To avoid becoming a decluttering refugee
March to April is the spring moving season. In a sense, it's also the best decluttering season, but in reality, there are many things that are hard to part with. Deciding whether to dispose of or purchase new large furniture is a particular dilemma. Here, we introduce how to dispose of bulky waste and cleaning methods. We hope this will be helpful for the start of your new life.
What to dispose of, and does it spark joy?
While moving itself rarely happens suddenly, arranging everything alongside daily life can be very challenging. It's often difficult to start preparing for a move until the last minute, and unexpected problems can arise. For large furniture items like sofas, dressers, and beds, it's especially important to decide what to do with them early. If you decide to dispose of them, start arranging for bulky waste collection or disposal of unwanted items with plenty of time.
First, let's talk about large furniture. Check if it will fit smoothly into your new home and if there's a suitable place for it. No matter how attached you are to an item, there might be cases where it simply won't fit on moving day. If it won't work, the answer is simple: dispose of it. Next, does it spark joy? Even if an item is old or damaged, if it holds good memories for you and you still want to connect with those memories, you should probably take it with you. However, if you've decided to create new memories in your new life, then dispose of it.
Regarding beds, first, consider that the mattress itself is a consumable item. No matter how expensive a mattress is, it's where you spend one-third of your day. You sweat about one cup per night. In humid Japan, the rainy season lasts about 42 to 45 days on average nationwide. This means there's a period each year where the mattress absorbs 42 to 45 cups of sweat without the previous cup fully drying. Since the mattress is something you directly experience, and the quality of your sleep affects your daily life, isn't it a good opportunity to consider replacing it?
How to dispose of bulky waste (categorized into discarding, selling, or giving away)
- The definition of bulky waste varies by local government, so it's best to contact your local municipality to confirm. In most cases, municipal collection seems to be the most affordable option. However, it often requires you to transport the items to the collection point.
- If you feel reluctant to discard items that are still usable, consider a recycling company. While you'll incur a fee for their recycling service, some companies may also offer to transport the items for you.
- Nowadays, you can also find people who want your items through Facebook or local bulletin board apps like Jimoty, or you could hold a garage sale and place items outside your front door on a weekend.
How to clean sofas and beds (for fabric materials)
Ventilation
: Considering the amount of sweat we produce overnight, it's important to regularly air out your bed. Open windows for ventilation, remove the mattress from the bed frame and lean it against a wall or by a window. If that's too much trouble, simply move all blankets and sheets off the mattress, allowing it to "breathe."
Vacuuming
: Even if it doesn't look dirty, the surface can harbor sebum, dust, and dust mites. Vacuum thoroughly.
Mold removal
: If you discover mold, rubbing alcohol is recommended. Spray it directly on the mold and let it sit for about an hour. Then, wring out a towel soaked in lukewarm water and gently dab at the mold to wipe it off. Repeat this several times. Once the mold is gone, make sure it dries completely.
Stain removal
: Brown and yellow stains are often caused by acidic oil, so use alkaline baking soda. Make a baking soda solution by mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 100ml of water. Spray it on the stain and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then, press a dry towel onto the stain to absorb the dirt.
Bedwetting
: It's important to remove moisture as soon as possible. Press an unused diaper, pet training pad, or other absorbent material like a towel onto the wet area to absorb the moisture. Create a citric acid solution by mixing 1 teaspoon of citric acid with 200ml of water, spray it on the soiled area, and repeatedly press a towel onto it. Continue until the odor is gone.
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How was it? The lifespan of consumables changes depending on daily care.
The top part of the gugu sleep mattress can be easily removed with a zipper, allowing you to keep it clean by washing it regularly, such as when the seasons change. Additionally, the natural Tencel material used is breathable and quick-drying, so you will find it dries quickly even after hand washing.
Moving is a major life event that brings significant changes to your living environment. Start your new life without burden, and try not to bring old dirt and grime with you.
