The concept of spring cleaning and a house clean-outcan be exciting and daunting at the same time. While you may be excited about all the newfound space you’ll have, you might be nervous about the amount of junk that piled up over the years.
If you don’t know what to do with all the ‘junk’, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should keep, toss, and donate during a house clean-out:
What to keep
Important documents
It’s important to keep documents like tax returns, birth certificates, school records and transcripts, and important receipts. For your tax records, supporting documents such as bank statements, cancelled checks, credit card receipts and statements, and all other receipts and official information on income, losses, and deductions should also be kept. To avoid a leaning tower of paper, file them neatly and store in a drawer or filing cabinet.
Classic clothing
There are a few clothing items that will never go out of style: a great pencil skirt, a tailored suit, well-fitted denim jeans, and the like. You also might want to keep vintage pieces and designer brands (which could retain some resale value).
Family photos and valuable heirlooms
By valuable heirlooms we don’t mean your grandfather’s tattered wooden chair, but something of monetary (or sentimental) value – like a pocket watch or your grandma’s engagement ring. Family photos are definitely something you should treasure. In the years to come, you’ll love looking back at old photos, and you can pass them down from generation to generation. Make sure to place all your photos in an album and back them up digitally.
What to donate
Old clothes and bags
Any piece of clothing, bag, or pair of shoes you haven’t worn in the past 12 to 18 months needs to go. Clothes are a major cluttering source, and can take up so much unnecessary space in your closet. Check your local charity or Salvation Army for specific drop off days, times, and article restrictions.
Old computers and electronics
Make sure the electrical equipment is functional and reusable – so maybe it’s time to toss your father’s broken Commodore 64 computer. It’s always best to check with your local organization to see what their requirements are. If your electronics are beyond repair, it’s important to recycle or dispose of them properly.
Books and toys
Unless it’s a classic or your favourite book, there’s no need to keep books you have no use for. If you don’t plan on reading it again, donate it to someone who hasn’t read it. Sort through your favorite books, then donate the rest to your local library, charity or shelter. If your kid’s toys are in good condition, donate them to a children’s hospital or an orphanage.
What to recycle
Old magazines and newspapers
Hovering stacks of newspapers and magazines shouldn’t be a feature in anyone’s home. Instead of dumping it in the trash, send it to your local recycling facility. Waste that isn’t recycled end up in landfills, which isn’t good for the environment.
Furniture and appliances
Did you know you can recycle furniture and appliances? Furniture is more often reused than recycled, but some companies break down old furniture and turn them into other products. The main types of appliances that are recycled are televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and computers.
When you’re busy with a house clean-out, you want to get rid of as much junk as possible. Sorting through all your junk and disposing of it can be quite a laborious and time-consuming task – that’s why you should hire a professional. Junk King is equipped with the experience and tools to dispose of all your junk in a professional and eco-friendly manner. Not only do we recycle everything we can, we donate, repurpose, and reuse everything from clothing, toys, baby cribs, and strollers, to office furniture and supplies – so you don’t have to worry about it.
Contact us for your next house clean-out, and download our helpful guide for more information on junk removal.
