“Right-size” Your Life and Help Bridging FURNISH HOMES WITH HOPE!

We are truly grateful for the support of the community, reaching out to ask what Bridging needs during these uncertain times. As of today, we are preparing to reopen to the public when it is safe for all involved (including accepting donations). When we do, we will be in great need of quality furniture and household items from our community!

Many are using this time to declutter and organize, and some may be struggling with what may seem like a monumental task; we enlisted the help of productivity and organizing expert, Aimee Olson of Life Done Simply to help you prioritize. We hope to see you when we once again open to the public to continue our mission to FURNISH HOMES WITH HOPE.

BRIDGING: Aimee, With COVID-19 impacting so many lives in the nation and world, many are homebound and looking for ways to stay busy and contribute. What can people do right now to be productive while they are being encouraged to shelter in place by the state of Minnesota?

AIMEE OLSON: This unexpected time at home provides us with an opportunity to reflect on what we have, what brings us value, and, more importantly, a chance to identify what no longer serves us and how it could be appreciated by someone else less fortunate.

Declutter and right-size your life today!

BRIDGING: So, does this mean people need to get rid of things in their home?

AO: Yes, but it’s more than that– it’s not just about “downsizing”. I encourage you to think about decluttering as ‘Right-Sizing” your life.

Right-sizing is about evaluating and curating your environment and clearing out everything that no longer adds value to your life. It is not about having less or more; it’s about having what you need!

Decluttering not only helps you right-size your life, but it can also right-size the lives of others through the act of donating.

Set your intention by preparing donation bins

BRIDGING: “Right-sizing” I love that! But how do I do that?!

AO: Well, it starts simply!

You could start by setting out three large cardboard boxes or containers, and clearly labeling them:

• DONATE Housewares
• DONATE Clothing
• DONATE Miscellaneous (i.e. lamps, rugs, artwork)

Keep your donation categories simple! You can always do a more detailed sort later. Set these containers somewhere out of the way, but visible. By keeping them in view, it will be a reminder that you are in right-sizing mode!

Schedule regular decluttering appointments

BRIDGING: This still sounds a little daunting.

AO: You don’t have to tackle your entire home in one day! For the next two weeks, set aside 10 minutes each day to evaluate different areas of your home for decluttering. Start with a small area first, like a kitchen utensil drawer, and build momentum before tackling harder spaces. Encourage your family to participate by allowing them to evaluate their personal spaces.

Tip: Scheduling these decluttering appointments in your calendar will help keep you accountable.

When deciding if you should declutter an item, ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I holding on to this item “just in case” or “just for when”?  (“Just in case” is a hypothetical future that rarely comes. “Just for when” is a definitive future.)
• How often or how many of [insert item] do I actually use?
• Is this something that would be of greater use to someone else?

BRIDGING: This might be a difficult time for many, are there some items people should avoid going through right now?

AO: Decluttering can become challenging when you come across sentimental items. Remember: What is sentimental to you could be useful to someone else. 

I have seen many households that have more than one porcelain china set, but never use any of it. Is storing your grandmother’s china in a closet adding value to your life? Probably not. If those items will not be used or repurposed in your home, pass them on to someone who can use them.

Items like special occasion bowls and flatware that you only use once a year have little value in most households these days, and the market for these items is weak, but to a family who has nothing to eat off of, those items are priceless.

Tip: Contact a local appraisal specialist who can give you quick, often free advice on what do with items that may have monetary value.

Even if you don’t have a personal connection to an item, it can still feel like you have an obligation to be the keeper. A helpful practice is to ask the following questions:

• Who wants you to keep this item?
• Why?
• When will you be free of this obligation?
• Don’t be forget to include furniture that takes up too much space– a dresser filled with “just in case” items or a table or chair that becomes just a spot to dump things is just as important to give up as some of the other smaller items you no longer need.

By answering these questions, you may find that it was only a perceived obligation, and you are now free to find that item a new home.

Be a responsible donor!

BRIDGING: So, why do you recommend people donate items to a charity like Bridging?

AO: When decluttering, I encourage my clients to think “donations with dignity.” If you wouldn’t give it to someone you know, it may not be right for donation. It’s important to remember that charitable donation facilities have limited resources, and they are trying to get your donations into the hands of those who need them as quickly as possible. When donations are dirty, worn out, or unusable, your gift becomes a burden to them. Set aside those items for trash or recycling.

Larger charities might offer convenient drop-off locations and times but take this time to do a quick online search for smaller, local charities that are often overlooked. You might be surprised at what you’ll find!

BRIDGING: We hope to put your donations to good use when we reopen and serve clients by providing them a basic home set up!

• Stay up to date about our response to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Review our complete list of items to donate This page includes our quality standards.
• Life Done Simply “Think Outside of the Donation Box”
• Learn more about the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO)
• Read more tips to help you get into “Spring Cleaning” mode!

When your donation boxes are full, set them aside until you can schedule a trip to your location donation facilities, and feel good knowing that you have created space in your home and shared your abundance!

Aimee Olson of Life Done Simply is a Productivity and Organizing Coach and is a member of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO).