I’ve got two secrets to share! Secret #1 is, I am the proud owner of a tall stack of empty boxes. And if I was still young that would be awesome! I remember, as a small child, drawing on the large boxes, making pretend houses, stacking them, and creating tunnels with them. Good times. 

Now, these boxes have been patiently waiting for me to break them down to put them with the cardboard recycling. Except, I’m not going to do that. Why you ask? No, not because I am going to make a cardboard tunnel. But because I need to declutter. (Yes, it’s true, even organizers have stuff. 

And what better way than to fill up the boxes (that new stuff arrived in) with old stuff (that is still good) and can be given to others. It’s my take on the 1 in 1 out rule, just more like 1 box in 1 box out!  

Even if you don’t have a lot of boxes right now, you might be getting some soon. With holiday shopping and gifts you might receive, there is a really good chance you’re going to get some/lots/tons of boxes. 

If you need a resource for an organization that will pick up your box, take a look at GiveBackBox.com. There you can print a postage paid label then drop your box at USPS or UPS or schedule a pickup.  

What better time of year than when we are trying to lighten up for a clutter-free new year! 
 
And secret #2 speaking of a clutter-free new year I have some B-I-G news to share. On January 7th Keep This Toss That: The Practical Guide to Tidying Up hits shelves (and if you buy it online it will arrive in…you guessed it, another box!) This is an updated and expanded version of Keep This Toss That. It includes ALL the things you’ve been asking for, like: which photos to keep and how to deal with paperwork and how to break up with sentimental treasures. 
 
I could not be more excited to share this book with you. Just wait until you read the dedication. And if you are in NJ I hope you’ll come to a book-signing (Clark B&N Tues., 1/7 7pm, Watchung Booksellers in Montclair Thurs., 1/9 7pm, and Edison B&N 2pm pm Sat. 1/11) If you can’t make it in person mark your calendar for 12/3 when you can order it online (hint: it makes a very useful holiday gift.)



This week will you box up some stuff to share? I’m going to join you – together we can make someone else happy while creating space in our home for the holidays.