Jazz and JUNK Removal. What do they have in common?

Another lazy, rainy Sunday with coffee, the dogs and music. I was recently turned onto an AMAZON music channel for JAZZ with vocals. As you are aware by now, I am a musician and have played many styles of music. One of the styles that has eluded me has been JAZZ.

Elements of jazz have appeared in many of the bands I love, like Steely Dan. Jazz is a life unto itself. It’s improvisational nature, intriguing chord progressions, unique harmonies and rhythms draw you into a fantastic and whimsical world.

Whether you like saxophone, piano or guitar based jazz; the great vocalists are numerous and have recorded some of the biggest hit songs known.

Here are a few of the greats:

Ella Fitzgerald

Often referred to as the “First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. Her clear tone, perfect pitch, and impeccable diction made her a standout. She’s especially known for her scat singing and collaborations with Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.

Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday’s emotive voice and unique phrasing made her an influential jazz singer. Known for her ability to convey deep emotion, her songs like “Strange Fruit” and “God Bless the Child” remain iconic.

Frank Sinatra

Though often considered a pop singer, Frank Sinatra’s phrasing and jazz-inflected approach to standards like “Fly Me to the Moon” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” solidify his place in jazz history.

Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett’s career has spanned decades, and his collaborations with many jazz greats, including Ella Fitzgerald, have kept him a beloved figure. His smooth voice and love for jazz standards made him a lasting presence in both jazz and popular music.

You may ask yourself how does this tie into todays subject. JUNK!

Well, looking at my record collection and my old turntable, music is always better and truer on great analog/tube equipment, I realized just how much “junk” I had in my music room in my house. I’ve lived in my home for 25 years and it got me to thinking how much stuff I have accumulated over those years. My music room, my garage, my family room and all my closets.

Who would I call? How would I handle this? Well below is some great information.

Here are some effective junk removal tips and tricks to help you declutter your home, especially in those spaces like your music room, garage, family room, and closets:

1. Start Small and Prioritize

• Focus on One Area at a Time: Avoid getting overwhelmed by tackling one room or section. For example, start with a closet or a corner of your garage.
• Set Priorities: If certain areas are more cluttered than others (like your music room or garage), prioritize those first.

2. Use the “Four Box Method”

Label four boxes or bins:

• Keep: Items you use frequently or have sentimental value.
• Donate: Things in good condition that you no longer need but could be useful to someone else.
• Sell: Items of value you no longer need that could earn you some extra cash.
• Trash/Recycle: Things that are broken or no longer usable.

3. Create a “Maybe” Box

For items you’re unsure about parting with, put them in a “maybe” box. Store it away for a set period (e.g., six months). If you don’t miss or need anything from that box during that time, it’s a sign you can let it go.

4. Use the “One-Year Rule”

If you haven’t used an item in the past year (and it’s not seasonal or of special value), it might be time to part with it.

5. Set a Timer

Sometimes, the thought of decluttering for hours is daunting. Set a timer for 15-30 minutes and see how much you can accomplish. This bite-sized approach can make the process more manageable.

6. Donate to Local Charities

Find local shelters or donation centers where you can give away usable items, such as old clothes, musical instruments, or furniture. This not only clears space but also helps others.

7. Plan for Large Items

• Garage and Family Room: For larger items like old furniture or outdated equipment, consider hiring a junk removal service. Many services will recycle or donate items in good condition.
• Music Room: If you have unused instruments or music gear, consider selling them online or donating to local schools or youth programs.

8. Digitize Documents and Music

Convert physical copies of documents, music scores, or tapes into digital files. This clears up space while preserving important items.

9. Organize As You Go

Once you’ve cleared space, set up storage systems. For example:

• Shelving in the garage: to keep tools, boxes, and seasonal items organized.
• Storage bins: in the family room to organize toys, electronics, or DVDs.
• Music room: Organize instruments, sheet music, and gear to create a more functional and inspiring space.

10. Schedule Regular Cleanouts

Make junk removal and decluttering a regular habit. Even dedicating one day every few months will keep things from piling up again.

Bonus Tip: Involve Others

If the task is too big, get help! Family members, friends, or even professional organizers can assist in making the process faster and more fun.

Good luck on organizing and getting our all that trash and junk.

Pro Tip: Listen to some great jazz and enjoy.