My Feb Enews featured a shout out to Do Good shelters. The Portland agency continues to serve as a major source of housing and resources for the community. Here’s an update of their specific needs. Those of you in the PDX area, please keep them in mind as you clear out stuff or help friends/family clear theirs. Contact me with any questions and/or delivery help. Click here to read more features from the latest Enews.
Men’s clothes:
Pants sizes 30 through 40
Shirts all sizes
Coats all sizes
Men’s shoes
Belts
Backpacks/duffel bags
Used cell phones – working order, factory reset so all prior data is erased and no lock codes on them.
Home goods and furniture at limited capacity – lamps, artwork type of wall hangings for folks who are moving into permanent housing, things to make the transition cozier!
stuff
A Forced Letting Go and Resilient Result
Sometimes having to let go comes when we least expect it. Read about the petty theft I recently experienced and the resulting message of resiliency. Turns out we have more help in dealing with ‘stuff’ than we may think.
Also in this Summer ACP Enews – a favorite and refreshing beverage idea for staying hydrated during the hot months AND a tip on saving $ on your energy bill. Stay cool and stay clear! Read all about it.
Feeling the Love
Clearing out your stuff is all about self-care. Creating a space that allows for ease of movement, quiet reflection, playtime and peace of mind is essential for wellbeing. As you look around your room/home, if you’re not smiling – start clearing. A little bit of letting go can do wonders for your outlook. It’s ok to start slowly. Begin with the room you spend the most time in and go from there. Reminder: Don’t feel guilty about getting rid of any items left behind by family. They would not want you to feel burdened. You deserve a home that you love and that loves you back. You’ll know it when you arrive there. Here’s to getting clear!
Balance Matters
Staying in balance is something we all strive for but it can seem a difficult and elusive task. It’s especially tough when weighed down by physical, emotional and mental STUFF! The latest ACP Enews shares some favorite ideas on how to get back to center. You’ll get a great breathing tool for releasing stress, read about a win/win “letting go of stuff” story and learn my top item to eliminate in your home in order to maintain balance. PLUS enter to win a deck of ACP Wisdom Cards for you or a friend. Just taking a few moments to view the stunning sunset image will help create a positive shift. Make 2017 the year to share the cheer and spread the clear! Read January ACP Enews here.
How to Recycle Mattresses – Earth911.com
My recent mattress purchase seemed a good time to send out a reminder on recycling options. Most donation centers don’t accept mattresses anymore and the ones that do have gotten tighter with their standards. My fav recycling resource, Earth911, just posted this nice guide including how to disassemble your mattress in order to save it from the landfill. http://earth911.com/recycling-guide/how-to-recycle-mattresses/
New Format for ACP Clear News
Challenge: Find a better way to present multiple topics, links and graphics on one page that all open easily with mobile devices. It needs to look good and inspire action. Oh … it should also have a personal vibe and consistent quality. Something that’s professional yet warm and, of course, always clear in voice and message. Result: Today I launch my latest Clear News format … thanks to MailChimp and lots of pots of jasmine tea. Hope you enjoy it!
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House Call for Ailing Space
“No blame, no shame” guidance for whatever is ailing your space.
Clutter issues? Sharing space?
Downsizing? Stuffed rooms?
Out of ideas?
House Call to the rescue! Perfect for figuring out where to start and for getting a fresh perspective on your space. No nonsense, practical steps. The perfect gift for you or anyone on your list. Options include onsite or online consultations. Contact me or view packages and purchase at the ACP Etsy shop. Make it a happy green holiday!
Backyard Chore Brightens My World
Clearing out old stuff absolutely has its rewards. In the process of letting go, we can uncover surprising gifts. You just have to be open to the release. Read about the treasure I unearthed in my own backyard. Spring Gift Under the Junipers
Clutter Still a Hot Topic
Oprah is still challenged by too much stuff. This month’s O magazine features another de-clutter special. The editors bring us organizing tips from Peter Walsh and a peek inside Gayle King’s closet as it gets a major makeover. And the queen herself reveals seven categories of things she has decided to finally live without – from head to toe. My favorite article in this issue deals with beauty clutter and the monster created by all the products we accumulate in our effort to look good. The numbers are pretty staggering: one gal had 169 lipsticks, 33 eye pencils and 39 makeup brushes. Another woman counted 40 hair conditioners and 25 shampoos. Whew! Find out what products made the cut and what got cleared out. Pick up the March issue at your local news stand. Online option: view excerpts from the “de-clutter” issue now.
Jane Green on YouTube
Check out these raw (as in impromptu, unscripted, unrehearsed) video vignettes. Zoe from Seniors Homing Together is preparing for her SERIOUS downsizing sale and I stopped by to lend a hand and offer suggestions. She decided on the spot to record the visit in hopes of inspiring others to start clearing their stuff. If she can do it, anyone can!
There are 9 little segments in all. Here are two of them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvkfUaizWXo&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmQu-YFkcew&feature=related
SALE INFO: Zoe was a chef and is letting go of lots of cookware, cookbooks – along with years of artwork, furniture, art supplies, electronics, etc. Her goal is to live life large in a tiny footprint. Yay! If you are in the PDX area, the sale is this Sat/Sun July 30/31 from 10 to 4 in NE PDX. Email Zoe for directions: zoevapa@gmail.com