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How Do you Know You're Ready to Let Go?
Our handy questions will help you get started
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Fall is a great time of year to get organized. And as our very own organizer and friend Catherine reminded us this week,
"The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go."
Letting go can require great personal strength. This could be the strength to get out of an old, toxic relationship, the strength to leave a beloved home, or even a belief about the world or your place in it.
As organizers, we help people to let go of objects that prevent them from living the simpler life they yearn for.
Of course, the process of letting go of our stuff requires us to make some personal decisions. It helps to have a formula to follow; a set of guidelines to make the decision
based on fact rather than emotion (this is why working with a pro organizer is so helpful - we are trained to help you do that).
If you don't have an organizer in the room with you as you declutter, you can still follow some guidelines to help you make decisions. These are based on the idea of asking yourself
specific, fact-based questions to find the answer. They may not all work for everyone, but if you make a solid effort to answer the questions, it will give you a place to work from.
- If I were shopping right now, would I buy this again?
- Would I keep this if I moved?
- Do I own anything else that performs just as well but has more uses?
- Did I use this in the last year?
- Is the cost of the item the only reason I am keeping it?
- Is having the item worth the space it takes up in my life and the time to clean and organize it?
If you answer all of these questions and STILL want to keep the item, go for it! If you're still not sure after answering the questions, put the items unsure about in a box, labeled "open in six months." If, in six months, you've forgotten what's in the box, donate it all without question.
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Local Resources and Events
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Bike Donation
Bikes Period, Portland, OR
Bikes Period
is a local non-profit group
made up of high school juniors and seniors in Portland, Oregon.
Their goal is to help the children and young adults of Nicaragua gain access to education by providing them with used bikes, which they can use for transport to and from school. They accept bikes in all conditions and will provide you with a tax-deductible donation receipt. They will even pick your bike up for you (though drop-offs are appreciated as well).
They have a goal of 450 bikes this year, and so far they have 300. Please help them reach their goal by donating an old, unused bike that is collecting dust in your garage!
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Find a Recycler
Metro Portland
Did you know that Metro has a "find a recycler" tool on their website?
If you are not sure whether an item can be recycled, this is a great way to find out. Simply type in your zip code and the item you want to recycle. Their system will tell you if it can be deposited at the curbside, or provide suggestions for where it can be taken (if any). They also provide a list of donation locations if they apply.
Check out Metro's Recycling Tool Here
You can also check out the
Recycling and
Donation resource pages on the Organizers NW website for more suggestions.
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Local Resources and Events
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Tigard Senior Expo
Friday, October 5th
The Tigard Senior EXPO (formerly the King City EXPO) is a wonderful opportunity for the public to learn about senior living services, including disability, aging and veteran services in the King City and Tigard area.
Attendees to the Expo will receive a free catered lunch and a tote bag to collect information and giveaways from more than 75 vendor tables. Professional piano players will provide entertainment, and the EXPO will include a number of other fun activities.
Organizers Northwest will have a booth set up at the event. Come on down and say hello! This is a great opportunity to talk to a professional organizer and ask us your questions.
Date: Friday, October 5th
Time: 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Calvin Prespeterian Church, 10445 SW Canterbury Lane, Tigard
If you have questions about the event, contact Kathy at 503-530-8888
The Bonaventure of Tigard has volunteered to give rides to Summerfield and King City residents to the
EXPO
. Signs have been posted at both clubhouses to call the Bonaventure if someone needs a ride to the event.
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Lake Oswego Wine Walk
Saturday, October 6th
Organizers Northwest is proud to be a sponsor of this year's Lake Oswego Wine Walk!
Taste wines, enjoy food samples, hear music, see some wonderful local art in lovely Lake Oswego.
You'll start the walk by checking in at the chamber office to grab your wine glass. Then, stroll through Downtown LO, visiting 25+ local businesses and have a blast! This event is a super fun way to support local businesses and learn about the community.
Date: Saturday, October 6th 2018
Time: 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Location: Start off at the chamber office,
459 Third Street, Lake Oswego
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