If you are like many of us during this time, have you looked around your home and wondered “When did I end up with all this stuff?” or “Do I need more space?” or said “OMG, thank goodness for Zoom virtual backgrounds” so no one can see your current at-home remote workspace?

This extended time at home has increased the number of people cleaning out their homes and making improvements to their spaces. According to The Washington Post donations to Goodwill of Greater Washington saw a 20% donation rise over last year and companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK and dumpster rentals have seen a huge surge in business this year.

In March, I did my fair share of stress organizing but then settled in the new routine. Last week this all came crashing down on top of me when my sister (who lives in my home) found out she will be working remotely until at least June 2021. What was an OK temporary situation had to be reworked to create 2 permanent, functional work-spaces. We’ve rearranged rooms; ordered office furniture, monitors, webcam, ergonomic keyboards; and created a 2nd dedicated office space in my living room. This also translated into some hard-core (and overdue) decluttering of the living spaces throughout the house. More to do, but it is a start and looks great so far!

As you look at your current spaces, do you wonder what to do with your stuff? Take practical advice from Marie Kondo and eliminate that which is outdated, broken, or doesn’t bring you joy any longer! Which then leads to the question on to do with things that are no longer needed but still functional? This takes either your time or money or more likely a bit of both

Your time

• Research which donation pick up or drop off services are available in your area during this time - donate aggressively.

• Sell items locally on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local paper.

• Post and sell items on e-Bay, Shopify, eBid or Amazon Marketplace.

• Have a Yard Sale while the weather is still good and it can be done with proper social distancing

Your money

• Contact 1-800-GOT-JUNK - they recycle or donate as much as possible but charge you in bulk for what they take. My clients have generally been very happy with them.

• Consign furniture or large items - but realize they take a very large cut of the final sales price. Before signing with a consignment company find out what happens if a large item doesn’t sell - do they charge you or ask you to take it back?

• Hire someone to run an Estate Sale or purchase your Collectibles for resale.

• Hire a home organizer who will help you with this process

Whatever path you choose, start to toss the items that unfortunately are no longer in demand. Toss those 1972 World Book Encyclopedias, obsolete software CDs, and sadly that large collection of National Geographic Magazines. Donate your Mom’s large collection of never-touched Beanie Babies to a kid’s in need program.

if you are you looking for local resources - ask for my list of greater Boston charities that pick up donations, consignment stores, home organizers and estate sales specialists!