spending is justified."
Such discipline also helps ensure one will have a spot for a Christmas tree and somewhere to put away all those gifts next year at this time.
