Organizing... helping a city dweller?

Question

I have the hardest time throwing out things. My mother and father have imbedded into my head not to waste. I have books, cds, computer stuff, clothes. Until recently it didn't bother me until I got married. I want an apartment that looks like the NYC apartments in Metropolitan Home, but on a low budget. What can i do to prioritize?

Answer 1

1] go thru all clothes - donate, give away, or throw out if too big, too small, too ugly, or has holes. Three piles, plus a keeper pile. Replace keepers in drawer, on hanger, in shoe rack, or on divided closet shelves
2] go thru books - donate all duplicates, textbooks, any thing you won't read again. You can save children's books if you plan to use them for your children
3] CDs - ditto
4] computer games, programs - ditto
5] buy bookcases or shelves that go well together, for books,
CDs, computer stuff even if not in same room. Every time you move, stuff gets re-arranged, so its nice to keep coordinated so they can go in LR, FR, study, a bedroom.
6] don't buy anything unless you throw something else out [ or donate it ]. Be rigid about colors, styles YOU/SPOUSE like, so you don't wind up with more yard sale items.
7] ask people to give you gift certificates at
Christmas/birthdays to your favorite furniture/accessory/hardware store.

Answer 2

EBAY!! Sell anything u can. If u are not familiar with this website, u need to be. It is very easy to open an account. U can sell any text books and CD's without a posting fee on ebayhalf.com

CRAIGSLIST: get rid of that furniture that u dont use!!!! Trust me, it will clear up space for u to buy or do exactly what u need.

Last but not least: GET RID OF THE DUST COLLECTORS! All those worthless figurines and decorations that nobody ever looks at and u waste ur time dusting.

Fresh Start: Take EVERYTHING off your walls. Decide what mood/theme u want in the room. Then hang only the objects that apply. Get rid of the rest by selling, donating, or throwing away.

LESS IS MORE: When u do NOT have many things, everything really stands out and catches the attention of the view. For example, if u have a million photots or pictures on a wall, not all will be looked at. If u have just one, it will really stand out and make a statement.

Answer 3

You have already been given great advice. I would like to add that you are not wasting things when you donate them or give them to someone who can use them. It is wasteful to have things sitting around that aren't doing anyone any good. Things that are not in good enough shape to be used by anyone should be thrown away. They are wasting precious space.

If there is something you are keeping to remember something special in your life - take a photo of it. That will take up a lot less room.

I know how hard it is to ignore the voice of your parents (I mean the one in your head.) but you have to think what is best for you.