Estate Living Magazine Retirement Living - Issue 40 April 2019 | Page 29

P R O P E R T Y
&
I N V E S T M E N T
most difficult, the photos and mementos. She suggests our focus
should not be on what to get rid of but should rather be on what
to keep – the things that ‘spark sufficient joy,’ or are truly necessary.
But if this is too daunting, take the gentler approach that professional
organiser Debbie Bower suggests by getting rid of anything broken,
things that aren’t being loved or used (think the back of cupboards,
the storeroom and the garage) and things that bring back bad
memories, or have an association with negative emotions.
And if all this sounds like too much effort, just take what you want
to keep and leave the rest for your kids to deal with. My in-laws did
this when they left for Canada and it took us months to get rid of all
their stuff – grrr!! So this is not recommended unless discussed in
advance and all agreed upon.
Jokes aside, here are some things to keep in mind:
• Keep your eye on the prize – your new lifestyle and all the
wonderful things you’re going to do and achieve. Like that hobby
you’ve been dreaming of starting for years, the camping trip with
your grandkids, spending more time with family and friends,
the holiday of a lifetime with your significant other … or perhaps
that ‘gap year’ to travel around South Africa in a campervan. The
possibilities are endless – so keep your eye on them.
• Know what your new space can accommodate. What are the
measurements of the rooms? Will your current furniture fit? How
much space is there for books, art and any special items?
• Start with a plan in mind – decide where to start, and have a plan
on how long you hope the task will take.
• Ask for help – family members and friends will usually be happy to
assist. Failing that, there are professionals that offer decluttering
as a service.
So, what do we do with all this excess stuff?
Items that are broken or damaged beyond repair should be discarded
– remember that old electronics should go to an e-waste facility for
appropriate disposal. Sort out which items can be recycled. Have
bins labelled for glass, plastic and paper – old magazines can either
be recycled or donated to a charity, a preschool (kids love being
creative with paper) or even to your local library, which will probably
sell them to raise funds. Consider sending old newspapers to your
local SPCA as they are used in looking after the animals in their care.
Most homes have a variety of items that can be sold. Consider sites
like Gumtree, local Facebook groups, and, if you’re brave enough,
consider having a garage sale – but please keep security in mind.
Consider an auction house for your valuable furniture and art – give
your kids the option first though. My husband was exceptionally
disappointed when his parents sold a family heirloom at a low price
when he wasn’t even given the option to purchase it. Even if they
decline the offer, it’s the thought that counts.
Tessa Buhrmann
I
And, as financial guru Suze Orman says, ‘the more time-efficient
option, with the biggest emotional payoff, is to donate your
unwanted items to a local non-profit. Giving back, while giving
away, is a powerful way to spark joy for you and the recipients of your
giving.’ Don’t think of it as losing stuff – think of it as gaining space,
clarity and freedom.
Gently worn clothes and kitchen items can be boxed and donated
to local charity shops – like the SPCA and Hospice. The sale of these
items brings much-needed funds to these organisations and enables
others to purchase items that would never have been affordable
new. Some NGOs collect clothes to sell bagged at a nominal rate
to women in disadvantaged communities to enable them to start a
business reselling these items – this is often what puts food on the
table and sends their kids to school.