Operation House Purge

Book Purge

Housepurge — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:34:11 GMT

There are so many ways to purge the books in your house.

If you are hoping to get money for them, I recommend taking them to a used bookstore. Do your homework - some stores offer cash, and some only offer store credit. The store credit is usually double what you would get from them in cash, but sometimes purging a box of books, only to come home with a new box of books, defeats the purpose. Keep in mind that a used bookstore only has space to store a certain amount of books, as well, so they likely will only take a small portion of what you want them to take.

There are also Web sites that allow you to sell your books to used bookstores. I've used www.cash4books.net. You enter the ISBN numbers of all the books you want to sell, then their Web site tells you which books they will buy, and for what price. Then, you ship the books to them, and they deposit the amount for the books, plus shipping, into your PayPal account.

If you don't need to get money for your books, donating is the best idea. Donating books that are in good condition to the Estes Park Public Library could put some of your books into circulation, and the remainder will be put in the Friends of the Library Book Sale, August 1, 2 and 3. The money from the sale goes toward supporting the library and its programs and services. Please make sure books are in good condition. There are some limitations on what they will accept, too, such as no computer or stock market books older than five years.

To maintain the purged status of your books, there's a fun Web site dedicated to passing books along when you're finished reading them. BookCrossing.com allows you to "set a good book free" by taking that book, writing a Book Crossing ID number on the inside cover, along with an explanation about what Book Crossing is, and then leaving the book for the taking at a coffee shop, waiting room, or any other appropriate place. The person who takes the book from where you leave it then goes to the Web site, enters in the book's ID number, and writes a little about who and where they are. They leave the book for someone else to take when they're finished with it, and through the Web site you can watch your book travel the world.

For the crafty type, here are some awesome book recycling ideas, as compiled by StudentHacks.org:

Hide stuff in your hollowed out book.
Read tips on how to hollow books with a ruler, pen, box cutter, and Elmer's white glue.
Make Book Bookends.
Learn how to turn an old textbook into a bookend.
Create an invisible book shelf.
Learn how to stack books on your wall without any shelves.
Turn a book into a clock.
If you have a book cover you really like, learn how to turn it into a clock.
Make a lamp shade out of a book.
Easy way to convert a book into a lamp shade.
Turn a book into an iPod case.
Go ahead and stick your headphones into that book. I'm not kidding.
Make table legs out of books.
Any English Major or grad student has probably countless books stashed in their bookshelves or closet. Learn how to make a table out of books.
Make a Lift-the-Flap Book for Toddlers
Kids love board books -- especially lift-the-flap books. Learn how to make one as a creative gift for that next baby shower or birthday party.
Trade your old books for new books. There are a variety of websites that let you trade books. Check out bookmooch.com, paperbackswap.com, and bookins.com
Set a good book free with BookCrossing.com
Over 680,000 people in over 130 countries have decided to let a favorite book go free. You simply register your book - leave it at a favorite coffee shop or wherever - and track its progress. Learn more at BookCrossing.com.

And, here are a few more crafty ways to recycle books that I found:

Freecycle

Housepurge — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:53:02 GMT

When you have items of value that you want to sell, there are outlets for that. When you have items of value that you don't want to sell, we have a few great charity thrift stores in town. But, what are you supposed to do with all of the stuff that you purge that is not of perceived value... like that tube of hair gel you never ended up needing?

That is where Freecycle comes in handy.

Freecycle is a non-profit organization that started in 2004. It was founded on the principal that one man's junk is another man's treasure. Their mission is "to build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources & eases the burden on our landfills while enabling our members to benefit from the strength of a larger community," and their motto is, "Changing the world one gift at a time."

Freecycle is a network that allows you to give, take and request items for free. This is done through an e-mail list, with each participating city having its own list. Nearby, there are lists for Longmont, Boulder, Loveland and Fort Collins.

When you have something to offer on Freecycle, such as a box of miscellaneous bathroom and beauty supplies, you would post an e-mail with "OFFER: Box of bathroom goodies - Estes Park" as the subject. It's good to let people know in the subject that you're in Estes Park, because for most people, a box of bathroom "junk" is not going to be worth the drive. In the body of the message you can then elaborate on what's in the box. If you're willing to meet someone to pass off the goods next time you're in the valley, you'll want to make note of that in the body of the e-mail.

Next, you will receive e-mails from people interested in your item. You can choose to give it to whoever you want - the first person to contact you, the person with the best story, the person willing to make the drive up, the person appearing most in need, the person with the best grammar - whatever! You then reply and tell them it's theirs. You arrange a pickup time and place. You send an e-mail through the Freecycle network with the subject line of "PROMISED: Box of bathroom goodies". This will keep any future people who might be interested from contacting you.

After the person you promised the box to picks it up, they post a message with the subject, "RECEIVED: Box of bathroom goodies". This tells the list that you were good on your word. Now someone who actually wants and can use your "junk" has it, and it is no longer junk.

The other type of message you can post to the Freecycle Network is "WANTED:" You'd be surprised what people may be willing to give you for free, just because it's taking up space in their house. I often see "WANTED" messages that remind me of something I own, don't use and have forgotten about. Something I need to purge anyway. Clearly this person needs and wants it more than I do!

As an example... no really, not a hint, just an example: A week ago I posted, "WANTED: Scrap lumber for building treehouse." I then put in the body of the message that I have three really great, wonderful little boys who want more than anything to have a treehouse in the backyard. I also mention that if ANYONE has ANY scrap lumber that they want cleaned up out of their yard, to e-mail me at kristenco@yahoo.com and I will come take it off your - I mean their - hands! See how nice that works? Like I said... just an example. Unless, of course, you have lumber I can take off your hands, then this was actually a hint.

Freecycle was set up in the spirit of giving, so before you can post a "WANTED" message, you have to post an "OFFER" message. Also, in the spirit of giving, everything you offer has to be "no strings attached". You can't ask for money, a trade, favors or anything else.

I really think Freecycle is a brilliant program. It encourages people to give, share, and take care of each other in the community. I'm sure it's really helped out a lot of people. Of course, I do have my friend, Amy, who, a year later, is still regretting the Guinea Pigs she compulsively got off Freecycle. But I also know of organizations that have gotten laptops and desks there, too. Also keep in mind that as of November 2008, all of your Freecycle donations are tax-deductible.

I always thought it would be great to have our own Freecycle group for the Estes Valley. If anyone out there has an hour or so per week to dedicate to moderating such a list, you ought to go to www.Freecycle.org to apply for our own Estes Valley Freecycle group. I know many people in town who use Freecycle down in the valley, and I think a lot more people would use it more regularly if there were no commuting involved.

Don't just reserve Freecycle for your bathroom "junk". As you continue on your house purge, always keep Freecycle in mind. If you're purging something and thinking, "Nobody on earth could possibly want this!" Chances are, someone in town probably does. And, if you have something that you know people would want, it's a treat to see those valuable items pop up on Freecycle, too.

Freecycle Links

Housepurge — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:23:49 GMT

Freecycle Organization:

www.Freecycle.org

Nearby Freecycle lists:

Longmont, CO - 3,168 Members

Boulder, CO - 1,230 Members

Fort Collins, CO - 7,542 Members

Loveland, CO - 2,958 Members

To sign up, simply click on the "Join This Group!" button on the upper righthand side!

Shelf Lives

Housepurge — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:02:21 GMT

The next room in the house I'm working on is the bathroom. There are some interesting rules of thumb regarding the shelf lives and expiration dates of cosmetics and hair products, according to the FDA. Follow these guidelines when purging the bathroom:

- - Bar soap
  - 18 months to 3 years
  - Bath gel, body wash
  - 3 years
  - Bath oil
  - 1 year
  - Body bleaches and depilatories
  - Unopened: 2 years
    Used: 6 months
  - Body lotion
  - 3 years
  - Conditioner
  - 2 to 3 years
  - Deodorant
  - Unopened: 2 years
    Used: 1 to 2 years
    For antiperspirants, see expiration date
  - Eye cream
  - Unopened: 3 years
    Used: 1 year
  - Face lotion
  - With SPF, see expiration date. All others, at least 3 years
  - Foundation, oil-based
  - 2 years
  - Foundation, water-based
  - 3 years
  - Hair gel
  - 2 to 3 years
  - Hair spray
  - 2 to 3 years
  - Lip balm
  - Unopened: 5 years
    Used: 1 to 5 years
  - Lipstick
  - 2 years
  - Mascara
  - Unopened: 2 years
    Used: 3 to 4 months
  - Mouthwash
  - Three years from manufacture date
  - Nail polish
  - 1 year
  - Nail-polish remover
  - Lasts indefinitely
  - Perfume
  - 1 to 2 years
  - Rubbing alcohol
  - At least 3 years
  - Shampoo
  - 2 to 3 years
  - Shaving cream
  - 2 years or more
  - Tooth-whitening strips
  - 13 months
  - Wash'n Dri moist wipes
  - Unopened: 2 years
    Opened: Good until dried out

Excuses, Excuses

Housepurge — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 23:13:35 GMT

Peter Walsh's book, It's All Too Much, sites 10 common excuses that keep the clutter in our house. I use several.

Excuse # 1: "I might need it one day." Unfinished sewing projects. Clothes that don't fit - yet. Toys the youngest child might possibly enjoy in a few years. The bed that will go into the guest room when you get a house that has a guest room. Pete reminds us that we can't possibly know that the future holds, so we hold onto a lot of "just in cases". Pete's bottom line: "Clutter stops us from living in the present."

Excuse # 2: "It's too important to let go." This is where sentimental and family history items fall. Pete says that if it's something important enough to keep, we need to honor it by putting it in a place of distinction. If you don't want to honor it, then find it a new home. I had so much artwork that the kids had brought home from school, that I would simply throw into a box. I took Pete's advice, and decided to honor my favorite pieces and toss the rest. I strung clothesline on a wall in the living room, and my favorites are pinned up with clothespins. It gives the room a lot of personality, and I find myself smiling up at the art several times a day. Pete's bottom line: "Clutter makes us forget what's really important."

Excuse # 3: "I can't get rid of it - it's worth a lot of money." This would be brand new stuff you never used. Or expensive items that need repair. Either fix it already, or purge it! But, hey! It cost you good money to buy that stuff you never use. Pete's bottom line: "Clutter robs us of real value."

Excuse # 4: "My house is too small." Yes, I've tried using this excuse many times on my husband, telling him, "We've outgrown this house. It's not big enough for our family." He reminds me that he, his four siblings and his parents lived in a 1,100 square foot house with only one bathroom. We only have as much space as we have. I love the house we're in, so I need to purge down to the size of our house. Pete's bottom line: "Clutter steals our space."

Excuse # 5: "I don't have the time." Boy, don't I know this excuse. Even though I'm having a really hard time finding the time to do this house purge, and even though my kids are playing a little bit more computer games than I'd ideally like so that I can have time for purging, I really see how it is an investment of time that will benefit the whole family in the long run. Pete's bottom line: "Clutter monopolizes our time."

Excuse # 6: "I don't know how it got like this." This would probably be my mom's excuse. She has clutter problems, too, so I come by them honestly. Clutter really has a way of sneaking up on a person who's not actively keeping it at bay. It's simple math, really. If someone is adding to the contents of their house without ever subtracting, they're going to be buried alive in clutter. Pete's bottom line: "Clutter takes over."

Excuse # 7: "It's not a problem - my spouse just thinks it is." This used to be one of my many excuses. I was raised in clutter, so I'm able to tolerate a lot more of it than my husband is. Pete's bottom line: "Clutter jeopardizes our relationships."

Excuse # 8: "It isn't mine." If you are storing stuff for one of your kids who has moved away from home, or for a friend because your basement's bigger, you can relate to this. If their stuff is so important to them, why is it at your house? Pete's bottom line: "Other people's clutter robs us of opportunities that should be our own."

Excuse # 9: "It's too overwhelming." Amen. Mr. Walsh says that this is the only excuse he has sympathy for. It's true - it can be very overwhelming. That's why I'm taking baby steps with it. I started with my one little closet, and less than a month later I can happily say that the master bedroom's complete. One room down. I'm also so appreciative of the support and advice I've gotten from some readers. It really makes a difference, and distracts me from how overwhelmed I am. Pete's bottom line: "Clutter denies us peace of mind and clutter erodes our spiritual selves."

Excuse # 10: "_______________." Enter your own additional excuse here. I've got several. "I'm too lazy." "It's a collector's item." "My mom bought that for me, and she'd have hurt feelings if I purged it." "That won't be hot on eBay for another nine months, and if I hold onto it until then, I'll make an extra three dollars!"

So, what's your excuse?

The Plan

Housepurge — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:58:45 GMT

We need a plan for the whole house, and a plan for each room. This is how we stay focused on our goal.

I'm going to borrow heavily from author Peter Walsh's book "It's All Too Much". You should certainly support the author and get your own copy of the book. However, I know you are also trying to cut down on the amount of stuff you own... self-help home improvement books included. So, consider some tidbits to be an applied Cliff Notes version of Walsh's fantastic book.

Walsh writes, "Imagine the life you want to live." How Oprah-esque. But, it's true. I am imagining how I want the house to look, what I want its purpose to be, and how I want to feel in the house. This will make purging stuff that doesn't support my vision so much easier.

Walsh gives some great questions to ask yourself of each room. Being Type-A, as I can have a tendency to be on these type of projects, I actually turned the questions into worksheets - One worksheet per room and one set of worksheets for me and one for my husband, Josh. (Josh, once again, accused me of procrastinating by making worksheets. Can he not see how completely productive I'm being? Gee whiz!)

The questions that Walsh recommends asking yourself, worksheets or no worksheets, are:

For the whole house-

Does this house look the way I want it to look?

Does this house feel like a home to me?

How do I feel when I come home to this place?

How do I want to feel when I come home to this place?

How do family members feel when they come home to this place?

How do they want to feel when they come home to this place?

For each room-

How do I feel when I enter this room?

How do I or my family members want to feel when they enter this room?

What is this room's function now?

What is the function I want it to have?

In order to serve its function, what should the room contain in terms of furniture, contents and open space?

I have to say; Josh was such a trooper and filled out all the worksheets. It was very interesting and eye-opening to see how unhappy we both are with how our house is currently set up. It was also interesting to see where we differ about the functions of certain rooms. For example, I see one of the living room's functions as being a play area for the kids. Josh does not. Josh sees the craft room as being a play area for the kids. I do not. I see the foyer as a place to sort and store mail. Josh sees that function belonging to the office. My worksheets, silly as they sound, really gave us the opportunity to talk about things we'd never thought to talk about before. We were able to negotiate and come up with a plan we could both agree on.

Do you envision that your kitchen counter's function is really to pay bills? Great! Then you know to keep envelopes, pens and stamps in your kitchen, and you can purge them from your office. But, if you envision that it's a function for your office, you can get purge or move all of the bill-paying stuff that's in your kitchen. Easy as that.

Or, in my case, do clean clothes belong on the folding table in the laundry room, or do they belong folded up in the dresser drawers? While the answer seems obvious, sometimes I need a plan and a vision to kick-start my motivation. My laundry room's function is not to store clean clothes.

Start working on your plan with your family. And, if you aren't feeling Type-A enough to make worksheets, let me know- you can borrow mine.

T-Shirts

Housepurge — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 02:22:09 GMT

Today I cleaned out my dresser.

I have, over the years, accumulated SO many t-shirts it's mind-boggling. And I know why....

I'm sentimental.

T-shirts essentially commemorate every happy memory. Every trip taken. Every concert seen. Every job had. Every club joined. Every musical acted in. Every race ran. Every charity donated to. Every wild sorority party attended. My life can be summed up in my overstuffed, oozing-onto-the-floor t-shirt drawer.

No longer.

Many of these t-shirts I haven't warn in years, and never will again. But, looking at the shirt brings back a rush of memories and feelings I'm not ready to part with. I almost feel like getting rid of the shirt will make me lose the memories.

So, I'm making a t-shirt quilt. Those special t-shirts will make up the blocks of a quilt. The quilt will not be that pretty, but it will be soft jersey cotton. And it will be very special to me - and no one else.

I also saved fabric from other very special articles of clothing that I can use for borders - my high school choir dress, my favorite flannel from the Nirvana-grunge days, my Esleep PJ pants that were "so cool" in Junior High, a hospital gown from when Aaron was born...

I was able to take my "sentimental shirts" and just cut off the front design, and throw the rest of the shirt into my "Textiles to be Recycled" bag. Now, my t-shirt drawer is down to 5 t-shirts, 4 long-sleeve t-shirts, and a small pile of "special" quilt blocks.

What to do with Purged Clothes

Housepurge — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:45:40 GMT

So, what are you supposed to do with all of the clothes that you purge? You should probably donate them. I hate to tell you, but there's not much money to be found in selling used adult clothing. If you can store your purged clothing until spring, you can get a little bit of money for them by having a garage sale. The eBay and online auction market is flooded with used clothes, so forget about that unless it's a spectacular item: something brand new with tags still attached, a technical or specialty item, or a trendy, expensive brand that is like new.

By donating your clothes, you can see that your clothes get into the hands of someone who needs them more than you do. You can also get a receipt that can be used as a tax write-off.

Charities like Goodwill will accept your clothes that are at least in good condition. They have to be clean clothes that you would still wear yourself - no stains, tears, broken zippers or missing buttons. Goodwill is not a trash can. They receive SO many bags of clothes a day, and they don't have room to store all of them. If your clothes aren't suitable to sell, they will just go into a landfill, and we don't want that.

If you have any winter coats, gloves, hats, sweaters or scarves, I highly recommend donating those to a homeless shelter. Those clothes will be put to good use, and put directly into the hands of someone who needs them.

For clothes that can't be used by a thrift shop or charity, please keep those clothes out of the landfill - especially if you've accumulated nearly as much as I have. I hate to think about my ugly, 1980's-style pink blazer spending nearly an eternity in the ground, for all of the other plastic soda bottles and tin green bean cans to point and laugh at.

Recycling clothes is very easy. There are places that specialize in recycling clothes and/or hard-to recycle items. Check out U'SAgain and EcoCycle. These organizations reuse clothes, linens and textiles by sending them to Third World countries, and recycles the clothes that can't be reused by turning them into cloths, rags and insulative fiber.

Topics

Housepurge — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:45:34 GMT

If you're searching for information based on subject, you will find that information on this page. Subjects will range from voluntary simplicity to living with Kid's STUFF to getting through the holidays without accumulating STUFF.

Getting Started

Housepurge — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:29:56 GMT

The first thing I need to do is GET STARTED. This is, undoubtedly, going to be the hardest part. I have been procrastinating on this project since my husband and I first talked seriously about it in June. Right now, I am reading the following books as I get ready for this:

It's All Too Much by Peter Walsh

Simply Organized by Sandra Felton

I'm being real with myself and saying that I'm not going to make much progress on this until AFTER the holidays. I have enough stress right now preparing for the holidays, I'm not going to start this right now to add to that. I know, more procrastination, right? ;-)

So, I'm content with simply "Getting Started" at this point. I'll keep you posted.