{"id":1319,"date":"2023-01-20T21:49:32","date_gmt":"2023-01-21T02:49:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bookscouter.com\/blog\/?p=1319"},"modified":"2024-02-14T04:42:54","modified_gmt":"2024-02-14T09:42:54","slug":"declutter-and-organize-your-space","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bookscouter.com/blog\/declutter-and-organize-your-space\/","title":{"rendered":"Declutter and Organize in 5 Steps: Give Away and Sell Your Books, Clothing, and Unwanted Items"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

\"Declutter<\/p>\r\n

January, after the holidays and at the start of a new year, is a natural time to begin to clean, declutter, and organize your space. But you can really start any time of year (Spring Cleaning!). Often the hardest part is merely deciding to begin and commit to seeing the process through. We will help you by giving you a plan, some expert tips, and dangling a reward at the end to motivate you. We’ll also discuss how you can give away unwanted clothing and sell your books for money! Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

First Step<\/b>: Observe<\/h2>\r\n

Survey the space. How much time is this going to take? Don\u2019t start a project so big that you can\u2019t complete it in your available time. Maybe you just begin with a closet rather than a room. Or if a closet seems like too much start with a shelf. Make this manageable or it may not get finished.<\/p>\r\n

Second Step<\/b>: Keep or Sell<\/h2>\r\n

Empty the space completely and sort it into keep, trash, and donate or sell. Take the time to make the hard calls to really get the full benefits of this project. Ask yourself: Do you love it? Have you used it in the last year? Would you rather have the space for other things? Is it time to pass it on? Can I sell this for money?<\/p>\r\n

We know you know BookScouter<\/b><\/a> is the best place to sell your books but for everything else here are \u201c8 Places Where You Can Sell Stuff Fast<\/a>\u201d\u00a0If you need help letting go, cut yourself some slack and read this article \u201c15 Ways to Leave Your Clutter (so you can find some peace)<\/a>\u201d\u00a0Moreover, it might be you have a pile of unwanted holiday gifts that you’d rather sell \u2014 we have some tips for you!<\/p>\r\n

\"resell<\/a><\/figure>\r\n

Third Step<\/b>: Organize<\/h2>\r\n

After you have thoroughly cleaned out the space, grab the \u201ckeep\u201d pile and decide if it\u2019s in the right place. Should it be somewhere else in your space? Should it be accessible, used daily, or placed further back for less frequent use? Should it be placed in storage or pulled out for a seasonal rotation?<\/p>\r\n

One way to organize your stuff might be to group it into categories for purpose. If it\u2019s a linen closet separate linens, towels, bathroom supplies. Then further group into matching sets for either the same rooms or same sizes. If it\u2019s a sock drawer sort into colors or uses like sports or dress socks. Keep items used the most often in the front.<\/p>\r\n

Fourth Step<\/b>: Design Your Space<\/h2>\r\n

Now that you\u2019ve broken it all down it\u2019s time to build it back up. Look at the space, see what needs to go back in there, and determine how to access it best. Should it be a vertical organizer like a shoe bag in a closet or pull out bins that let you stack up? Or is it best to organize horizontally with dividers and trays? Can a hook or bar be added to use in the space? Look for unused space like the back of a door, under stairs, or above shelves. Check out these \u201c13 Storage Spaces You\u2019re Overlooking<\/a>\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

Keep in mind that you don\u2019t want to have to move too many items to access what you need. Simple is better as advised in \u201cHow to Declutter and Organize ANY Space<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\r\n

Use bins, baskets, or boxes to help sort and divide. You don\u2019t have to spend a lot of money on matching or attractive organizational items. You can often repurpose items or Google clever hacks to use. Here are \u201c28 Storage Ideas for Your Entire Home<\/a>\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

And it should go without saying, but make sure everything you put back is CLEAN!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Final Step<\/b>: Adjust<\/h2>\r\n

Step back and enjoy your efforts. Don\u2019t be afraid to tweak your organizational plan if needed as day-to-day use might prove your ideas wrong. And keep in mind,\u00a0 your ideas might not suit the needs of others so be willing to compromise on how best to use the space.<\/p>\r\n

Benefits to think about as you work:<\/p>\r\n