Getting Rid Of Junk And Making Space

Humans have natural tendencies, and accumulating items is one of them. From the dawn of man, people have foraged for food, grown and harvested crops, and slaughtered animals to feed the people in their village. Although most people in America no longer grow their own food, they continue to gather other items and pack them away in their home, much like a hamster packing away food in their mouths.

Unfortunately, some people go a little overboard, also like the hamster who has overstuffed its cheeks to its full capacity and more. It's surprising how much junk people can collect over time, and peeking at the garages in your neighborhood can show you just how much junk a single person or a group of people can collect over time. Garages are meant to store vehicles but instead, old furniture, boxes of various things, mementos from childhood years and high school, and a mess of other things fill the garage to the brim.

Getting rid of junk in the home, however, is easier said than done. People, in addition to having the tendency to collect items, have a hard time letting certain items go, especially those with sentimental value, even if that sentimental value seems unimportant. Mementos from high school, such as tassels, the graduation cap and gown, and letters exchanged between you and your friends; holiday decorations and other decorations that you swear you will use one day; clothing and more are just some of the things that people hang on to because they believe they will use them one day.

Unless you get picked by one of those shows that helps sell your extra stuff and remodels your home, you're going to have to do the hard part by yourself. Just let it all go. You can keep some of things, such as yearbooks, some decorations, and a couch for lounging in the garage, but the rule of thumb is that if you have not used it from 12 to 15 months, then it needs to go out.

Clothing that you swear you will wear one day need to be thrown out if you have not used them in more than a year. It's okay to store away jackets and sweaters during the hot, summer months or storing tanks and shorts during the wintertime, but if you don't take these items out when it's the right season, get rid of it. Of course, there is an exception to special clothing, such as snow and hiking gear or party dresses and suits.

The best part about getting rid of this junk is how much room you will create and how you will feel when you finally let these things go. You'll feel liberated, and you'll also help out others by donating your goods to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Or you can make a little extra cash and have a yard sale.