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We all have that cupboard. The one you open carefully because something might fall out. Or the spare room that’s slowly become a storage unit with a bed in it.
Life gets busy, things pile up, and suddenly you own 14 travel mugs but can never find the lid you need.
Whether you’re planning a move or just want your home to feel a little less cluttered, you don’t have to tackle everything at once. A few small wins can make a big difference. And there are plenty of places around the Okanagan where your extras can find a new home.
First, pick your trouble spot
Which one immediately comes to mind?
- The kitchen drawer that barely closes.
- The closet full of clothes you skip over every morning.
- The garage you’d eventually like to park in again.
- The spare room. We don’t need to talk about the spare room.
That’s your starting point. Pick one small area, put on a playlist and give yourself 20 minutes. You’re clearing a shelf, not auditioning for a home organization show.
Save the sentimental boxes for another day. It’s easy to lose an afternoon when a quick cleanout turns into looking through photos from 2008.
Keep it, donate it, sell it or let it go
Give yourself four piles:
- Keep: You use it, need it or love it.
- Donate: It’s in good shape, but someone else could get more use out of it.
- Sell: It’s worth the time spent taking photos, answering messages and arranging pickup.
- Recycle or dispose of: It’s broken, worn out or no longer usable.
My suggestion? Give the “sell” pile a deadline. If it’s still sitting there weeks later, decide whether getting that space back is worth more than waiting for a buyer.
And hold off on buying cute storage baskets until you’ve finished sorting. Sometimes we’re just buying a nicer home for things we don’t need.
Stuck on something? Try the moving-box test
If you were moving next month, would you want to wrap it, pack it, carry it and find a spot for it in your next home?
If the answer is “ugh, probably not,” that might tell you something.
You can also ask yourself:
- Would I buy this again today?
- Do I use it, or do I just move it around?
- Am I keeping it because I enjoy it, or because I feel guilty letting it go?
There’s no prize for getting rid of the most stuff. Keep what matters to you. The goal is a home that’s easier to enjoy and take care of.
Decluttering before selling: this is where I love to help
Getting a home ready to list can feel like a lot. Especially when you’re looking around thinking, “Where do I even start?”
You don’t need to have it all figured out before calling me. I love helping my clients with this part, well before the photos are booked or the sign goes up.
I’m passionate about streamlining the process and helping a home show its best. Sometimes that means clearing a kitchen counter, moving a piece of furniture or deciding what can be packed away early. Small changes can help rooms feel more open and make it easier for buyers to notice the home’s features.
Together, we can work through:
- What’s worth doing first: So you have a manageable starting point.
- What can be packed early: Seasonal items, extra décor and things you won’t need before moving.
- Furniture placement: Creating clear pathways and helping each room feel inviting.
- What to donate or pass along: So you’re bringing less unwanted stuff into your next home.
- Getting readyfor photos and showings: Focusing on the details buyers will see.
Your home still needs to work for you while you’re living there. I want to help you find that balance and spend your energy on changes that will make a difference.
Thinking about selling, but the getting-ready part feels overwhelming? That’s a great time to reach out. Helping you prepare is part of how I support you.
Let’s chat about getting your home ready.
Where to donate in Vernon
The Salvation Army Thrift Store
2707 43rd Avenue
Planning a donation run? Check with the Vernon store about the items you’re hoping to bring. Their donation hours differ from shopping hours, so a quick check can save you a trip.
Check location and donation hours.
Value Village Community Donation Centre
5608 24th Street
An option for used clothing and household items. Donations at this location benefit its nonprofit partner, Diabetes Canada. Value Village itself is a for-profit thrift retailer.
Where to donate in Lake Country
Lake Country United Church Thrift Shop, also known as Winfield United Church Thrift Shop
3751 Woodsdale Road
This volunteer-run shop accepts clean clothing, accessories, kitchen items, linens, books and other small household goods. Proceeds help support the church and local charitable organizations.
They currently accept two bags or boxes per day during open hours and don’t accept furniture. A good match for that “I finally cleaned out the linen closet” donation run.
Where to donate in Kelowna
Kelowna & District S.H.A.R.E. Society
581 Gaston Avenue
S.H.A.R.E. accepts gently used clothing, household items and furniture, with thrift store proceeds supporting its programs. Check with them before bringing larger pieces to confirm they can accept them.
Kelowna MCC Thrift Shop
155 Rutland Road South
Have items to donate but no way to transport them? MCC also offers free donation pickups. One less thing on the to-do list!
Call 250-765-7838 to confirm which items qualify, whether your address is within their pickup area, and arrange a time. If you’re dropping things off, check their donation hours first.
View the shop and donation hours.
Where to donate in West Kelowna
The Salvation Army Westbank Thrift Store
101–3531 Old Okanagan Highway
A local option for your next donation run. Check their donation hours and current acceptance guidelines, especially before arriving with larger items or a full carload.
View location and donation hours.
Habitat for Humanity Okanagan ReStore
Clearing out larger household items or preparing for a renovation? Check with ReStore to see whether your items are a fit.
Their website has donation guidelines and a pickup request option. Confirm acceptance and pickup availability before making arrangements.
Explore ReStore donation options.
Your little challenge for this week
Let’s keep it doable:
- Choose one drawer or shelf.
- Set a timer for 20 minutes.
- Find five things you’re ready to let go of.
- Book a pickup or plan your donation drop-off.
That last step counts. Moving the bags from your bedroom to your trunk is progress, but we’re not quite finished yet. 😂
Make sure donations are clean, complete and in working condition, and check before dropping them off.
What’s the one space in your home you’d love to get sorted? Send me a message. I’d love to hear. And if a move is part of the plan, we can tackle the getting-ready stage together.
Donation needs, accepted items, pickup availability and hours can change. Please check directly with each organization before making arrangements.
