I need tips on getting rid of stuff and getting organized quick!

[Lydiasmomma]

I never thought it would happen, but someone is coming to look at our house on *friday*. That gives me 3 days to clear out crap and make it presentable (it wasn't on the market, and I truly thought we'd be stuck in this hole forever due to location/conditioin of the house).

My biggest problem is I am a packrat who lives in an enormouse 7 bedroom house. That means anything we want to keep but are not using, gets shoved in one of the upstairs rooms. It is bad. Very, very bad.

I don't know what to keep and what to take to the thrift. I've kept most of Lydia's old clothes unless they were ugly or stained. I'd hate to get rid of them when we're having another baby anyway this summer, kwim? but at the same time, if we sell this house, they are probably going to want to move in very soon (this spring) and we will have to live in another house while our new one gets built. So I don't want to keep stuff that isn't necessary, because it'll have to get moved 2 times.
It's also hard for me to even comprehend that this might actually go through. I'm very skeptical, but I think this is our best chance at getting out of here and getting the house we want.

How ruthless would you be? What would your strategy be? Get some boxes and box things up I can't part with, so at least the boxes can be neatly stacked upstairs?

[Sontanned]

Don't think about giving stuff away - think about blessing someone else. It gives a new outlook.

I would keep the kids clothing, but store it nicely. I suck at giving advice like this, because I love to throw things out.

[naturalmama]

But I try to think about what I would really miss if the house burned down.

For me to keep things, they have to be absolutely necessary or add real beauty to our lives. Otherwise out it goes.

For organization, one thing is to make sure everything you have has a designated place and keep it there when not in actual use.

I'd probably hire help if you need it done that fast.

Best wishes,

Aileen

[mamabear]

I would be ruthless. Why box stuff you'll only throw away later? (Trust me, I've done it, and it sucked.) I would also consider renting a storage locker for things you know you'll want to keep but that would clutter the house for showing it. You want to take it to bare minimums, even in the upstairs rooms, so they can see what it would look like to live there.

[JAmico314]

Okay Renee I am going through the next step you are going to make right now. I have already sold my house and I am living in temporary housing until my new house is built.

First things first get different colored markers. As many as there will be rooms in your NEW house.

Then recruit every last one of your friends.
Okay I know that part can be tough but get as much help as you can.

Before you get your friends help, you need to basically destroy your house (I know I know, timely manor)

Go through one room at a time and make three piles trash, goodwill, and keep. This shoulldn't take you long as throwing stuff into the middle of the room seems to happen in a split second, you can ask any kid that ever experienced childhood. Leave a different color marker in each room, and then have your friends help pack up each room. (Only what you put in the middle of the room) Obviously clothes need to stay hanging in the closet and folded in drawers etc... and you will still have time to pack all that later. Then recruit your husband to help take all the rash out, and as far as good will stuff litterally stuff it in your vehicle and take it in, don't look twice. Do it immediately.

And if you lived close I would be happy to come right over and help, but I am in SW FL and if you have a 7 bedroom house that tells me you aren't from down here!

This whole process shouldn't take you more than a day two at the most unless you do it all by your self, and then that just isn't even fair.

I would suggest a storage unit as well, unless you want to live like me IN THE STORAGE UNIT! My living room is loaded with boxes, that I hate to unpack to move again in 4 months.

LMK if I can help anymore