A copywriter friend recently shared a story with me regarding his sister’s efforts to declutter—more like de-stuff—her home. While I hear stories like this all the time, my friend’s included the use of a few apps to jumpstart her efforts.
Now, my friend describes his sister as a few notches up from a hoarder. Still, she had a lot of stuff. With her and her husband planning on downsizing in the near future, something had to change.
Among her clutter was a book collection gathering dust on bookshelves and/or sitting boxes with no sign of going anywhere. Until she discovered these apps:
• SellBackYourBook
• Decluttr
• Ziffit
In addition to selling her books on those apps, she also found success on Facebook Marketplace, particularly when she offered free shipping. There was a particular interest in complete sets of books. For example, she sold a set of Nora Roberts books and some James Patterson sets. Readers tend to like certain authors and having an entire set of somebody is very desirable.
The same can be said for DVDs: e.g., James Bond, the Bourne movies, etc.
My copywriter friend went on to tell me how much of an impact getting things out of his sister’s house has made.
“Sure, she’s made a little bit of money selling her books,” he said. “The real benefit has been emotional. There’s a bounce in her step an excitement even and it’s made her want to get rid of more things.”
Precisely.
Just as buying items can be addictive, so can removing items. Yet the upside goes so far beyond immediate gratification.
First, there’s a monetary benefit with a dramatic reduction of money being spent on items you don’t really need.
Then there’s a space consideration. You’re making space in your home that you can either leave unfilled or put in its place an item you cherish.
Back to my friend’s sister, there’s the emotional lift. It’s very similar to losing weight. If you have ever changed your diet and attempted to be healthier and lost a few pounds, you just feel different. Removing clutter can have a similar effect.
If you would like that feeling, particularly before the holidays before you begin welcoming guests in your home, give me a call at 508-246-6120 or drop a line.
