Declutter for Good

No matter how many trash bags we remove from our homes, it’s never enough.

Clothes are still shoved in drawers, making them hard to open. Cabinets overflow with years’ worth of items we rarely use. Stacks of papers litter our countertops.

Name one area free of “stuff.”

Impossible, right?

To minimize the chaos lurking in every corner of the home, get creative. Reconsider trashing what others could use. Search online for organizations, causes and help centers locally and nationwide. You’ll be surprised by the number of meaningful places to give.

To get started:

Donate: We tend to hold onto “memories” far too long. Box up baby clothes, stuffed animals and old toys and games and donate to a preschool, church or thrift store. Give to the National Crayon Recycle Program in Colorado or donate Legos to Bricks for a Cure in Massachusetts. Giving to those in need makes letting go a little easier.

Repurpose: Old pillows can double as pet beds. Worn blankets will continue to serve their purpose at animal shelters. There’s even non-profits that take old wedding gowns, career clothing and prom dresses for those in need.

Recycle: Save our landfills by purging responsibly. Search out recycling centers that accept old mattresses and electronics. Appliance stores often welcome non-working items for the parts.

Rethink: From now on, buy what you need. Avoid “stocking up” at big-box stores and plan for the week. Purchase smaller portions from bulk bins and make your own cleaning supplies to avoid trashing spent containers. You’ll save money and space and help the environment along the way.

Items to Consider Donating:

• Clothes, shoes
• Eyeglasses
• Cell phones
• Books
• Pillows, sheets, blankets
• Movies
• CDs
• Serving platters
• Candles, photo frames, accessories
• Holiday ornaments, lights
• Bikes, scooters
• Supplies: office, crafting
• Greeting cards
• Keys
• Backpacks