Learn about the queen of spices and how you can support efforts by Heifer Intl to raise its farmers out of poverty; peek inside a $20k home designed by Rural Studio; get an online tool that helps you determine the dollar value of your stuff; listen to my top picks for music guaranteed to put a wiggle in your clearing out tasks … and more. View Clear Ways to A Better World – February 2016. Enjoy!
STUFF-ication
ACP In the News
Prompted by next week’s workshop, Saying YES To Less (hosted by the Tualatin Public Library), the local Times did a nice feature on ACP. After the interview, I asked the reporter if he personally had experienced any issues with stuff. A young guy who recently went through a move, he admitted being surprised at how much he had accumulated in a short time and in finding things stored away that he had forgotten about. Yep. That’s a common tale. Dealing with stuff has no generation boundaries. It can get to the best of us … and bring out the worst in anyone. I love sharing the how to’s of getting and staying clear and the immediate relief it can bring to any space. And there’s no time like the present to start! Read the Times.
STUFF-ication Relief
Make this the year to get clear! A Clear Place offers an entertaining and informative presentation using a unique “no blame/no shame” approach. Say YES To Less is a two hour workshop building on the concepts first presented in STUFF-ication in 2010. It’s perfect for brown bag lunches at the office, community groups or neighborhood meetings. Click here to read more about the workshop. Click here to learn about private consultation options.
Furniture Bank Creates Win-Win
Getting rid of stuff is just one piece of the downsizing puzzle. There are many other components including where, how, what and who gets the items you are letting go of. Community Warehouse has been on my Resources Page for years as one of the best places to donate household goods and there are lots of reasons why. Their mission of “redistributing donated furniture and household goods to neighbors in need” continues to grow in demand along with the number of working class poor. The nonprofit is one of the few places that accepts mattress donations (no kings/always in need of twins), drop off is open 7 days a week AND they offer pick up service ($30 nominal fee).
I recently toured their newer Tualatin location and was impressed by its organized and efficient operation as well as the welcoming staff. Like its parent location in NE Portland, the warehouse is divided into two sections. The largest area contains about 90% of the donations and it’s where clients are outfitted with everything from linens and a set of cookware to dining chairs and a sofa. Their Estate Store sells select items at great prices to benefit the mission. It’s open to the public 7 days a week. CW networks with over 200 agencies between Portland and Corvalis and in 2014 helped over 7,000 neighbors in need. AND kept 550+ tons of stuff out of landfills. Now that’s a WIN-WIN!
Visit Community Warehouse to learn more about scheduling a pick up, location hours and items most needed. How you let go of your stuff matters. Contact me if you need guidance. As always, thanks for being mindful of where things go … and for doing your part in making our Earth a lighter place!
TIP: Not in the PDX corridor? Use the nationwide donate/recycle guide at Earth 911 (another favorite from my Resources Page). Just put in your zip code and up pops a list of who in your area accepts what you what to donate. Easy!
Repurpose Your Wine Tote – Tip #1
You don’t have to be a wine drinker to appreciate those cute tote bags. Everyone from Trader Joe’s to Fred Meyer offers bottle carrier bags in a variety of materials and patterns. I find the pocketed totes perfect for storing/transporting any number of things. First tip: shoes. These make for great portable shoe bags. Holds three pairs with each shoe getting its own pocket. For optimum protection, place clean shoe heel in first with sole facing out. Works best with low heels/flats/sandals. Tote fits easily into a closet for storage or in the back seat of your car for travel. Eco note: Whether they are poly or jute, reusable bags only help the environment if they are reUSED a lot. Be sure you get the most mileage from yours by thinking creatively and acting resourcefully. Thank you for helping to make the earth a clearer place.
New Review for Wisdom Cards
This just in from a new customer in North Carolina. So lovely to know that the Wisdom Cards are shining their light near and far! “There are so many things to love about this deck. There is a combination of inspiration and practicality which I think is fantastic. I love that the cards are their own guidebook. One side displays a beautiful photograph, title and keyword, and then a detailed message appears on the back of the card. I am very happy that the production of the deck was environmentally friendly. Finally, it was a pleasure to do business with Jane. She is a very conscientious and gracious seller. I recommend these cards and her shop very highly.” Don’t have your deck yet? Order today and start living with a clear place!
Say YES to Less!
You win on so many levels when you clear out your stuff.
This PDX homeowner saw firsthand the magic that can happen when you say YES to clearing out. Find out more and get FREE ACP Sorting Guide.
View “Say YES to Less” from A Clear Place.
HAPPY EARTH DAY … thanks for making it a clear one!
Getting Clear about The NEXT America
If you haven’t yet read Paul Taylor’s, The Next America, put it on your must list. Click here to find out why it’s a book not to be missed. And what you can do to be a part of the solution.
The time is ripe for clearing, sharing and creative lifestyle choices.
Ready to start the ball rolling? Get “no blame, no shame” help. Remote or hands on options available. Click here to get the Green light!
Keeping Cool by Getting Clear
Hot temps got you feeling drained? Want to know the simplest way to lower your AC bill and raise your spirits? How about a visual cooling off moment with the gorgeous Clarity card. Click here to get cool! PS: Be sure to read the latest fan mail.
Before and After – Bedroom Bliss
How do you create tranquil bedroom space? How about if there IS no bedroom? Why is the bedroom THE most important area of your place? Click here to view the answers and learn more in Part Two of my cottage transformation. Sweet dreams!
A Clear Place 