 Makeup: a love-hate relationship. It can be fun to experiment with new makeup products and try out the trendiest lipstick shades, but after the shopping-adrenaline wears off, the sheer number of cosmetic products we each own can be truly overwhelming. Concealers, foundations, eyeshadows, eyeliners, mascaras, blushes, bronzers- the majority of our makeup comes in small, individual containers. With all these small products, it can be hard to have a functional cosmetic organization system. Stop feeling like your makeup storage is grimy and embarrassing and follow these 5 hacks for a clean, organized space to hold your makeup goodies: 1. Throw away all expired makeup/makeup you don't use A lot of people don't realize that makeup products expire. Each item of makeup should have a small picture of container on it with how many months the makeup is good for. For instance, the back of my bronzer says "24M" inside the picture of the container meaning it expires in 24 months. Keeping old makeup not only clogs up your pores, it clogs up your storage too! While you are checking the expiration dates on your products, also think, "When was the last time I used this?" Just because it isn't expired, doesn't mean it deserves a place in your drawer. It can be hard to part with makeup but once you throw away makeup you aren't using, it will make you more conscious the next time you go shopping. Check out this chart to help if you still have questions about when your makeup expires! 
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This holiday season, instead of giving “stuff” to your loved ones, gift them with experiences they will love. Not only are experiences more memorable, but doing things instead of buying things will reduce the amount of clutter in your life and home.
Read on for 5 fantastic experience gift ideas...
1 ). Tickets and/or Memberships
- Kids: Children's theater tickets, zoo membership, aquarium membership, science museum tickets.
- Teens: YMCA or local gym membership, movie passes for local theater, ice skating passes or membership to a rink, batting cages and go karts tickets, concert tickets.
- Adults: Pro or minor league sports tickets, local theater company subscription, museum membership, broadway show ticket package.
2 ). Classes
- Kids: Ballet, dance or gymnastics classes, art lessons, horseback riding lessons, cooking classes, swimming lessons.
- Teens: Surfing lessons, snowboarding class, private lessons for a sport or hobby.
- Adults: Paint and Sip classes, crafting workshops, cooking classes or in-home chef, MasterClass, yoga classes, dance lessons, wine tastings class, flower arranging lessons.
- Hint: Groupon and Living Social are great places to find discounted classes and trips.
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3 ). Trips
- Kids: Great Wolf Lodge, amusement park trip, ski trip, beach trip, Washington DC.
- Teens: bring one friend on a weekend away at beach, mountains, city.
- Adults: Fun local day trip and tour ( like Biltmore House, Charleston, or Savannah in the Southeast), unusual tour in vacation destination (dolphin tour, ghost tour, foodie walking tour, etc.), wine country, big festival like Jazz Fest, Taste of Chicago, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,etc.
4). Big Tickets items
- Kids: pay for summer camp, buy a musical instrument and lessons, pay for a session of classes or a sport (e.g. soccer or football season).
- Teens: Trip overseas, pay for a year of school fees, books for college, or even a year of college.
- Adults: Monthly cleaning service, weekly meal delivery service , pay for a family photo shoot and the prints, purchase a season of opera tickets, monthly flower delivery.
5). Other cool Experience gifts
*Hot air balloon ride
*Helicopter tour (or airboat, tractor, train etc)
*A year of date nights (12 gift cards to restaurants, movies, sporting events, museums, etc)
*Skydiving
*Sailing or boating tour
*Massage and or facial
*Subscription boxes
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
*Helicopter tour (or airboat, tractor, train etc)
*A year of date nights (12 gift cards to restaurants, movies, sporting events, museums, etc)
*Skydiving
*Sailing or boating tour
*Massage and or facial
*Subscription boxes
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
Enough with the stuff! Give the Gift of Experience instead.
Using these great ideas of how to give the gift of experience, you are sure to be popular this holiday season.
If you want to stage your home so it sells in a flash, 93% of Realtors highly recommend that you declutter and organize the house first. Having a house that potential buyers can imagine themselves living in takes some work, but it pays off in higher sale prices and shorter time on market.
In this article, we'll be sharing ideas for organizing and staging the living room, master bedroom, and kitchen, so you you can sell you house faster. AreaReal Estate professional Leigh Bryant, of The Temple Team at Keller Williams, will also share some of the tricks of the trade with our readers.
In this article, we'll be sharing ideas for organizing and staging the living room, master bedroom, and kitchen, so you you can sell you house faster. AreaReal Estate professional Leigh Bryant, of The Temple Team at Keller Williams, will also share some of the tricks of the trade with our readers.
Source: National Association of Realtors 2017 Profile of Home Staging
Here are 9 home staging ideas to sell your house quickly...
Living Room
- Paint your walls a neutral color: now is NOT the time to show your personality through color. Potential buyers want to be able to envision themselves living in the home; it's tough if they are distracted by blazing lime green walls. Freshen the space up with a new coat of a soothing, neutral color.
- DECLUTTER: this is the number one piece of advice Realtors give to their sellers. Warning: Do NOT "hide" the excess clutter in closets....buyers look in closets, too. Remove excess clutter, box it up and put into storage.
- Help buyers imagine living there. Create "cozy" vignettes, like a quiet reading nook in the corner.
Pro tip from Real Estate professional Leigh Bryant of The Temple Team at Keller Williams: The day the house is photographed for the online listing is the most important day of the selling process. The house should be perfectly staged for photos: those pictures are what cause buyers to want to visit your home...or not.
Master bEDROOM
- Remove all personal items. Yes: even your wedding photos, photos of your children, and any religious icons. Same goes for any clothing, personal care items (like perfume bottles), and artwork. There should be no evidence of the people that live in the home.
- Stage the closets, too. Buyers are always thinking about storage space; show case the available space in the closets. Real Estate professional Leigh Bryant suggests that clients "channel Martha Stewart" whenorganizing their closets before photographs and showings. A good suggestion is to have the closets 50% empty.
- Make the room calming and spa-like. The room should be well-lit, be spotlessly clean, and smells pleasing. Creating vignettes, like a reading area or a window seat, helps the buyers envision how they would use the space.
Pro Tip from Professional Organizer Candi Ruppert of Sage Organizing Co.: to make your closet appear larger, use hangers of the same color throughout the whole closet. Organize the shortest garments at the front of the closet and the longer items toward the back.
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KITCHEN
- Pay special attention to decluttering and organizing the cabinets and drawers. Home buyers can and will look inside your cabinets to assess the storage space. Cabinets and drawers should be 50% empty, clean and look like a Crate and Barrel display. Box up and put your excess kitchen items in storage.
- Only leave 2 appliances on the counter-top, at the most. A coffee-maker is acceptable, but make every effort to not have anything else on the counter. Your counters should be clean, empty, and showcase the space.
- Create a pretty scene at the sink. Your sink should be spotlessly clean and smell like heaven (run lemons through the disposal if odor is an issue). Have a pretty dishtowel, some fancy dish soap and a new washcloth/sponge laid out.
Pro Tip from Real Estate Professional Leigh Bryant: Don't let the decision of whether to hire a staging expert come down to money. 90% of the time, the cost of hiring a stager is recouped in a higher sale price or shorter time on market.
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
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Ready, set, Stage!
Using these 9 tips and ideas will help you beautifully stage your home so it sells in a flash!
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Leigh Bryant is the Director of Sales and Expansion Partner for The Temple Team in Charlotte, NC. Contact her here.
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Whether you are moving and unpacking a kitchen, or just want to reorganize, your mind will be blown by these 4 kitchen organizing secrets.!
Ready to learn the Kitchen Organizing Tips that will amaze you? Read on...
Secret #1: Organize Your Kitchen Into Work Zones
The most efficient way to set up your kitchen is to have “zones” for each function of the room. Take into consideration where you want things located, what will go there, and why it makes sense.
Ideas for kitchen work zones:
Dishwasher and Sink
What: Cleaning products, dish towels, everyday plates, bowls, silverware and glasses.
Why: Keep items closest to where they are most frequently used. Choose cabinets, shelves, and drawers near the dishwasher to make unloading efficient and easy.
Cooking and Stove
What: Pots, pans, bake ware, and cooking utensils, and frequently used spices/oils.
Why: Reduce the movement needed when cooking hot foods. Choose deep cabinets for pots and pans. Store bake ware near oven.
Food Prep Zone
What: Cutting boards, mixing bowls, Tupperware, knife block, often-used counter top appliances.
Why: Keep everything you need to prep your meals within arms reach. Keep appliances that are used daily on the counter top; everything else should be stored in cupboards and drawers
Food Storage Zone
What: Shelf stable foods and food wraps. Usually stored on pantry shelves.
Why: Keeping all food in the same area allows you to see when you’re out or running low. Organize foods by category (e.g. all baking items together, all canned goods, snacks, etc.)
The Rest
What: Everything else should be filled in in the remaining available spaces.
Why: All the often-used items have been put away. Now put the rest away in the high, low and tough-to-get to spots.
Ideas for kitchen work zones:
Dishwasher and Sink
What: Cleaning products, dish towels, everyday plates, bowls, silverware and glasses.
Why: Keep items closest to where they are most frequently used. Choose cabinets, shelves, and drawers near the dishwasher to make unloading efficient and easy.
Cooking and Stove
What: Pots, pans, bake ware, and cooking utensils, and frequently used spices/oils.
Why: Reduce the movement needed when cooking hot foods. Choose deep cabinets for pots and pans. Store bake ware near oven.
Food Prep Zone
What: Cutting boards, mixing bowls, Tupperware, knife block, often-used counter top appliances.
Why: Keep everything you need to prep your meals within arms reach. Keep appliances that are used daily on the counter top; everything else should be stored in cupboards and drawers
Food Storage Zone
What: Shelf stable foods and food wraps. Usually stored on pantry shelves.
Why: Keeping all food in the same area allows you to see when you’re out or running low. Organize foods by category (e.g. all baking items together, all canned goods, snacks, etc.)
The Rest
What: Everything else should be filled in in the remaining available spaces.
Why: All the often-used items have been put away. Now put the rest away in the high, low and tough-to-get to spots.
Secret #2: The Countertop is Prime Real Estate
There is only so much counter space to go around, so items have to “earn” their spot.
For example, if you’re a daily coffee drinker, your coffeemaker should be on the counter top. (Pro tip: store your coffee mugs, coffee, and filters in the cabinet directly above the coffee maker for easy access). Same thing goes for a toaster: if you enjoy toast daily, leave the toaster on the counter top and store the butter dish in the cabinet above it.
The counters around the kitchen sink deserve some counter space, since many items are used all day long. Dish soap, hand soap, and paper towels all belong right next to the sink. Keeping neatly folded dish towels in a small basket near the sink is another option.
Be honest with how often you really use small appliances. Just because you make a panini once a month does not warrant a space on the counter for the Breville. If you make smoothies only on the weekend, do not leave the blender on the counter all week. Store your lesser-used appliances in cabinets and pantry shelves.
For example, if you’re a daily coffee drinker, your coffeemaker should be on the counter top. (Pro tip: store your coffee mugs, coffee, and filters in the cabinet directly above the coffee maker for easy access). Same thing goes for a toaster: if you enjoy toast daily, leave the toaster on the counter top and store the butter dish in the cabinet above it.
The counters around the kitchen sink deserve some counter space, since many items are used all day long. Dish soap, hand soap, and paper towels all belong right next to the sink. Keeping neatly folded dish towels in a small basket near the sink is another option.
Be honest with how often you really use small appliances. Just because you make a panini once a month does not warrant a space on the counter for the Breville. If you make smoothies only on the weekend, do not leave the blender on the counter all week. Store your lesser-used appliances in cabinets and pantry shelves.
Related Articles:
How to Sort Like a Pro: Advice from a Professional Organizer
Declutter, Donate, and Deduct
Hoarder, Pack-rat, or Just Messy: 3 Ways to Tell the Difference
How to Beautifully Stage Your Home So it Sells in a Flash
How to Sort Like a Pro: Advice from a Professional Organizer
Declutter, Donate, and Deduct
Hoarder, Pack-rat, or Just Messy: 3 Ways to Tell the Difference
How to Beautifully Stage Your Home So it Sells in a Flash
Secret #3: Allow Yourself a “Junk Drawer”, but organize it!
The kitchen becomes a dumping ground for nearly everything. Rather than fight it (and lose), allow yourself one “junk drawer”. Caution: do not let it get out of hand. Purchase small drawer organizers to keep like items together.
Frequently used “junk drawer” items ideas:
Frequently used “junk drawer” items ideas:
- Stamps
- Pens, pencils, rubber bands, paper clips and twist ties
- Batteries
- Notepads and post-its
- Gum, mints, and ChapStik
- Scissors and tape
- Chargers and earbuds
- Loose change
- Birthday candles and matches
- Small hand tools, nails and screws
- Flashlights
And One More Secret: Enough with all the Duplicate Items!
Probably the best advice, and the hardest for people to follow, is to eliminate duplicate items when organizing or unpacking a kitchen. Chances are that you only use one set of silverware, one set of everyday dishes, and the same few drinking glasses daily.
What about items that are used once a year (e.g. only pulled out at Thanksgiving)? Ask yourself if you really use the item...or just used it once and not-so-much anymore. Be ruthless!
Have more than one actively-used set of these items? Consider boxing it up and donating to a good local charity.
What about items that are used once a year (e.g. only pulled out at Thanksgiving)? Ask yourself if you really use the item...or just used it once and not-so-much anymore. Be ruthless!
Have more than one actively-used set of these items? Consider boxing it up and donating to a good local charity.
- Kitchen utensils (e.g. spatulas, old paring knives, corkscrews)
- Glassware and coffee mugs.
- Tupperware and disposable plastic ware
- Pots and pans
- Old appliances that have have been replaced (e.g. your old 1980’s crock pot with the flowers on it).
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6 Things to Not Bother Collecting Anymore (and How to Tell What IS Worth Holding Onto)
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You can Organize your kitchen!!
It's easy to organize your kitchen while you unpack by using these 4 secrets.
What's your favorite kitchen organization tip?
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
What's your favorite kitchen organization tip?
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
It is a fact: in most family inheritance disputes, the only people who end up financially benefiting are the lawyers involved. But it doesn’t have to be that way! By organizing, documenting, and talking about your wishes early and often, you can solve family battles before they even begin.
want to learn the 5 useful secrets for solving family inheritance disputes? read on...
organize and document your wishes
Long before it is necessary, start organizing and documenting your wishes. This means putting your wishes for “who gets what” in writing, preferable a legally binding will. Hire a lawyer to prepare the will, or create one yourself online at a reputable online company (such as LegalZoom).
For example, if the eldest son is to inherit the family wedding ring so that he can keep it in the family, document it. Without express written decisions made in advance, family disputes can rise up. Tell your heirs your wishes so there are no unpleasant surprises after you’re gone.
For example, if the eldest son is to inherit the family wedding ring so that he can keep it in the family, document it. Without express written decisions made in advance, family disputes can rise up. Tell your heirs your wishes so there are no unpleasant surprises after you’re gone.
honor written wishes
When a family member has passed away, the will is the legal document that has primary precedence is dividing up the remaining personal belongings, according to the law. It doesn’t matter if Grandma always told everyone that Billy should get the art collection: if it’s not in writing, it doesn’t legally count.
If the deceased prepared an informal list of their wishes (or marked items with labels, as some people do) AND the heirs can agree to it, try to honor those wishes. The only people who financially benefit from estate battles are the lawyers involved.
If the deceased prepared an informal list of their wishes (or marked items with labels, as some people do) AND the heirs can agree to it, try to honor those wishes. The only people who financially benefit from estate battles are the lawyers involved.
Related Articles:
Sometimes You Can’t Do it on Your Own: When it’s Time to Throw in the Towel and Hire an Estate Clearing Professional to Help you Finish the Job
Nobody Wants the Family Heirlooms: What to Do When it Happens to You
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Don't remove anything from the house ahead of time
If an ailing, aging parent remains in the home and starts “giving away” valuables or cash, the right thing to do is share that information with all the heirs. Often times the adult child who is the perceived “favorite” benefits from this: this is a sure way to cause family disputes in the future. Take the high road and disclose to other heirs what has already been given to you.
After a family member passes, one of the very first things the Executor should do is change the locks to the house. This measure will prevent any neighbors, service providers, or unscrupulous heirs from “helping themselves” to belongings in the house. Nothing should be removed from the house until all the heirs can go through the home together. Always act with integrity and transparency to avoid family disputes over the belongings.
After a family member passes, one of the very first things the Executor should do is change the locks to the house. This measure will prevent any neighbors, service providers, or unscrupulous heirs from “helping themselves” to belongings in the house. Nothing should be removed from the house until all the heirs can go through the home together. Always act with integrity and transparency to avoid family disputes over the belongings.
immediate heirs only
When it comes time for the heirs to organize and divide up the belongings, it should be the immediate heirs only. This means no spouses, children, grandchildren, or close family friends. Reducing the number of people involved will streamline the process and keep it simple.
Related Articles:
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agree on a fair way to divide items equitably
Before the heirs begin dividing up belongings, agree to a fair way to divide things up. Consider these ideas:
- “Auction” items to the immediate heirs, using Monopoly money. That way if someone really wants an item, they can splurge for it.
- Take turns choosing items, but change up the order each round (so that the person in last place has a chance to do better in subsequent rounds).
- Having an estate sale? Hold a family pre-sale so family has the chance to buy things they truly want.
- Get valuables appraised by a professional personal property appraiser. When the true value is known to everyone, making equitable divisions is simply a math exercise.
- Can’t agree on anything? It happens more often than you think. Hire a professional mediator to settle disputes and equally divide up belongings.
Summary
Take the time now to organize, document and talk about your inheritance wishes with your family. It will solve future battles before they even begin.
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
Whether you are organizing one room in your house or decluttering a home full of stuff, knowing how to efficiently sort is crucial to your success. Professional Organizers use the tips and tricks on this checklist to help clients, and now I'm sharing those hacks with you.
Ready to learn a professional organizer's tips for Sorting? Read on...
Set yourself up for success
Before starting any organizing or decluttering job, make sure you have all the supplies you need before you get started.
Tools/ Supplies Needed:
Tools/ Supplies Needed:
- Post-it notes (consider the heavy ones) and/or painters tape
- Color coded dots (for larger jobs)
- Sturdy boxes/Packing materials/Packing tape
- Sharpies
- Trash Bags (preferably heavy duty)
- Sturdy Step Stool
- Work gloves
- Work when not hungry or tired
- Set small attainable goals
- Make work area safe (trip hazards, pets, temperature, pests)
- Clean as you go or do regular spot clean-ups
Keep
The first step is to sort your "keepers" into a pile or one area. Keep items that you love and actively use. Items that aren't actively used should be moved into a long term storage area, such as a basement or attic.
Tools/ Supplies Needed:
*available space in actively used items
*temperature variation in for long term solutions
*transporting “keepers” to new location, if applicable
Tools/ Supplies Needed:
- archival photo boxes and vital document storage
- long term storage solutions (like large Rubbermaid bins)
- short term storage solutions to sort into
*available space in actively used items
*temperature variation in for long term solutions
*transporting “keepers” to new location, if applicable
Sell
Don't love it, but you'd like to make a little money from it? Consider selling online or offline.
Tools/Supplies Needed:
Tools/Supplies Needed:
- Internet connection
- Selling online? Think about packaging and shipping costs for the item.
- Consigning locally? Research how to transport items to the shop, the details of the contract, and how unsold items are disposed of.
- Safety first! Use caution when meeting strangers and exchanging money.
Related Articles
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6 Things to Not Bother Collecting Anymore
Nobody Wants Family Heirlooms: What to Do When it Happens to You.
Gift These 5 Wonderful Experiences To the Ones You Love..Instead of Buying "Stuff"
Donate
Have items that don't need to live with you anymore, but are still in great condition? Give to a local charity.
Tools Needed:
Tools Needed:
- Post-its or colored dots
- Bags or sturdy boxes to transport the itmes
- Document, document, document. Itemize your donations if giving a large amount. Check outhow to easily keep track of donations here.
- Whenever possible, schedule a pick-up for items at your home.
- No pick-ups available? Immediately put the donations in your trunk and drop off on your next round of errands.
Discard
Some things just need to be discarded. If the items can't be sold or donated, its time for the trash/ recycling bin.
Tools Needed:
Tools Needed:
- heavy duty trash bags
- floor protections for larger jobs (spills and scrapes)
- broom/dustpan and vacuum
- recycling bins
- Household hazardous waste disposal
- City trash + recycling pick-up and standards
- Rental of a dumpster
- Bulky item collection
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YOU'RE ready to sort like a pro!
Using this checklist, you now have the tools to Keep, Sell, Donate or Discard when you are decluttering and organizing.
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
Decluttering your home and donating your items to local non-profit groups is a fantastic way to organize your home...and get a tax deduction.
Disclaimer: This information is compiled from many sources and is not intended as tax, investment, financial planning or legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. For tax, investment, financial planning or legal advice you are encouraged to consult with your personal advisers
Ready to learn how to Declutter, donate and Deduct? Read on...
Declutter
When the organizing and decluttering bug strikes, separate things out to Keep, Discard, or Donate/Recycle piles.
- Keep: these should be items that are actively used, treasured, or loved.
- Donate: make sure items being donating to charity are in “good or better” condition. Not only is it common sense to only donate quality items, but it’s also the guideline used by the IRS to qualify for a tax deduction. So: discard/recycle sweat-stained undershirts, but donate the dress shirts that are in great shape but just don't fit anymore.
- Discard/Recycle: the hard truth is that some of the stuff in a home really is just garbage. Old stained Tupperware that doesn’t have a lid? Toss it. The piles and piles of gift bags that get saved, but never reuse? Recycle them.
Trying to figure out what you can easily declutter AND have it make a difference in your local community?
- Do a quick Google search of “donation needs near me” and you'll likely hit the jackpot.
- Most shelters have their immediate needs posted on their websites. Toiletries and personal care items, including travel/ hotel size, are needed at nearly every shelter, all the time.
- Can’t find a local charity to take your item? Post the item with a picture in the Free section of Craigslist or a Facebook group: it works! Use caution: never disclose personal information or let strangers inside your home or garage.
Donate
Before donating, be sure you are giving to an organization that is a 501 (c)(3) by the IRS. These are organizations that are recognized by the IRS as being tax-exempt by virtue of their charitable programs.
“Big name” charities (think Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, or the Salvation Army) are no-brainers, but if you’re unsure about a group you’re thinking of giving to, you can always check their website or a site that vets non-profit groups, like Charity Navigator.
Have big stuff to donate, but no truck and/or the muscles to get it done? Try the website Pick Up My Donation: they will find a non-profit group within 15 miles of your zip code and set up the pick-up, at no cost to you.
Be sure you get a receipt or donation acceptance letter from the non-profit you give to. Keep a file in your glove box or console to organize on-the-go receipts, then transfer them into a permanent file in the house regularly.
“Big name” charities (think Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, or the Salvation Army) are no-brainers, but if you’re unsure about a group you’re thinking of giving to, you can always check their website or a site that vets non-profit groups, like Charity Navigator.
Have big stuff to donate, but no truck and/or the muscles to get it done? Try the website Pick Up My Donation: they will find a non-profit group within 15 miles of your zip code and set up the pick-up, at no cost to you.
Be sure you get a receipt or donation acceptance letter from the non-profit you give to. Keep a file in your glove box or console to organize on-the-go receipts, then transfer them into a permanent file in the house regularly.
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Donate or Dumpster?: 3 Tips to Know What to Give Away vs. Throw Away
6 Things to Not Bother Collecting Anymore (and How to Tell What IS Worth Holding Onto)
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Deduct
Even though the standardized deduction for individuals and married couples has increased in 2018, it’s still a good idea to keep records of your charitable giving.
Keep track of what you give!
Keep track of what you give!
- Small to medium load: a great way to keep track of items you give to charity is by using an app on your smartphone. The Its Deductible app lets you input your organization, then easily guides you through lists of items, complete with standardized values. At the end of each giving transaction, you can save the report and use it at tax time.
- Large load or house/estate clean out: take the time to document your donation inventory by hand. Document the item, condition, and value. Use a standardized donation valuation guide, such as the Salvation Army one, to tally up your donation. Any Estate Clearing professional worth their salt will include this in their service package; however, if you are doing a home or estate clean out on your own, be sure to document, document, document.
get organized and do good!
Decluttering, donating and deducting is a great way to organize your home, while making a difference in your community at the same time.
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
Related Articles:
Sometimes You Can’t Do it on Your Own: When it’s Time to Throw in the Towel and Hire an Estate Clearing Professional to Help you Finish the Job.
Nobody Wants the Family Heirlooms: What to Do When it Happens to You
5 Steps to Get Rid of Sentimental Clutter
Sometimes You Can’t Do it on Your Own: When it’s Time to Throw in the Towel and Hire an Estate Clearing Professional to Help you Finish the Job.
Nobody Wants the Family Heirlooms: What to Do When it Happens to You
5 Steps to Get Rid of Sentimental Clutter
How do you know which things in your collections have lost value over the years, and which are worth keeping? It can be tough to tell!
Items that your parents (or you) paid a lot of money for back in the day are now worth much, much less than was paid for them. An aging population has caused a heavily flooded market, making "valuables" less so.
As a Professional Organizer and Estate Clearing Specialist, I see a lot of these collectibles in homes. Some are worth keeping, but unfortunately, most are not.
Items that your parents (or you) paid a lot of money for back in the day are now worth much, much less than was paid for them. An aging population has caused a heavily flooded market, making "valuables" less so.
As a Professional Organizer and Estate Clearing Specialist, I see a lot of these collectibles in homes. Some are worth keeping, but unfortunately, most are not.
Want to know what is worthless and how to tell the difference? Read On.
Loss in Value: Figurines and Commemorative Plates
Many American households have some sort of collectible figurines or commemorative plates displayed or stored somewhere. While values for these items once were high, that isn’t the case any longer. Figurines and commemorative plates were often mass-produced and released slowly as “limited editions”, giving the illusion of scarcity.
Well-known brands that have lost value:
(Note: the link goes to "sold" prices on Ebay)
Well-known brands that have lost value:
(Note: the link goes to "sold" prices on Ebay)
Toys: not worth what you think
Although there is sentimental value to toys, mass production and wear + tear often leads to lowered values. In addition, a “craze” can inflate values for a period, but often decreases after the hype dies down. For example, most Beanie Babies sell on Ebay for $5 or less, if they sell at all.
Once valuable, now not-so-much items:
Once valuable, now not-so-much items:
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China patterns, glassware, and silver plate items: Its a flooded market
A generation or two ago, newly married couples loved purchasing china patterns, crystal, and silverplate items. Modern couples today are of the “Ikea generations”: they don’t want and don’t use this stuff.
So as the population ages, the market has become flooded with people trying to cash in on the value of these things. Don’t get your hopes up: there is very little value in most of the items in your parents’ china cabinet.
Common brands that have lost significant value:
So as the population ages, the market has become flooded with people trying to cash in on the value of these things. Don’t get your hopes up: there is very little value in most of the items in your parents’ china cabinet.
Common brands that have lost significant value:
How to tell what is valuable anymore
Google is a good start to determine the value of an item, but don’t expect to sell your item for retail. Once you've done some research, it’s easy to find comparable values on Ebay. But it is VERY important that you look at the completed sales there ( click on “show only sold items”: the sold prices are listed in green). This shows what things actually sold for, not what they were listed for, which is usually retail price or higher.
Forbes. com gives this advice: "The most important advice we can give, and consequently the most difficult to digest, is to absolutely forget what the purchaser paid and to instead look at these possessions from the perspective of a third party — someone who knows nothing about your history or shares one shred of your taste. Once you remove the expectations of financial reimbursement and sentiment, it will be far easier to process the estate in an orderly and stress-free manner.”
Forbes. com gives this advice: "The most important advice we can give, and consequently the most difficult to digest, is to absolutely forget what the purchaser paid and to instead look at these possessions from the perspective of a third party — someone who knows nothing about your history or shares one shred of your taste. Once you remove the expectations of financial reimbursement and sentiment, it will be far easier to process the estate in an orderly and stress-free manner.”
Related Articles:
5 Steps to Get Rid of Sentimental Clutter
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5 Steps to Get Rid of Sentimental Clutter
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Is your stuff worth anything?
When reviewing your collections and family “heirlooms”, do your research before selling. Because values have dropped for many collectibles over the years, you may be holding onto things that just aren’t worth it anymore.
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
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Assess the Mess: How to Plan out Downsizing a Home
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Gift These 5 Wonderful Experiences To the Ones You Love..Instead of Buying "Stuff"
Hey There!
I'm Candi.
I'm an Estate Clearing Pro + Professional Organizer, helping people with family in senior care or that have lost someone to clear out all the contents of the house within a week.
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