We all hate it, but at some point it has to be done-clearing out the basement, garage or shed. Recently while reading a book called "Cut the Clutter and stow the stuff" by Lori Baird she suggest some tips to make your day a success.

Prepare in advance-
1. Pick a day when everyone will be home. Tell them that they will be required to spend four to six hours working and organizing.

2. Encourage children to become involved by making up a creative name for the day (isn't that pathetic?) Honestly, I don't remember my mother or father making us come up with a creative name, we were ordered to do it or else...

3. Motive participants with a potluck dinner or celebration dinner at a favorite restaurant following the clean up.

4. Buy supplies ahead of time, cleaning products, shelving units, storage containers, hooks, etc. Also gather large trash bags and masking tape for quick labeling.

On the day of the clean up
Walk through the area with all participants and make a plan.

Each participant should be in charge of one of the following categories;
Sporting equipment
Home improvement materials
Gardening/lawn supplies
Other

Designate an area for each category

Here is the hardest part-parting with stuff that hasn’t been used in at least a year. Many of us just can’t let go, but Baird explains that it must go to create room for useful items.

In each category participants must select items that will be trash, give-away, short term storage or long term storage. Again, anything that hasn’t been used for one year gets tossed or donated.

Store long term items first, short term can be placed in a more accessible location.

Don’t forget to stop for snacks to keep your workers happy and energized.

Finish the day on a high note and thank your workers for helping out and doing a great job. You’ll need them again next year.