Stuff: We all have it, we all like it, we all get it, we’d all like more of it… yet we all complain that we have too much of it. However, we do not like ridding ourselves of it, but do we really need all of it?

 

We acquire ‘stuff’ through purchases, inheritance, swapping with friends (it is only natural to like each other’s stuff), and the items our parents lovingly gave to us because they do not have a need for it anymore, will not toss items out (leaving us with that guilty burden) in hopes we can use their stuff. Of course this only adds to the stuff we have already.

 

Stuff comes in all forms: old LP records, jewellery, tools, clothes, knickknacks, DVD’s, dishes, photos… the list is endless!

 

We embrace and enjoy our stuff. The ring that was passed down from an Aunt, the scenic watercolour purchased at a garage sale because it makes you feel good, the Rosemary Clooney vinyl brings back sweet memories, the tools Dad passed on to us with such pride.   Sentimentality is by far a common denominator in why we choose to keep stuff.

 

Then there is the stuff we personally added to the eclectic collection. The clothes or ‘bling’ pieces that we just had to have! The stuff we keep because ‘you never know when you may need it’, our household decor items because our style and colour schemes do change over time. And we all know once we change the paint colour EVERYTHING else has to change as well… the pillows, rugs, accent pieces with the end result of: just more stuff.

Though we exist in a world of materialism, and should delight in having ‘things’, it is also a very cleansing experience to purge the unnecessary.

Cleansing the home of stuff is truly a positive experience and task. Though some effort is required as gathering, assessing, boxing the items up, and then finding where to take the ‘stuff’, the end result is quite satisfying.

I suppose one could say I was somewhat of a pack rat, though a very organized pack rat at that if I may add.   Then during a move I was making, and having to pack all that stuff, I had an epiphany. I decided to start the unloading process rather than take it all with me, yet again, to my new place.

The more ‘extra stuff’ I rid myself of, the better I felt, and happy to report I have held steadfast to that practice. Rule of thumb, especially with clothing items, is if not worn in a two year period: Donate.

So if you are ready to take the plunge to purging, downsizing, cleansing, then read on. You will discover that there are a variety of venues available to help ease your burden. 

The listings for community organizations is vast as there is no shortage of people in need of furnishings , toys for children, eyeglasses, clothing, and miscellaneous items. However you may also be in possession of items you would rather sell than donate. Let us explore both options.

Social media is a remarkable tool to reach an extensive and diverse audience. Patience is a virtue so if you are willing to wait then posting your items online through Facebook or LinkedIn is certainly one approach. Popular sites include Kijiji, (www.Kijiji.ca) Craigslist (www.craigslist.org) and eBay (www.eBay.ca). The posting process is relatively simplistic. A succinct description and accompanying photo of the item(s) are beneficial to this technique of selling. I posted a red leather sofa and chair, and though I waited three months for a solid offer, I received 90 percent of the original asking cost. For me, it was worth the wait.

 

If you have items that possibly could be regarded as vintage, call antique shops or auction houses. Check out www.antiqueshopsa2z.com/ontario.htm for Ontario listings. Pawn shops are another alternative if you are seeking a fast sale. Most are fair with their offers, but be prepared NOT to receive what you feel your item is worth.

 

Another option to consider is placing items on consignment. Gently used clothing (vintage or designer labels) can find a good home in consignment shops, or musical instruments at certain music stores. Again, patience is mandatory.

 

If using your computer the best method in locating pawn and/or consignment shops is to simply Google pawn shops or consignment shops in Ontario and navigate to the city closest to your home.

 

Of course, yet, another venue idea is to hold the ever familiar ‘garage sale’. 

If you have access to a computer a great site to visit is Charity Village (www.charityvillage.com) and review the resources provided under the Volunteer/Donate header. You will find a rather comprehensive listing of organizations and associations that accept donated goods. It will showcase the organization, its location and the pick-up or drop-off criteria. If you click on the organization name, it will take you to their website for contact information.

If you do not have access to a computer, a reliable staple is the telephone book. You will be able to seek out a number of establishments under the Social and Human Service Organizations category.

 

Check with optical stores in your neighborhood to inquire about donating eyeglasses. Hakim and Lens Crafters have aligned themselves with the Lions Club to provide used eyeglasses to needy people in developing countries.

 

Keep in mind that though there are good homes for just about anything you may have to donate, it is best to call the organization of your choice to ensure they are accepting items, as some may not.

Tax receipts for donated items is no longer the practice, however in certain circumstances hospital volunteer auxiliaries host auctions to raise funds for healthcare may offer one. As in any venture, you must call to inquire.

 

Below is a brief listing of places and venues that welcome donated goods:

 

Canadian Diabetes Association www.diabetes.ca

 

Churches

 

Goodwill www.goodwillindustries.ca

 

Humane Societies www.ontariospca.ca

 

Ministries

 

Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy www.ofcp.ca

Schools

 

The Good Shepherd www.goodshepherdcentres.ca

 

The Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.ca

Women’s Shelters www.shelternet.ca

 

Value Village www.valuevillage.com

 

Here is a little more stuff to consider. As many of the 55 + generation may also be facing the task of downsizing for their parents, the methodology should be: ‘keep cool, calm and collective’.   Keep in mind it is not as much figuring out what to do with everything, an already challenging task, but what is more challenging for them is to get the job done. For families dealing with parents needing help, it is good to remind them that though the situation appears overwhelming, it is best to break it down into manageable tasks. Designate and dedicate times of day best for all involved working through only one area of the house. This tactic is more reasonable, easy to handle, and less intimidating for everyone.

In conclusion, if selling your items, enjoy the extra cash. If donating, there is no better feeling than knowing the stuff you have no use for will be put to good use for others. Perhaps the greatest reward is knowing your donation will and does ‘make a difference’.

 

However you choose to downsize – it’s all the right stuff.