Am I the only one that gets excited when you drive toward a house jam-packed with treasures on the front lawn? I think it’s the anticipation of what you may find. Maybe there will be an item that you’ve been searching for years to find. Or possibly you will find the perfect gift for someone special. Perhaps, you will find lots of great deals that you don’t need but it’s such a great price that you can’t pass it up.
As you gather those treasures that are priced for a quick sale, I need for you to consider a few things:
Would you buy it if it was full price?
Are the items that you picked out so fabulous or needed that you would buy it for full price? If you would buy it at full price, it’s an indication that the treasure is either necessary or really special. If it’s in your budget, take it home and enjoy. On the contrary, if you wouldn’t consider buying it at full price, rethink your decision. Although an item is on sale, doesn’t equate to you saving money. If you don’t get any use out of it or it clutters your space, it’s money wasted - not saved.
Where are you going to put it?
Ideally, everything in your home should have a “home” - a place to be showcased or utilized. Typically, “a home” does not equate to the nearest surface area, empty space in the corner or wherever you can cram it.
If you really like an item but don’t have anywhere to put it, try this. Instead of displaying numerous treasures in your living space at one time, rotate them around. Every season you can swap out pictures, trinkets, floral arrangements and other special items. If you have too much displayed at one time, it’s nearly impossible to appreciate what you have.
The goal of most people is to have a safe, calming and peaceful home environment. Clutter (items without home) can not only be visually overwhelming but a potential fall hazard.
Do you already have one?
Have you noticed that we tend to gravitate toward the same type of items; i.e. patterns, colors, styles. Have you ever purchased a dress or a pair of shoes and realized that you already had something that was really similar or even identical. Be aware of what you already have at home before you purchase new items.
Does it actually work?
Typically, treasures that are found at yard sales do not have warranties or guarantees. No matter how fantastic the price, if it doesn’t work - your money is wasted. Consider the repair costs of electronics that do not work appropriately. Is it actually worth the money, time and effort to bring it to working condition? Determine if the item is a treasure to be savored or a piece of junk to clutter your space.
Consider having a stash of batteries in your car to test battery-operated toys. This will save you money and frustration later. Don’t be uncomfortable to ask the seller to plug in electronics to confirm that they are in working order.
Will it be part of your collection?
What is the goal of having a collection? Typically, the goal of a collection is to gather as many of a particular item that you can. Gathering is different from discriminately obtaining specific items that are special or make you feel good. Collections can take over your entire space. It can make your space feel cramped, cluttered and creepy. A hobby that was initially cute pieces can turn into a warehouse of unflattering stuff.
Set clear boundaries if you have collections. Determine how many elephant, clown, frog or pig figurines you can keep in your space to promote feelings of calmness and relaxation. Identify a specific number of items that you can live with. Or, identify one area that could house your collection. If your collection spills into other areas, strongly consider purging.
Be blunt. When friends become aware of your collection, don’t be surprised by the massive amounts of trinkets that you will receive on holidays and birthdays. Do not allow others to cause your special haven to become a “collectable” store.
For more tips on streamlining your space, visit us online at http://www.messless.net or call us at (804)399-MESS.
