Summertime
is a great time of year to get to some of those passed-over organization projects
that the rest of the year seems too hectic for.
And while trying to beat the heat, staying indoors can pull double
duty. Here are some simple areas to
tackle if your storage space could use some sifting through.
Books
– With the increasing use of eBooks,
their paperback counterparts are not the only option anymore. If your book collection houses selections you
do not deem classics or read-again worthy, pull out the excess and donate or
resale them to free up some storage or display space.
Movies
and CDs – We all have movies that do
not get watched again. VHS tapes take up
space, and not every home still has their player attached to their entertainment
center. DVDs are sometimes bought but
are not considered real keepers. And CDs
are likely transferred to computer music files.
Old VHS tapes can be sorted through and donated. DVDs and CDs in their original cases can be
sold online for some easy extra cash.
Toys
and Games – Toys mount in a home like
seemingly no other item. Some board
games are just taking up cabinet space but do not make the rounds of family fun
night anymore. Paring these down is a
good family project that can free up space better used for more active
household goods. Toys and games make
great garage sale items that can add money to your vacation fund.
Seasonal
Serving Pieces – Those melamine trays
you bought a few springs back have not seen a backyard cookout since. Your corn skewers are red with rust. But they all still have a home in your
kitchen. Sort out the keepers from the
pieces you will not pull out again in front of guests and free up some cabinet
and drawer space for “the good stuff.”
Luggage – Take stock of the suitcases and bags you have in
the closets, under the bed, and in the garage.
Those that are showing wear signs of having seen more than their fair
share of trips could use replacing, especially if you typically pass them over
when packing. They are too big to stay
home year after year.
These
or any categories that are pertinent to the things you store at home can make
straightforward to-do list items to mark off, organization style. Gather, sort through, and decide: keep, toss,
donate, or sell. Clean up, clean out,
and kick back, satisfied with your productive self this season.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star July 16th.
