There’s something in the air—the longer days, the chirping of the birds, and that incessant feeling when I look around my home that it’s time to get rid of stuff.

In the past few years, it’s become both practical and incredibly hip to jump on the bandwagon to shape up and ship out the things we really don’t need. While it’s easy to get swept away with the spirit of spring cleaning, the actual process of getting rid of that stuff isn’t always straightforward.

I’ve had my own false starts, but I’ve also found some tools to keep my best intentions on track.

Obstacle #1: Purging paralysis.

Call it sentimentality, or maybe straight-up stubbornness, but the moment I realize I’m not using an item triggers an intense resolve to finally make use of it.

‘Of course I need this fondue pot!’
‘Yes!’, I shout, ‘This will be the summer of dresses!’

Inspired by the live-with-less super-duo, The Minimalists, I now do a mini-version of their “Packing Party” every season. Instead of parting ways, I pack everything I might not need in a box.

Instead of parting ways, I pack everything I might not need in a box.

If I need it, I unpack it, and put it back on the shelf, in the drawer or hang it in the closet. If it’s still in the box next season, out it goes. No regrets.

Obstacle #2: Selling your unused and outgrown stuff.

How many of us have day dreamt about that superwoman moment—spotless home and cash in our pocket? Oh yes, we can clean. And watch us clean up.

Reality check: I have a box of stuff “to sell” blocking my front hall, and am ready to give away the whole thing to anyone who will just get it out of my way.

Enter VarageSale, the online community designed by a mom, for people like me who feel hesitant about buying and selling anonymously. Besides being safer and smoother to buy and sell with moms in my neighbourhood, I can manage the whole process right from my phone with the free VarageSale app.

Besides being safer and smoother to buy and sell with moms in my neighbourhood, I can manage the whole process right from my phone with the free VarageSale app.

And of course, browse what my neighbours are selling for a steal. Because now that the fondue pot is out, I’ve got the room and cash for that immersion blender I could really use.

Earn 50 extra entries and a chance to win our $1,000 monthly PLN Draw when you join VarageSale in Canada’s Luckiest Baby.

Join Now

VarageSale is a buy and sell community to help you meet great people, make extra money and find secondhand items at a fraction of the retail price. Join a local community to buy and sell with real people you can trust, and know that their awesome admins are keeping everything mom-approved.