How to get rid of stuff

We all have a lot of stuff that piles up in our houses that belongs outside of our houses.  Those jeans that need to be returned. That pair of shoes you want to donate. That cake pan that you borrowed from your friend. The problem is that we tend to leave all of it for another day, and then it piles up and stares at you every time you walk past it.  The extra stuff in your house clutters up your counters and your mind.   Here are some tips on how to get rid of stuff.

DONATIONS

Keep a bin or a bag in a closet that you use only for donations. Toss clothes that are too small for your kids, toys they have outgrown, and other items into the bag as you come across them.  When the bag is full, it is time to get rid of it.  There are many great donation centers, which one you choose is up to you. Take your bag into a donation center, or drop it off at one of the many stand-alone shacks around town, or if you don’t have the time to spare to take it yourself, there are companies that will pick up items left on your sidewalk for free.  When you get home, start a new bag for new donations.

RETURNS TO STORES

When you buy something that you need to return, notice the store’s return policy. Often, you only have 30-90 days to get it back to the store.  While that may sound like a lot, a month or two can fly by without heading to the mall.  Put your returns into a shopping bag, and place the shopping bag by your car keys. It will be easier for you to remember it.  Keep the receipt with the item in the bag.  It is easier if they are both together instead of searching through your wallet to find the correct receipt.  Put the shopping bag in your car.  This makes it easy to run into the store while you are out instead of remembering to take a special trip.

RETURNS TO PEOPLE

If you borrow something from a friend, try to return it in a timely manner. Remember that your friend didn’t give you the lawn mower; he just is being kind enough to let you use it for free. Do the same things as other returns, and leave the item in your car. You are more likely to remember to return it, if you have to move it every time you sit down.  Try to return a borrowed item within a week.  It’s just nice.

Remember, we all have enough of our own stuff to store in our house; you don’t need to keep storing Target’s stuff too.