Clearing the Clutter....and Giving Back

With the end of the school year approaching and spring cleaning in full swing, getting organized around the house is often a priority.  Goodwill shares some tips for being the most productive when cleaning and organizing in your home. 

Your office desk and your email apps have an inbox and an outbox. Does your house have an outbox? If not, try creating a donation station. You can designate a donation station in a closet, a spot in the garage or an out-of-the-way corner, whatever works for you and your family. Have family members place items they no longer need or want in the station. The purpose is to have a place to corral all of those decisions as soon as you make them, giving items you are finished with less chance of getting mixed back into your stuff again. Not sure where to start? Pick just one room to tackle at a time. Keep some containers you don¹t mind giving away at your designated donation station, like paper grocery or shopping bags or boxes. When the containers are full, put them in your car for your next trip to Goodwill.

Another tip for clearing out the clutter is to include your children in the decision-making process of getting rid of unneeded items and organizing remaining ones. Talk with them about how decluttering can bring a feeling of renewal, new energy and empowerment. Teach them that by donating unwanted items (to Goodwill of course!) they are giving back to the community and empowering others who will benefit from the donated items.

And have your family follow the “one in, one out” rule. When you purchase something or receive a gift and bring that new item into the house, get rid of a similar item.  For example, if you get a new pair of shoes, one of your other less-loved pairs of shoes needs to go! This can be hard for kids, but the earlier you start, the better!

It’s a win-win! When you clear out the clutter, you’re not only getting organized but you’re also helping the community. That’s because when you donate to Goodwill, sales from your donations fund employment programs and services, where local job seekers get the skills and confidence they need to find gainful employment.

To find a donation center near you, visit MoKanGoodwill.org.