It happens every year after the holidays: You look around your house and think, “Where do the kids put these new toys?” “Where do I store the extra Christmas decorations I bought on clearance?” “Will these extra sweaters fit in my closet?”
Instead of stuffing one more item in an already overstuffed closet, drawer or garage shelf, why not use the holiday season as an opportunity to rid your home of unused items? There’s a good chance your kids have toys that haven’t seen the light of day in months, not to mention last year’s winter clothing they outgrew.
And it’s fun to freshen up your holiday decorations from time to time, so go through the older items and pull out the ones you no longer want to display. There’s probably a lot of life left in those toys, games, holiday decorations and even the sweater you loved two years ago but now is stuffed at the back of the closet.
Plus, an end-of-year cleaning spree is a great way to kick off 2019. You’ll start the new year feeling organized, free of clutter and happy to know you donated several items to a great local cause.
Here are a few steps to get you started on the great holiday cleanup:
- Give the kids a box and have them fill it with it games, toys and books they’ve outgrown. It’s a great way to get them excited about finding a home for those new toys Santa will be putting under the tree.
- Tackle the coat closet to see if you have extra coats, scarves, gloves or boots that could be donated.
- As you’re putting out the holiday decorations this year, set aside anything that’s worn out its welcome on your mantel or tree. If you didn’t use it in the last year or two and it doesn’t hold any sentimental value, it’s unlikely you’ll use it again. Put it in the donation box.
- Walk from room to room, looking for at least five things to donate – books, knickknacks, clothing or other items that have outlived their usefulness in your home but would be great for someone else.
Fill up the car with your gently used items and head to your nearest Palmetto Goodwill, which has several locations throughout the Charleston area. You can feel good knowing your donations support Palmetto Goodwill’s mission of providing programs and services for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment.
And don’t forget to pick up your donation receipt for one more feel-good benefit – a tax deduction.
To learn more about Palmetto Goodwill, visit PalmettoGoodwill.org, visit a location near you, or call (843)566-0072.
