Things to Get Rid of in Your Garage or Basement Right Now
There's never been a better time to tackle these long-avoided storage spaces.
By Katie Holdefehr August 19, 2020 THE LINK https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/things-to-get-rid-of-garage?did=562036-20200920&cmp=hac_092020&utm_campaign=home-holidays-and-celebrations_newsletter&utm_source=bhg.com&utm_medium=email&utm_content=092020&cid=562036&mid=41161850145
The basement or garage is one of those spaces you can put off organizing for years By that point, the lawn equipment, sports gear, outdated electronics, and paint cans have piled up pretty high. Some of us are using out at home time to go on a serious quarantine decluttering kick. If you've wrangled the junk drawer and closet, here are seven things you can declutter from your garage or basement.
Old Paint Cans
Here's the deal: once opened, a can of paint generally only lasts for about two years. Especially when stored in a basement or garage, the temperature fluctuations can cause the paint to go bad more quickly. If you open a can of paint and it has a sour smell or has thickened, it's time to toss it.
HINT ~ To safely dispose of the paint, you'll want to turn it into a solid by mixing it with kitty litter. Let the mixture dry out for one hour before throwing it away. (note from eileen: I never knew this)
Outgrown Sports Equipment
The lacrosse stick from the team your child quit five years ago, the basketball that hasn't seen a court in a decade—if you have kids, there may be some old sports equipment collecting dust in the garage.
If the gear is in good condition, consider donating it to your local recreation center
Baby Gear
Even if you know you'll never use it again, getting rid of a bassinet, baby clothes, or changing table can be difficult for sentimental reasons. Giving these items to a friend, family member, or charity who can use them may make it easier to let go.
One caveat: check that gear like strollers and cribs don't have any recalls and ditch older items that might not be up to modern safety standards.
Holiday Decor You Haven't Touched in 2 Years
As you collect new decorations each holiday season, it can be easy to amass more than you use. Look through your holiday stash, and if you haven't touched that garland or tablecloth in the past two years, it may be time to pass it on.
Ancient Electronics
When you stashed the VHS player in the basement circa 1998, you did so with the best of intentions. Surely, one day, you'll want to watch those old tapes again. Fast forward a couple decades and you still haven't. Take a look at the old electronics—record players, stereos, TVs—and decide if you'll ever really use them again. If not, check Earth911 for a list of retailers or recycling centers that will take them.
Never-Used Kitchen Appliances
That bread maker you were gifted at your wedding? If you haven't used an appliance in a few years, it's safe to say you may never use it. If they're still in working condition, consider donating them to your local Goodwill. If not, some appliances may actually be recyclable.
Unfinished Projects
Remember that chair you started to refinish—and then never finished? The basement or garage is a likely spot to store in-progress projects, but sometimes those projects get put on pause. When decluttering, it's a good time to let go of any projects you don't intend (be honest!) to complete.