13 New Rules of Decluttering
Looking to get organized? O's serviceable and soulful guide can help you make a plan, follow through and get started living—with less.
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Rule #7: Throw a Junk Swap Party
Jenny Gottstein, cofounder of Score!, which hosts massive public swaps on both coasts ("Redistribute. Reuse. Reinvent."), explains how you can gather your friends and trade a few things you don't want for some you do.
1. Invite guests at least a month in advance. This will give them time to unearth the treasures lurking in their closets and cabinets.
2. Ask everyone to bring clean, working items that just don't fit into their lives, like a never-used breadmaker or an extra yoga mat. You could also request that items fit a theme—say, Kitchen Confidential.
3. Display everyone's items on tables. Then take turns claiming one item at a time. After three rounds, turn it into a free-for-all.
4. Ask a couple of friends to help you box up anything remaining for Goodwill. Wine is usually a sufficient bribe.
—
Abbe Wright
From the
March 2014 issue of
O, The Oprah Magazine
