top of page
Writer's pictureStacy Gooding

Nothing Scary About Decluttering & Donations


Couple going through some clothing and deciding what to donate while decluttering.

The holiday season is very close, and if you are anything like me, you are thinking of all the potential items that may be coming into your home, but what is going out?  If you read my monthly blogs at all, you know that we have covered the broad strokes of decluttering and we have taken a deep dive into how and why to declutter. 


Beyond that, one of the most common questions I get asked as a professional organizer is related to how to get rid of the things we have decided to let go of? 


This is the perfect time of year to be decisive about what stays and what goes.  Once you have done the hard work of decluttering, continue to make good choices for the disposition of the items you are willing to part with.  Don’t get spooked by all the options, below are some of the most commonly employed approaches.   

 

 

Responsible Recycling

Responsible recycling is the practice of making responsible choices for recycling which in turn, help to reduce the need for landfill and more costly forms of disposal. Responsible recycling also reduces the need for extracting (mining, quarrying and logging), refining, and processing raw materials all of which create substantial air and water pollution. 

 

There are many retailers and local organizations that will help you to responsibly recycle your decluttered possessions.  There are recycling opportunities for electronics, clothing & fabrics, and household items.  You can visit the resource page on my website for these and more recycling opportunities.   

 

If you have a unique item and aren’t sure where you can recycle or donate it, check out Recycle Smart MA which is a free resource that will direct you to organizations based on your donation type.  You can also reach out to Green Beverly, a Beverly-based non-profit working to reduce waste, they offer comprehensive guidance on recycling options.  

 

Selling or Thrifting 

If you have the time and wherewithal, sell what you can and recover some of the equity you invested in your items!  Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, community news vines or bulletins, or any of your own local thrift shops are a way for you to declutter and earn some income!  If you don’t have local options, use the online options like ThredUp and Thrifted.   

 

If your items are more valuable, consult an appraiser and they can also offer options for selling specialty items like collectibles, antiques or artwork.   

 

Donations

Donating is a win/win because you get to declutter and earn a tax deduction for a charitable donation to a qualified charitable organization.  Don’t miss an opportunity to give your beloved possessions a second act while helping others by donating to charities.  You can find a handful of local and national charitable organizations that you can donate to on Good Order’s resource page.  I always recommend choosing charities that support causes you feel drawn to or support personally.  Here on the North Shore, my clients regularly donate to Beverly Bootstraps, Lifebridge Thriftshop and Second Glance if you are looking for worthy recipients.   


 

Commit to Decluttering!

If you need guidance or inspiration, talk to your friends, family and neighbors to see who they support within your community.  Failing that, consult a professional organizer for a fresh take on how to tackle the clutter and the donations!  There is nothing scary about responsible recycling and donations, so let the fall season inspire you! 

 

 

Stacy Gooding, owner of Good Order

Get your house in Good Order, and follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@goodorderllc) for inspiration. Subscribe to my blog for more tips like these.


— SCG


Recent Posts

See All

コメント


bottom of page