Just imagine the time you could save from not having to search through loads of stuff and the money you could make, simply by decluttering.
Now, stop imagining and start planning because on Saturday, October 21, and Sunday, October 22, is your chance to sell pre-loved items and reduce your carbon footprint by taking part in the national Garage Sale Trail.
Over the past 10 years, national ambassador for the Garage Sale Trail and professional organiser, Tanya Lewis, has helped thousands of people reorganise and reduce the number of unused items in their home.
“What I found was people had an attitude of wanting to declutter and simplify their life but they also had an attitude of ‘I’m just going to throw it out’,” she said.
“I came from a background of manufacturing and recycling and I thought, too much energy has been spent on manufacturing and not everything can be recycled – let’s see what we can do and divert this unwanted stuff from landfill.
“As a professional organiser, we see homes inundated with stuff where the homes aren’t functioning. It is adding layers of stress and it is costing a lot of money.”
Ms Lewis offers a few tips to minimise the amount of stuff in your home.
“Be very clear on why you want to declutter and also be very clear on what your treasures are and what is clutter,” she said.
Ms Lewis is a big fan of garage sales for many reasons.
“I love the Garage Sale Trail simply because it can help people declutter their homes, maybe they can make a little bit of money and it’s diverting the waste from landfill,” she said. “But what I really love is that communities are starting to meet communities.
“Either host a garage sale or, on the day, go out and get involved. Download the trail of all the garage sales in your area and do some bargain hunting.”
If you’re trying to sell pre-loved items of your own, Ms Lewis recommends setting up the garage sale with flair.
“Have a bit of fun, a bit of excitement on the day to draw attention to your sale,” she said.
“Be realistic about the prices that you’re going to charge and check out the local op shop to get an idea of prices. Some people expect a lot for their things and they can be quite disappointed.
“If there are things that don’t sell, you have made the decision to remove them from your house. The big tip from a professional organiser, is don’t take them back into the house.
“You either want to donate them if they are quality and if they are good. If they are not, either place them in the recycle or in the rubbish. Don’t take them back into the house because you have already let go of them.”
Details: garagesaletrail.com.au
