Company coming to your home for Thanksgiving? Yes? Read on for my novel decluttering idea!
Decluttering can be a deeply rewarding process, especially when we know that the items we're letting go can find new life with someone else. If you’re like me, you may find it hard to discard items that you once used and loved, but no longer need or want. After all, I was raised with a “waste not, want not” mentality. Basically, we never threw away anything.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I’m excited to share a how to lighten your load and make room for what truly matters, all while giving back to those closest to you: hosting your very own “Company Store.”
This idea came to me because I’m hosting my entire, extended family for Thanksgiving. So – why not use the opportunity to “share and pare”! I’ll “pare” down some of my stuff, and “share” with people who will give my stuff a good home. It also makes getting rid of stuff a fun (to the extent possible) and interactive experience.
Just think about it. Imagine setting up a mini-shop in your home for family members to “shop” for free from items you no longer want or need. This approach isn’t just a chance to clear clutter, but also a way to create meaningful connections by passing along cherished (or simply practical) items to family members who could use them.
Why Host a Family “Company Store”?
- Hosting a family store for your gently used items can make decluttering feel less like a chore and more like a joyful gathering. It's a chance to:
- Reduce Waste: Extend the life of items that are still in great condition, saving them from ending up in landfills.
- Save Resources: Avoid unnecessary spending for your loved ones by allowing them to pick up things they may genuinely need.
- Create Memories: Each item comes with its own story. Share those stories with your family members as they find new homes for these items.
How to Set Up Your “Company Store”
Here’s how to prepare for you store and make the setup fun and stress-free.
- Curate Your Collection: As you declutter, set aside items in good condition that someone else may appreciate—a beautiful serving dish, hardly-worn clothes, kids' toys, or even small furniture pieces.
- Organize and Display: Use a spare room, garage, or even an organized corner in a main living area to set up your “store.” Lay out items so they’re easy to browse, grouping similar items together and labeling as needed.
- Add a Personal Touch: If you’re parting with sentimental pieces, consider adding a note about the item’s history or significance—it’s a great way to honor the item's past while welcoming it into a new chapter.
Enjoy the Process and Let Go Gracefully
- Invite your family to explore, pick what they love, and even swap stories and ideas. It’s a relaxed way to ensure your things go to people who truly want or need them.
- Giving items away to people who might genuinely appreciate them reduces the guilt often associated with discarding things.
- While this idea is not in my plans, you could encourage family members to bring their own items they wish to give away, making it a collective decluttering effort.
- Make a decision ahead of time to get rid of everything that doesn’t “sell” from your store. Once everyone has had a chance to shop, anything that remains can be easily boxed up and either donated or recycled.
Embrace the Benefits Beyond Decluttering
The Company Store approach brings unique benefits to both you and your family. It lets you:
- Clear Clutter with Purpose: Knowing your items will be useful to loved ones can make the letting-go process much easier.
- Organize for the Future: As you declutter, you’ll find it simpler to organize the items you choose to keep.
- Preserve Your Legacy: Rather than holding onto objects, you’re able to pass along pieces that reflect family stories and shared experiences.
Why don’t you consider hosting a Company Store as a new holiday tradition that combines gratitude, generosity, and the joy of simplifying your life?
This Thanksgiving, give yourself the gift of a lighter, more organized home and the joy of sharing that with the people you care about most. Afterward, take a moment to appreciate how much you've decluttered and how many useful items have found new homes.
Happy decluttering!
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I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, go to my website – https://HERLifehacks.com, and pick up my free copy of HER Heritage HOMEwork Checklist. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our July through September focus on LIFESTYLE!