Do you really need it - Will you ever use it again? Is it junk?
Posted by Andy Greider on Wed, Apr 13, 2011 @ 12:34 PM
As a junk removal company, we often are asked to pick up items, and when we arrive, we find the client has both the items they called about, plus another few that they are unsure of if they want to get rid of or not? So, we've come up with a few suggestions that might help you decide before you keep things you don't need - or toss something you'll regret - it comes down to asking yourself those ever helpful questions of when, why, who, what - and a new one - will?
1. When was the last time I used it?
Have you used this in the past 12 months. If you haven’t, it’s likely it’ll be that long again, at least, until you think about using it, much less follow through. Your living space is too valuable to clutter it up with things you may think about once in a blue moon. That said, if something means a lot to you – take a picture of it, then donate it or get rid of it.
2. Will I ever need this again?
This is the point at which the disco ball from college - and the bedframe from your second cousin’s bed that you thought might be good in the guest room when the other frame dies – and the bench seat from the VW Bus you wanted to buy someday and restore – all can take refuge in the hands of your junk removal company for better repurposing.
3. When would I need it?
“I might need it someday” should not be your evaluation tool! If keeping something will actually HELP you – and you can point to specific instances - then it is ok to do so. If not, then it’s time to get it out of here!
4. Why would I need it?
A good rule to measure by is to only keep an item only if it is, “beautiful, unique, very useful, or passionately loved”. Otherwise, it is just taking up space. Then the next question – will you fix it and make it useful or beautiful again? Is it truly unique or loved – and would a picture suffice for memory-keeping sake?
5. Who would ask me for it?
Most of the time when someone gives you something, it isn’t so they can ‘see it’ the next time they come to visit (unless they are Bilbo Baggins asking for his ring….) While hanging onto paperwork for the IRS or legal matters is important, most other items do NOT rank well enough to keep. Storing a couch your parents left you because you don’t want to disrespect them, is not a sign of being courteous. It is, however, hanging onto junk you don’t need.
6. Will the world end if I get rid of this item/these items?
Try to picture the worst thing that could happen if you got rid of this item/items. Seriously? Let your worst fears out. We’ll bet the “worst possible outcome” is not too awful. It almost never is.
So, when you’re ready – with all the items that didn’t pass the “keep or toss” test above – give us a call at 770-314-9867 – and we’ll get you a free estimate on your items.