As if 2020 hasn’t been stressful enough, the holidays are now looming. How will you spend your time and energy keeping you and your loved ones connected and safe?
Perhaps you can clear out your garage and make space for an open-air meal with select family or friends, or rent a heated tent for your yard, if that is in your means. You may share a meal or cocktail or a blessing on Zoom with loved ones near or far. Whatever you decide will work for you, having a clean and clutter-free space will help raise your spirits and give you piece of mind.
Keep in mind that deep cleaning and organizing your home and all your “stuff” can be emotionally draining and overwhelming. Here are some tips from Adventure Wednesdays writer Stacey Newman Weldon that could help you approach this task from a heart-centered place:
•Remember, you are not your things. Your worth is not dependent on “keeping up with the neighbors” or the cost of your car.
•Let your friends and family know that you are going to be downsizing, and that you need them to be emotionally prepared for all the sentimental journeys you’ll be going on as you sift through it all. Have at least one person who is willing to do it with you.
•Find a friend who is great at organizing. See if you can rope them in to helping you. Having a “third party” who is not attached to your stuff is very helpful. Queen B Organizing can provide this service if you’d rather have a professional.
•Organize your things into a one-day “free sale.” Gather items and put them out on the lawn with a FREE sign. You never know who you might help that way.
•Sell your things online. If you’re good at eBay, awesome. Use Craigslist, Facebook groups like marketplace (find ones in your specific area or that deal in particular items), or apps like LetGo if you have the time and inclination to meet people or mail items. (And of course, take precautions to keep yourself safe!)
•Find places to donate. In the Corvallis area, we have four excellent centers that accept donations– Goodwill, Salvation Army, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and The Humane Society Thrift Store. This option saves you time and effort and benefits the organizations and the people who shop there. Donating to organizations that share your values also helps your heart.
•“Re-Home” your belongings. With sentimental or useful items, share them with family or friends as gifts that bring you to mind when they see or use them.
•Give yourself permission to be sentimental. Allow some time for processing your feelings and making decisions about the best way to part with each item. All this giving will make you feel good!
Now you will have more physical and emotional space to celebrate the holidays! Let us hear from you what you are thankful for in 2020.
Edited with permission from Stacey Newman Weldon