Clean-Up, Clean-Out and Learn to Live With Less in the New Year

It’s the beginning of a new year, the time when we all get a fresh slate and extra burst of motivation for change and new beginnings. What better way to cleanse your house and your soul than starting the year off with a great decluttering? So get your boxes and bags, along with my suggestions, and get to work! You’ll feel so much better with fewer things filling up your home or distracting your attention. Here are some tips to get you moving in the right direction:

· Donate, donate, donate – It’s a new year and a great way to be charitable right from the start. Donations of goods to charities are tax deductible, and donating is a good way to give back to your community while you declutter your home. Clearly this is a win-win for all. If you have items that are in good or workable condition, find the right charity and donate them. Consider making donations to the Habitat for Humanity Restore facility at its new location, 10159 Hastings Drive in Manassas! They are currently accepting donations Monday – Friday from 9-6pm and Saturday’s from 9-5pm. Habitat accepts houseware, appliances and recycled construction material, to include old cabinets, countertops, ceiling fans, faucets and more! The grand opening for the retail store is scheduled for January 23, 2016 from 9-5pm with a ribbon cutting ceremony, food and special entertainment. For further details you can call 703-369-6145 or visit www.HabitatTWC.org. The Salvation Army in Manassas is another great organization that accepts donations. Located at 11201 Ball Ford Rd., donations are taken Monday – Saturday 8am – 6pm and Sundays 11- 6pm. For additional information call 703-686-4607.

· If you don’t use it, get rid of it – Trinkets from vacations past are only collecting dust and taking up space in your home, and old school projects have seen better days. Once you decide to let those items go, you will feel better and have more space for storage.

· Don’t forget to keep your house safe by getting rid of hazardous material – Old paint cans can really stack up (literally), and dangerous fertilizer bags aren’t safe to have sitting around. The Prince William County landfill, located at 13000 Ballsford Rd., will accept hazardous waste material, electronics, and selected chemicals on the second Saturday of every month from 10am-3pm. The larger landfill located at 14811 Dumfries Rd., takes everything!

· Make a little extra cash – After the holiday season of gift giving, a lot of our bank accounts may be low. What better way to make a little extra cash than to sell unwanted or unused items online? You could use an auction site like eBay for smaller, easier to ship items. For furniture and other large items that are still in good condition, you can sell them on Craig’s List. You can also sell your items at a local consignment shop.

· Use social media – Give items away for free! You can post your items on social media such as Craig’s List without the hassle of hauling it to a donation center! Just get the unwanted stationary bike or desk to the curb or garage and your job is done.

· Save time and organize – Once you have decluttered your home, organize your remaining items so that you have a system for keeping your home tidy. If there’s a place for everything, day-to-day cleaning won’t take so long. With fewer items lying around your house you can devote that extra time to a new hobby, an extra workout or spending more quality time with your family! Did you know? Decluttering is also the first step in preparing to sell a home.

If house selling is on your agenda for 2016, please know that we offer home improvement recommendations and free professional home staging with every listing. Contact us today to learn how to make the sale of your house quicker and more profitable with our help. Contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today for information.

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