Moving to a new home? It’s the perfect time to declutter your life! Decluttering is a great way to get a fresh start. Here are some ways to get rid of clutter and unwanted items while supporting your local non-profit organizations and thrift stores by donating extra items.
When you’re getting ready to pack up and move, just take it one room at a time. Room-by-room decluttering will ensure that you end up with much less “junk” to deal with when moving day comes. The most common clutter-accumulators are closets, pantries, garages, and kitchen drawers.
Decluttering your closet begins with sorting through your clothes. Donate any clothes and shoes that you have not worn within the past year or any clothes that don’t fit. You can donate older clothes to younger family members or in the alternative, a local second-hand store.
Don't just throw away your old stuff. There are many great organizations in central Arkansas that are supported by donated clothes and household items.
- Our House is an organization that helps provide homeless and near-homeless families with opportunities to get back on their feet to find gainful employment and housing. Aside from the families that find shelter at Our House in Little Rock, local families and people in need benefit from the organization’s second-hand store supplied by donations. Visit http://ourhouseshelter.org/donate/ to learn about donating clothes and household items after you declutter.
- The Van is another great charity that supports local veterans and other people in need. You can find out more about donating to The Van at http://theoneinc.org/how-to-help/. You can also find and support these excellent local causes on Facebook!
Clear out unnecessary items in kitchen drawers, and reorganize frequently used utensils and cookware. Get rid of the “junk drawer” – this is a good place to clear out (and throw away!) old clutter and organize commonly used items. Also, get rid of food that is near expiration or not likely to be consumed. Non-perishable food items can be donated to your local food bank or homeless shelter.
- Arkansas Food Bank finds pathways to connect people, resources, and food to reach those in need, providing dignity, hope and a brighter future for all Arkansans. Visit the Arkansas Foodbank or learn more about their various programs and donation centers at http://arkansasfoodbank.org/.
- Move For Hunger is a national non-profit organization that mobilizes the relocation industry to reduce food waste and fight hunger. Brandon Moving & Storage is proud to be a partner of Move For Hunger. Follow our Facebook Page for updates and announcements on upcoming Move For Hunger Donation drop-offs and events.
Clean out the garage. In the garage, you can start by sorting items—beginning with items that can be thrown away, items that can be donated, and items to be kept and organized. You may find that you have accumulated things that you have forgotten about and no longer need. Moving is the perfect time to throwing away, donate, or even sell such items, and you’ll maximize the space in your new home. At your new home, organize the items you must keep into boxes or onto shelves, allowing easier access to items when needed.
Now, your stuff is organized, clutter is cleared, and donations have been made! Time to pack up the rest and hit the road to your new home. Need help with your next move? Contact Brandon Moving & Storage!
