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Why I need a decluttering station

Right now I'm focusing on a new challenge: to get the garage cleaned out and sell some stuff on marketplace. Last year my dad came to visit and brought a beautiful 'new' table, one that my family had used as a dinner table when I was a teenager. Made by Mennonite craftsmen, the ingenuity of the pull-apart mechanism and the hidden leaves is exquisite. My dad had painstakingly refinished the four chairs, so the set is also a reminder of his handiwork. Although we loved our square breakfast nook table, now we can actually welcome more dinner and anytime guests. 

So what to do with the old table? I thought about selling it, decided to keep it for one main reason: The sticky issue of cleaning out the garage. As I mentioned in the new challenge post, I would like to clear out the half of the garage occupied by boxes, totes, and other items so that both vehicles can fit inside (and we can get rid of stuff we have now dragged through two moves!). 

The dilemma was being able to take some items out to take pictures (if selling) and boxing them up if donating. I thought about spreading a tarp on the floor of the garage, but knew this would soon get messy and stuff would be in the way more than it already is. 

After placing the table and covering it with an old curtain and a plastic sheet, I am now able to take items out as needed and take pictures and/or box them up. Donation boxes fit nicely underneath the table until the next pickup. 

Yesterday I finally took the plunge and posted several items on my neighborhood's facebook page, and ended up with $28 in my pocket. More on that later, but for now I am so glad I set this up to make this big project just a little easier. What about you? Have you ever made a designated place to sort items to declutter before they left your home? How did it work out? 

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  1. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2023 at 3:54 PM

    This is a brilliant idea! And I love how you describe the beautiful table from your youth.

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    Replies
    1. RenataJanuary 13, 2023 at 2:17 PM

      Thank you very much. The table is special to me, and I was glad to give it new life after it sat in the basement of my parents' new home for over ten years.

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