When Donating Becomes Difficult: Knowing When to Let Go
Have you ever found yourself with heavy furniture, outdated electronics, a collection of figurines, etc. that you're eager to sell or give to a specific person, but you're having a hard time finding someone who wants them? Trust me, you're not alone. As a professional organizer, I see this frequently, and it often leaves people feeling frustrated and stuck. And it stalls the process of getting their home organized. To bridge this gap, my team and I do a great deal of targeted donations for our clients, but we can’t do that until they are ready, and even then there are some items that are un-donateable. And although we can recommend a process of seeking buyers / resellers / estate sales companies, etc., that is not always an option for everyone. If your timeline, budget or stress level indicates the need to get your home decluttered ASAP, here are a couple of mindset shifts that may be helpful.
Your real estate is likely far more valuable than its contents.
If you have an extremely high value collection this may not be the case, but in that instance finding auctioneers/buyers/donation sites is not usually difficult. For most people who need to declutter in order to have a more functional home or to put their house on the market, the value of an organized home far exceeds the value of its contents. Letting items you do not use, love or have room for go will get your to your goal faster.
Your time is valuable
How much time and money can you afford to spend trying to sell or donate with conditions (where it will go, who will receive it, etc.)? You might need to negotiate prices, coordinate pick-ups, invest in repairs, or even pay for transportation. It's important to weigh these factors against your own time and resources. As I tell my clients, my job is to advocate for you. We need to consider the impact on your project goals as well as on your stress level.
There Are Other Ways You Can Make a Positive Impact
Think about other ways you might help the world with the time you'd spend trying to find just the right person or place to receive an item you no longer need. Could you volunteer at a local charity, help a neighbor, or spend quality time with family? Sometimes, redirecting our efforts can have an even greater positive effect.
We all want to share our surplus and find a good home for things we no longer need, especially when we believe someone else could benefit from them. And doing just that is a BIG part of what my team and I do. But if you are trying to make progress on your own, or the item requires tremendous effort to move, needs additional purchases to be functional, or isn't in full working order, it might make the donation process outweigh its benefits.
If you have the time and resources to overcome these obstacles, that's wonderful! Making that extra effort can be incredibly rewarding. However, sometimes it's okay to let go. It might mean setting the item out for bulk pickup, recycling it, or, if necessary, disposing of it responsibly.
As an environmental enthusiast, I understand the hesitation. I often think about ancient civilizations now reclaimed by nature—entire societies with all their belongings eventually taken back by the earth. It reminds me that letting go is a natural part of life's cycle.
Ultimately, it's about balancing your values, priorities and commitment. Is spending a great deal of time and money trying to sell or give away something that may not be needed or wanted the best use of your resources?
It's something to ponder. Remember, letting go doesn't diminish your desire to help; it simply acknowledges the realities we sometimes face and that's perfectly okay.
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go topinkyjackson.com
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