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Step 1
Label four liquor-sized cartons--give away, store, sell and trash. Begin small and start to classify your junk.
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Step 2
Set aside time each day for this task. Keep the work manageable so you don't get overwhelmed. Stick with your schedule until you see some progress--a room de-junked, or a corner of a room or a closet. Keep track and reward yourself for your diligence and resolve.
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Step 3
See if there's a theme to your junk. Perhaps you've accumulated old photo postcards, ladies' magazines, sports cards or antique frames. Anything held long enough has value to someone else. Find out what your junk is worth. You may be pleasantly surprised.
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Step 4
Take stock after you've classified and sorted your belongings. Maybe a garage sale is in order for the small items that won't sell for much, but a day or two of small sales do add up. Perhaps you've unearthed a treasure in the attic. Check with an expert if you think you have something of value. Sell these items on eBay.
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Step 5
Think about the giveaways in your piles of accumulated junk. If there are enough books, consider the library or a school in a poor neighborhood. Contact the local thrift shops. They can always sell undamaged items, which benefits not only low-income buyers, but also the charities the shop might support.
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Step 6
Look at your hobby stuff. Is there something an aspiring artist can use or would a teenager be interested in your photography gear? Advertise in your local newspaper itemizing your belongings.
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Step 7
When you have finally accomplished the de-junking, plan the next step. What are you going to do with the space you have given yourself? Take care not to fill it up again with junk.
