EXECUTING

The 4 Piles

Place objects into four piles and ask yourself the following:

1. What do I Save?

2. What do I Sell?

3. What do I Discard? 

4. What do I Donate, recycle, or give to a family member?

Try not to go back and forth between piles once a decision is made. There will be “separation anxiety” but remember this is a time of liberation and/or simplification.

Okay, so even with asking these questions you just can’t get into the swing of things. Here are even tougher questions to ask to keep up your rightsizing momentum.
 

Saving

1. If I take an item do I have a plan to use it?

2. What are my space limitations?

3. Do I have more than one of these items?   Remember - if you’re not going to be entertaining more than six people at a time, don’t bring glasses for twelve.

4. Have I used this item in the last year?  If not it goes. No reprieves.

5. If I decide to keep a particular item, what am I willing to put in one of the other piles as an exchange?

6. What is the worst thing that could happen if I don’t have this item?

7. Do I love it?  Does this item have such special meaning or sentimental value that I cannot imagine my life without it?

8. Is it functional?   Is it durable? If you haven’t fixed a broken item before now, chances are you won’t. Let it go.

Selling

1. Has somebody already offered to buy this item in the past?

2. Was it purchased with an eye towards investment (for instance, a painting)?

3. Is there a market for similar items on eBay?   What’s a good asking price?

4. Is there a local consignment shop?

5. Is there enough (and enough time) for a yard sale?

6. Is there enough for an estate sale?

Discarding

1. When does the trash man come and how much will he take?

2. Where are the nearest (and biggest) dumpsters?

3. What may need to be dealt with as “Hazardous Materials”?

4. Is there enough to rent a “skip”?
 

Donating

1. Has a friend mentioned he/she would really like some item?

2. Has a sibling or relative mentioned he/she would really like some item?

3. Is there a substantial tax break involved?

4. Is it in good enough shape that a charity would take it?

5. Where is the local recycling area?