Stages of cleaning out

I have decided that there are stages to cleaning out a house. Of course this by no means, means I’m right, this is just the conclusion I have come to while cleaning out my own house.

Stage 1 – Everything has a sentimental or dollar value. Nothing leaves the house, because no one could possibly afford your prices.

Stage 2 – “Yes the vase was $30 new, but I used it for 10 years, maybe I can lower the asking price from $28 to $25.” Everything continues to stay in your house because your prices are still too high.

Stage 3 – You stub your toe on boxes that line your house that are filled with things you want to sell. Prices get slashed, some interested people start to surface. You sell one or two items.

Stage 4 – Nothing has a sentimental or dollar value anymore, you just want it all gone! Prices are rock bottom and your phone is ringing off the hook. Then in the dark of night you start to think “if they want my stuff so badly, maybe I shouldn’t sell it, maybe I should hold onto it”.

Stage 5 – In the light of day you come to your senses and sell it all. When something doesn’t sell after a day or two, you give it away. If no one will take it, you donate it. If they refuse it, it goes on the curb. If no one grabs it before the rains come, you bring it back in and figure you better live with it. You don’t want it on your conscience if it has to go to the landfill!