Sorting Preparation - Pictures
Pictures can be time-consuming to look through, and many times end up being packed, moved, and stored until a client has time to go through them. By taking the time to go through your pictures, talk to family and friends about the pictures, and taking the time to reminisce as you decide to let go of some, will be time well spent. Additionally, if you have pictures in frames and you plan to keep the picture, but not the frame, removing the picture from the frame before moving, packing, and storing, will save time and costs. You can decide if you would like to take the frames to a local donation site, or save them for the distribution that will eventually be done by FSO.
Sorting Preparation - Keepsakes
Family heirlooms and keepsakes are another category that can be time-consuming and personal to sort through. Many times you may want to connect with family or friends as you decide what to keep, what family may want to keep, or what to let go of. If you plan to let go of a keepsake, you may want to have your last reminisce of the item, or take a picture of it. Doing this ahead of time will save time, energy, and costs during the downsizing and moving process. Other than obvious trash, I recommend setting aside any keepsakes that you decide to let go of for FSO to distribute for you. Some unexpected items may be sellable. However, in the case of personal items, such as old journals, post cards, etc., make sure it is something you do not mind being circulated through the general public, or otherwise go ahead and discard it or let FSO know you would like it to go as trash.
Sorting Preparation - Papers
Deciding what files and papers to keep can be time-consuming and subjective. Going through these ahead of time can be helpful, not only for the evident amount of space that years of unsorted papers can take up, but for planning on the amount of space that will be needed for keeping important papers. A little online research can guide you on how long to keep tax returns and related paperwork, and any other types of documents you may not be sure of. You can dispose of the unwanted papers on your own, or you can set them aside to be disposed of by FSO.
Sorting Preparation - Food
Using up and sorting through your food supply can reduce costs with sorting, packing, moving, and unpacking. This is a good time to clear out any expired food. Although it is tempting to keep food that is expired, because it is technically still OK, chances are it is expired because you found it was not one of your favorites. This is a good time to use it or throw it away instead of packing and moving food you do not care for. Spices are another good thing to go through on your own and decide which ones you want to continue to use, and discard those you do not plan to use. This can save time when FSO starts working with you. You can donate your unexpired, unopened food to a local donation site, or save it for FSO to distribute with the other items will we be distributing for you.
Sorting Preparation -
Clothes and Linens
