Just when we thought the hardest thing to get out of our basement was that TV from 1993, we hear about Michael Rotondo, who has sued his parents for wanting him evicted.
The 30-year-old New York man took his parents, Christina and Mark, to court, claiming their eviction notices did not provide him enough time. Polite notes from his parents included suggestions that Michael find work and sell things with significant value, especially “any weapons you may have.”
We’re likely to never face a case that messy. But we do have messy crawlspaces, garages and rooms. Ever worry about someone seeing your stuff, feeling you’ll be put on trial? Maybe you want to downsize to a smaller home but don’t know where all the junk will go?
Fortunately, unlike large adult sons, clutter can’t appeal its eviction and it doesn’t need 30 days notice to leave.
But dealing with it does need a plan.
Be Judicious With Junk
Start by serving notice to yourself, mentally preparing to go through with the job. Set a target date to begin, and start your preparations. Have a clear area near the clutter that allows you to sort items by clear categories, such as ‘Love It,’ and ‘Lose It.’ Use this opportunity time to book any dumpsters, bins or trucks that you may need.
Once the trial begins, go for the obvious throw-away’s first. As your room clears, so will your resolve to be as judicious as possible.
If your trial isn’t going well, it’s time to get representation. Calling in the experts like decluttering expert Janet Clarke at A Helping Hand can give you the upper hand.
Or, call in the kids to help out. And if they say ‘no,’ just tell them that you won’t de-clutter, sentencing them to a life of owning your junk in addition to theirs. They’ll be plea dealing in no time!
If you want to downsize your Vancouver home or have a 'Michael' in your basement who needs to move, contact me at michael@michaeltudorie.com or at 604-910-7777!
