Is that a keepsake? Part 2: Do you like it?

What items do you treasure? A child's treasured keepsake may be a game-winning baseball. Adults have a variety of collections that they treasure.

Antique Camera. Do you like it?

What happens when someone gives you a collection or an item that you do not treasure? Do you like it? You have some choices:

1. Store it. Do nothing and store it in the garage, attic, or closet.  
2. Honor it in your home by display. Think of incorporating items into your home decor. There are many options for framing items. 
3. Honor it in your home by use. Choose a portion of the collection if you are not fond of the whole. If your grandma gave you an entire set of dishes you love, use them! Or, pick out the serving pieces and use them!
4. Give it away. Give to Goodwill and you give someone a job. Give to a family member that you know would enjoy it for no reason, Christmas or a birthday. 
5. Sell it - eBay, Craigslist, yard sales, antique dealers, etc.  

Shoes don't last forever so don't keep them forever.

When you get a new pair of fitness shoes put the date in an inconspicuous location where it won't wear off.  If you are an avid runner you must replace your shoes frequently (as often as every 3 to 6 months).  Putting the purchase date on each pair will help you keep track of which pairs need to go.

Cleaning Out a Closet

Messy Closet?

Cleaning out your closet can be a daunting task. Breaking it down into a few steps can make it less overwhelming. Try the following method seasonally.

Start by separating your closet into two sections. Hang warm weather clothes in one area and cool weather clothes in the other. The next step is odd but really tells the tale. Turn all the hangers around backwards on the rod. Each time you wear something turn the hanger back. At the end of thirty days you will know what you are truly wearing at least for that season.

Take a hard look at what is left on the backwards hangers for the current season. Consider taking what you are not wearing to a consignment shop or donating some items to charity. Consignment shops will want recent styles, in very good condition on hangers. Charities typically do not require hangers or even prefer hangers. Call to check before you toss everything in a bag.

The rule of thumb for donating is if you wouldn't give something to a friend or family member because of its condition, then don't give it to a charity either. Clothing that is stained, torn, or even missing a button will be thrown away. Charities have to pay employees or use volunteers' time to inspect items and then end up throwing a good many of them in the dumpster because of their condition. Charities also have to pay disposal fees for every dumpster they fill. The less a charity has to spend on its operating cost, the more resources it has to fulfill its mission.

After you have eliminated what you are not wearing you can begin to categorize your clothes for that season in a way that works for you. Some people prefer to keep all shirts together, pants, jackets, etc. For women and particularly children, sometimes hanging outfits together is more convenient. You may decide to make an adjustment to your closet system. What matters is determining what you wear most because generally it is what you wear most that looks best, feels comfortable and determines your personal style.

Too many Totes?

Too many totes on your shelf?

Storing totes a problem? Maybe you have too many? Designate a space for totes and do NOT let them overflow! 
Store grocery totes in the car.  
If you come home from a conference with a new tote, don't jam it in your closet! Want to keep the new one? Discard an older one. 
Take the one you wish to discard and place it in your closet. Place items to take to Goodwill or a charity in the discarded tote. Once full, donate the contents and the TOTE to the charity!