Ask An Ambassador: Keep, Donate, Trash

Goodwill was our friend; every trip to town was a stop there to unload.  I purged my kitchen for over 2 months before our move, and now I am purging again.  I have pans that I have used once, so they are going to someone else, four sets of glasses is a bit much so we are sending two sets to the womens shelter, old towels and sheets to the animal shelter and food that is within 4 months of expiring to the food bank at the church.  I hope someone else can use my junk. I almost forgot, we still have 24 boxes in the basement-5 years later-that have not been touched.  

Good morning Bill. Been there and done that over the years. We made many trips to the trash bins and Goodwill store. Now, while not proud, we are accumulating again. Enjoy your day.

Oh yes, I just did some trashing last week - got rid of files I no longer need, a plaque that was just taking up space, etc. It's important to do that from time to time!!

And while cleaning up I found a $50 gift card I never used! It's like having an extra birthday!

Have a great day!

Love this post. Isn't it amazing if you go back say 20 years and look at how we did business. 2005 seems like the dark ages today...crazy.

Liz and Bill Spear 

Bill, moving has a way of making us go down paths we left behind. We discover surprising stories, stirred up memories, and the encouragement to let somethings go. There is also a twist - hope, excitement for what may come next, and dreams about our new tomorrows. Autumn is all about change. If you have time to read up on the season of Fall, it references abundance, wealth, and preservation. Change is everywhere. Optimism will give you the strength to keep moving forward. As you get closer to transitioning, don't forget to celebrate the life you are leaving behind and plan for the triumphant way you wish to live the next chapters in your life. I wish both, all the best.

Hmm, I thought for sure you might have a trophy room in your new home, but I guess I was wrong since you are throwing away all of your old rewards, haha.

Hello Bill (and Liz too) - moving can be therapeutic but I also understand how it can be a pain too.  Once again, there is that balance issue hitting you in the face - don't fall down any of the many traps that the process can take you.  Stay focused. . .   

 "Trashing old real estate awards".

     I've done that, too.  As you say, most clients don't care about your production from many years ago.

     I did keep enough to maintain the Ego Wall in my office.  I still hang my first "Million Dollar Producer" award (in 1985 when the median home price in Tallahassee was $75K that meant something!)  The completion of the Broker Course certificate.  And a few others.

    Best to you with your move!

Bill you guys did a great job of cleaning up and getting ready to move!  We all have too much stuff.  And I'm one of those that does go through things very regularly (as in often) and we either donate or throw away what we're not using anymore. And you know  what, we still say we've got too much stuff!   And we do!!

Saturday I was the only one in my office.  I texted a friend when I was too busy to take the call that I had a busy day and got two new clients but gave one away.  Today when we finally chatted and she asked about the "why" of the give away, I explained I could make a better use of my time than showing lots 45 minutes to an hour away.  So I sent them to a good agent and because it's just a lot and not a house I didn't ask or expect a referral fee.

Good evening Bill,

OMG I love your post because the term you use is so appropriate "Keep/Donate/Trash review." I have been doing that for the last 6 years and my attic is empty and I never plan on going up in it again! Same with all my kids stuff...they now have it and can decide to keep those old swim medals and baseball trophies or toss them! 

Bill I am not looking forward to the day we will eventually move for this same reason.  We have lived in this house 44 years, and my wife still has things we were given at our wedding and never used.  ☺️

I cleaned out a shelf in my linen closet - definitely a lot to trash - I should go back and sort through the things I think I am keeping to trash some of that stuff too! 

Hi Bill,
I'm glad to hear you continue to make progress. Since I'm retired, I don't have to make those business decisions, although I probably have some old files I could get rid of. I don't have any plans to move, but I constantly say I need to purge. I just never seem to get around it. 🤪

What a week of coincidences!  Yesterday I put on a pink top then read Nina's blog about Pink!  Today, you talk about getting rid of awards and just though of that yesterday!  There's something in the air or water; maybe divine intervention?!  LOL!  Best of luck on your Keep,  Donate, Trash cause!  

Moving can certainly be a great time to purge, re-organize, and determine what's truly important. Can't wait to hear about your new home.

Its funny how I have helped so many people with this process and now find myself starting the keep- donate- trash project! Lots of memories and not always easy to motivate myself but I am working on it! Your post is a good reminder to get quit procrastinating and get going!  You are right about the awards, they dont mean much anymore! 

Hi Bill:

I suspect you and Liz are making great progress in preparing for your move. It's quite an emotional journey isn't it?!

We need to do a bit more of the keep/donate/trash routine even there are no plans to move in the near future...it's just about making more space and thinking of what's to come. We've found the DAV (Veteran's Thrift Store) in neighboring Oceanside to be a great place for donations. I use NextDoor as well on occasion to donate but that's item by item so a bit cumbersome.

Jeff