When you have a goal of decluttering anything...your
home, your office, your shed, your outside storage unit you may be renting, etc...having a box or bag specifically designated for items you plan to donate is good practice.
1. Keep it highly visible. Keep that receptacle out in the open, in a very visible location, where you and your
family can see it every single day.
2. This is how you'll always be reminded to declutter daily. Be sure the word DONATIONS or DONATE is large and clear on the box or bag.
The point of this is that every single time you walk past the box or bag, you (and other family members) will be reminded to put something in it.
3. When you decide to donate, actually follow through. Get those designated donations out of your house and to your donation recipient(s). The
longer they sit in your home, the more tempted you may be to re-think your decision and the greater the chances that the items you already decided to donate are going to make their way back into your home.
Most folks have a donation center nearby. It may be the Salvation Army or Goodwill, a school
needing your unwanted craft supplies, a library that welcomes used books in good condition, a shelter in dire need of unwanted clothes, toiletries, or non-perishable foods, a church that may welcome your surplus of glass vases, and so on.
4. Learn about the many donation drop-off sites.
Ask around to find out about the many places you can drop off donations and what they accept.
The local high school in my area has something called The Gosling Nest. (The gosling is the school mascot.) The school welcomes clothing, sneakers, outerwear...or practically any item that a high
schooler may need, but can't necessarily afford to buy new.
The local Humane Society in many areas accept towels, blankets, leashes, pet toys, crates, stainless steel bowls, etc. Call and see what your local organization will/will not accept.
5. Get a regular "donate appointment" into your calendar. Make it a point to visit a donation drop-off in your area regularly and donate the items in your box or bag. Get that "recurring" appointment into your calendar, whether it's a once-a-month or even a once-a-week drop-off.
6. Don't drive around with your donations for days, weeks, or months. There is a funny saying circulating on the Internet that goes, "I'm going to donate these bags of clothes to Goodwill, but first I'm going to drive around
with them in my trunk for four months." That is hilarious, but try not to be the person that does this.
7. Know your mission. Remember, moving items to one side of a room or even putting them in a box is not decluttering. Your mission is to get those items OUT of your home,
office, shed, etc. and given to an organization or a person that will be able to make use of whatever you've given away.
Finally, if the item is really not worthy of donating, be sure it
gets put into your trash can for trash pick-up day.
Happy decluttering!
