Day 3 of our Level 5 clutter intervention started early with more clearing of the basement. The work went faster as everyone settled into a routine of transporting to the sorting area, sorting for trash, treasure or sale, and back for more. By the end of the day, most of the basement was cleared with exercise equipment, a bar, bookshelves and display units, the stairs from the upper level and the walls themselves making an appearance for the first time in years.

Waste Management came to pick up yesterday’s completely full dumpster, empty it and bring it back to be refilled. This special 2 for 1 price was made possible by Evelyn Seals.  Thank you, Evelyn.

In addition, a POD was delivered for secure storage of items that cannot go back into the house until the cleaning is complete.  Finally,  Paul Harwood, owner of Ace Hardware, West End and Adamsville, came by to inspect a faulty sump pump and determine what repairs needed to be made.  Ace Hardware has donated the supplies and equipment required for the project. Thanks Paul!

One group of items that came to light (literally) was a collection of high-quality, professional-grade arts and crafts supplies. As a creative artist, the homeowner has not been able to find her supplies for many years, and had given up creating new work. Part of the lifestyle vision for the project is to set up work area for her arts and crafts so she can create once again.

On Day 4 we’ll continue the clean-up of the last of the basement clutter and begin preparations for clearing the upper floor, which will continue through the weekend.

A “Mega Yard Sale” is planned for September 4 in the parking lot of Shallowford Presbyterian Church from 8 to 2.  Thank you Carol Payne for coordinating this.

There are some really nice people in the world, don’t you agree?

—Reported and photos by Jackie Wells Smith

Day 3 photos below. View Day 4 report and photos

To the left is the sorting area where items were marked for disposal, donation, sale or to keep. This area was constantly filled all day.

The entire basement is filled wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling.

This 40-cubic-foot dumpster was filled once, emptied and filled again — just from the basement.

Basement from the back door, after the majority of items were cleared. This treadmill had not seen daylight for ten years.

Staging area for items to keep are protected from the weather by tarps. The area is patrolled by police for security.

By the end of the day, the sorting area was cleared — for now.

The stairway and walls have been cleared. When the crew reached this point, a great cheer was heard all the way to the front yard.