When clients choose to work with The Little Details, not only do they get exceptional service, they also get to laugh quite a bit. We use humor as we organize and when our clients get stuck we start singing “Let It Go” by Idina Menzel to lighten the mood and give our clients a fun dose of encouragement. We have our own version of the song to keep our clients motivated…

“Let it go, let it go
Don’t hold onto that anymore
Let it go, let it go
Remember, less is more!”

Going through your home and honestly asking yourself if you use certain items enough to warrant keeping them can be difficult but it will ultimately leave you with more space and more time to do the things you love. The items you decide to let go of can be consigned, donated, or recycled and we have built relationships with local organizations to do just that in the Boston area.

Check out our NEW Resources page that we made just for you!

Consignment: Sometimes it’s hard to let go of something because of the monetary value. Maybe you spent a lot of money on a dress that you never had a chance to wear- that’s where working with your local consignment shop can help. You can consign your clothing, accessories, and even some sports equipment. Each shop has different guidelines, requirements, and rates for consigning. Make sure you stop by our new resource page to get more information. You can also always call the store directly for details. You’ll want to make sure you ask the following questions:

• What is the consignment rate?

• Is there a different rate for cash sales versus receiving store credit?

• What items do you take? What items do you not take?

• What are your hours to bring in items for consignment?

• What is the consignment period?

• What happens if my item doesn’t sell during the time period?

• Is there a minimum or maximum number of items I can bring in together?

Donations: Sometimes you are ready to part with things, but they’re not trash or junk. Whether it’s clothing, household appliances or sporting equipment, check out our list of donation locations in Boston to find the best fit for you. Often we bring our clients donations to locations like Goodwill or More than Words, but there also may be an organization, school, community center, or hospital in your neighborhood that could benefit from your donations. When looking into donation centers, make sure you ask questions like these:

• What items do you take? What items do you not take?

• What are your hours for donation drop off?

• Is there an outside drop location for off-hours?

• Are there specific bags or boxes I need to have my items in?

• Do you provide receipts to be used as a tax deduction?

Junk: The City of Boston, as well as it’s neighboring towns, have recycling and garbage centers available to their residents. The Little Details can help with drop offs or arrange for a local company to come out and take items directly from your home.

Questions to ask yourself to find out if it’s time to “Let it Go”

Clothing

Have I worn it in the last year?

1. Is it in good condition?

2. If it’s not in good condition, is it worth repairing (time, energy, money)?

3. Does it fit? Is it the right size for me right now?

4. Do I know someone who might want it?

5. If it’s in good condition, can it be donated or consigned?

Sporting Goods

Do I play this sport often?

1. Will I use this in the next year?

2. Is it in good, working condition?

3. If not, can it be repaired? Is it worth repairing (time, energy, money)?

4. If it’s in good condition, can it be donated or consigned?

Electronics

Is this the current technology being used?

1. Is it in good, working condition?

2. How often do I use this in a year?

3. If it doesn’t work, is it recyclable?

Papers

How important is it really?

1. What’s the likelihood that I will need this document in the future?

2. Does it have confidential or sensitive information that needs to be shredded?

3. Can this be digitized and saved electronically?

Food

What is the expiration date?

1. Will I use this before it expires?

2. What am I saving it for?

Memorabilia

Is there someone else who would value this item more than me?

1. Is a photograph of the item just as meaningful as the actual item?

2. Can this be digitized to reduce the amount of physical space it’s taking up?

3. What am I saving it for?

Getting started is always the hardest part but once you get the ball rolling, you’ll find that it’s easier to stick with it than you may have thought. Don’t let analysis paralysis get the best of you. The Little Details can help you stay focused on one task at a time, keep you motivated before, during & after the session, and help create working systems to continue the “letting go” process.