Declutter to Support Local Organizations
Donate those forgotten office supplies - transfer your to-do lists to digital systems and clear up the clutter!
“It might come in handy someday.”
“I haven’t even used it, it feels so wasteful to get rid of it.”
“I don’t want to just throw it away!”
I’d call myself a very organized person (VOP, if you will), yet I still fall prey to these thoughts, holding onto things I do not need and do not bring me joy out of guilt. Guilt for adding waste to the world and not utilizing something that could be used, dammit!
Well, you’re probably doing more harm than good holding onto these things. Some may be pure junk (a sad realization that needs to be acknowledged) but there are some things that can be used - NOW. And they’d do a lot more good actively being used NOW by someone who can use them instead of MAYBE (but probably not) being used later on by you. One of my favorite things to do is to ensure items will go somewhere specifically tailored to them, rather than send a random pile of goods to a catch-all donation center.
Here are some unique places to keep in mind for items you may not be using, but can be used in your local community:
Vases to Local Florists - I’m convinced the vast majority of kitchens are overrun with underutilized vases, thanks to the many services that will mail-order flowers with a vase. Reduce waste by asking your local florist if they’d like the vases and you have a win-win for decluttering and supporting your local business!
Sheets & Towels to Animal Shelters - These second-hand items aren’t likely to be picked up for human use, but our animal friends don’t discern! Give these linens a second life by taking them to your local animal shelter. Check with the shelter first - there may be restrictions, such as no fitted sheets or towels with holes.
Office Supplies to Schools - I bet you have more pens and pencils hidden throughout your home than you can use in ten lifetimes. Gather them and bring them to a local school, along with markers, crayons, paper, rulers, and any other office supplies you might have excess of. Please make sure everything is in working order and sort into categories before dropping it off - our teachers have enough on their plates already!
Board Games to Breweries - Board games and puzzles can accumulate quickly. I doubt any place would want your entire 20-year collection, but certain local pubs or cafes may appreciate a few for their customers. In addition, consider donating games for younger audiences to child care centers or schools.
Single-Use Utensils to Soup Kitchens & Food Pantries - No matter how diligent you are in refusing this cutlery, or in avoiding takeout altogether, they still have a sneaky way of multiplying. Instead of hoarding these plastic sets in your kitchen drawer, find an organization working to feed food-insecure people. If you have an excess of single-use plates, bowls, and cups, these can be donated as well.