Over the past seven years I have had the pleasure of sharing my organizing expertise with many people from retired veterans to corporate executives. I am amazed that the same question pops up at each session regardless of the audience. It is something that you probably have on your mind as well. Are you ready for this million dollar question?

How do I let go of my stuff, stuff that has history attached to it?

The stuff  that was received as a gift, perhaps passed down by a family member or stuff that is being kept because it was expensive ?

During the excess of the nineties people bought and bought…because it was all about having stuff. Some how we began to associate our stuff with our self worth…the stuff that fills our home, office and our time.

Here we are in the 21^st century and we want to move forward in our life. We know that the things that we had in the past worked then, but they really don’t fit who we are today.

Intellectually we know that we need to cut the clutter but in our hearts we can’t let go.

Here is a new way to think about the things that you are holding on to for sentimental reasons. For you it is sentimentality…for someone else it may be about survival.

For as long as I have been sharing my expertise I have also been sharing information on where to donate our gently used things. Places like homeless shelters, food banks, churches and service associations have been receiving the generous donations that I make on behalf of my clients. I am still touched by the gratefulness of the receivers of your generosity. Your beloved items that you are keeping for sentimental reasons that are stored in boxes in the basement of your comfortable home suddenly become the house wares that a homeless family uses to start over again.

It was clutter to you.…. It is survival for them.

If you are ready and willing to move on and let go, here are some places where you can donate your stuff and help others at the same time:

• Books can be donated to the 5^th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Book sale up until August 21^st.  Drop off your books at any Saint John Sobeys location. (all book types except encyclopedias, textbooks and magazines
• Towels and blankets can be donated to the local animal shelter as well as food, toys, brooms and laundry soap. Contact them for further information 642-0920.
• Clothing and Household items can be picked up by community living, making it very convenient. Call them at 642-5511.
• The Saint John Boys and Girls Club are always looking for socks, shoes and various items for the preschool daycare. As well as beds and furniture.
• Women’s and children’s clothing as well as hotel toiletries can be taken to the local women’s shelter.
• Cellular phones can be donated to The Charitable Recycling Program of Canada with drop off locations at Value Village in Saint John.  http://www.charitablerecycling.ca/CA/newbrunswick.asp
• If you have any antiquities contact your local museum to see if they want to add it to their collection.
• Your great-grandmothers period clothing may be just what your local theatre company is searching for.

Be sure to ask for a donation receipt when you are dropping off.

I would like to leave you this week with a very thought provoking video that was produced several years ago and has reached over 10 million viewers. It is The Story of Stuff. Watch it now…

When you run your errands, you should leave home and do things in a circular manner. Meaning make as many right turns as you can, its a time saver opposed to standing in line making a left hand turn, and doing a complete circle.

Are you reaching a stage in life where you forget things too often? It could be the birth of a new baby or age that is causing that brain fog…if you are one of the afflicted you will love these APPS, they can help you to Organize your family, thoughts or time. I would consider this a winner in my books….head over and meet our friends at Men with Pens and check out their post on “20 Powerful Apps to Organize your Thoughts.”

Looking for a new strategy to help you really dig in…let go and get your closet organized finally. How about the  Goddess or Not method…check out this awesome closet organizing strategy in Elaine’s latest KV Style Article…check it out now!