“We didn’t know we had so much stuff!”
Our clients had been planning their renovation for months, and they could hardly contain their excitement as the start date approached.
But first, they had to face the daunting task of clearing out the space. Like many people, they didn’t realize how much they had accumulated until they started preparing for their renovation.
Before the contractors arrive to start a renovation project, everything in the space needs to be moved out. That means all cabinets must be completely empty and ready for removal, rugs and furniture need to be stored elsewhere, and artwork needs to be taken down.
By taking the time to organize and purge before the renovation begins, you not only make the process easier but also set the stage for a fresh start.
Need to clear the way for an upcoming reno? Check out these tips to help you declutter, organize, and donate so you can focus on the excitement of your renovation.
Make a Plan
Before you start packing or purging, assess the space you’ll be renovating. Ask yourself:
- What rooms will be impacted? Will you need to relocate items from multiple rooms or just one? Decide where you’ll be storing the items you’re keeping, and designate space to place things for donation or sale
- What will you do with the things you no longer need? You likely have items that are still in serviceable condition and can be donated or sold. Identify organizations accepting donations or places to advertise things for sale.
- What supplies do you need? Gather boxes, tape, markers, and packing paper to organize and protect items from breakage. Keep a measuring tape and notepad handy to jot down the details of items you’ll sell.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
The key to a successful purge is to start early. Ideally, begin the process at least two months before your renovation is set to begin. This gives you ample time to sort through your belongings without feeling rushed.
Here’s a suggested timeline:
- 8 weeks before renovation: Start with storage areas like the basement, attic, or garage. These spaces often hold items you haven’t used in years.
- 6 weeks before renovation: Move on to closets, cabinets, and other hidden storage in the rooms being renovated.
- 4 weeks before renovation: Begin packing up items that you’ll need to store during the renovation.
- 2 weeks before renovation: Finalize your purging process and prepare for temporary relocation if needed.
Sort Items into Categories
As you go through your things, assign each item to one of the following categories:
Keep: Items that you use regularly and want to keep in your renovated space.
Store: Items that you don’t use daily but want to keep (e.g., seasonal decorations, keepsakes).
Donate: Items that are in good condition but no longer serve a purpose in your home. See below for some suggestions for donating household items in Ottawa.
Sell: If you have valuable items that you no longer need, consider selling them online or through a garage sale.
Dispose: Items that are broken, damaged, or no longer usable.
Sorting as you go helps you stay focused on the task at hand. Once everything has been categorized, you can deal with each group of items more efficiently. Why make several trips to the donation centre when you can take everything at once?
Donating Household Items in Ottawa
Here in Ottawa, many organizations accept donations of gently used clothing, furniture, and household items. Here are some options:
- House2Home: Furniture, bedding, kitchen supplies, towels, sewing machines, carpets and art – https://h2hottawa.com/
- Caldwell Family Centre: Clothing, unopened personal care items, linens and kitchen dishes and small appliances – https://caldwellfamilycentre.ca/
- Habitat for Humanity: Gently used home goods and building materials, furniture, housewares & décor, home – appliances, electronics, fixtures, flooring, lighting, doors and windows, in good condition and full working order. – https://habitatgo.com/
- Hakim Optical: Prescription eyeglasses (including both prescription and non-prescription sunglasses) – https://hakimoptical.ca/
- Heartwood House: Computer equipment and other electronics for reuse, repair or environmentally friendly recycling – https://www.heartwoodhouse.ca/
- Helping with Furniture: Small kitchen appliances, lamps, flatscreen TVs over 27′ and stands; couches, love seats and living room chairs; curtains, brackets and rods, bed frames, box springs and mattresses, and tablets and laptops – https://www.hwfottawa.org/
- OrKidstra: Musical instruments in good working order, especially wind, brass and stringed instruments (no pianos, keyboards, guitars or drum kits) – https://orkidstra.ca/
- Ottawa Outdoor Gear library: A broad range of outdoor gear (i.e. camping, outdoor sports and games, and yoga) – https://ottawaoutdoorgearlibrary.com/
- Ottawa Tool Library: Household tools in good working order – https://ottawatoollibrary.com/
- The Well: New and unopened toiletries – https://belongottawa.ca/programs/the-well/
- Friends of the Ottawa Library: Books – https://www.fopla-aabpo.ca/
- Product Care Recycling: Old and leftover residential paint and spray paint – https://www.productcare.org/products/paint/ontario/
- Before donating, check each organization’s website for specific donation guidelines and hours of operation. Some organizations also offer pickup services, making the process even more convenient.
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Clear your clutter for a successful renovation
Renovations are the perfect opportunity to declutter and organize. By putting in a bit of work to prepare, your renovation can get off to a smooth start. Then, once your renovation is complete, you’ll be able to enjoy your new space to the fullest.
And by donating your gently used items to local organizations in Ottawa, you can feel good knowing that you’re helping a good cause.
Ready to get your renovation project underway? Book a call today!
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