Thursday: What to Do With All That Clutter

This Morning's Worship Song


WHAT TO DO WITH ALL OF THAT CLUTTER

A Time to Clean: Day 4


Yesterday we talked about How to Deal with Clutter. Next week we’ll be talking more about heart issues {and tomorrow we’ll be talking about sentimental stuff}, but I didn’t want to leave you hanging, wondering what to do with all that stuff you’re getting rid of.

If you’re like me, you hate wasting anything. My husband and I really try to be good stewards of things and even though our clutter issue has grown over the last few years… I still want to be a good steward and not just toss things in the trash that might benefit another family.

We live in a very poverty stricken area – one of the poorest counties in the nation. {#17 based on Median Household Income} Since moving to the area in 2001, I’ve come to view life and things in a much different way. So many people here have next to nothing and I have been blessed with so much. My husband and I moved here specifically to minister in the community. My heart has been broken so many times when I go into homes where there seems to be no hope.

Today, I’m sharing my favorite ways to clear the clutter in my home. If you have any other ideas, please share them in the comments so we can all learn!

WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THAT CLUTTER

As you sort your clutter into boxes or bags – trash, donate, sell, or relocate – you’ll need to decide where each item’s new home will be. Here are some great ideas:

1. Good Will or Salvation Army. Most communities have a Good Will Thrift Store or something similar that you can donate to.

2. Local Women’s Shelter. Call and see what types of items they may be in need of.

3. Animal Shelter or Animal Rescue. Animal shelters are often in need of old bedding for the animals – sheets, blankets, etc.

4. Appalachian Community Center. My husband and I run a Community Center where we give away food, clothing, and household items twice a week – no proof of income required – we just give stuff away.

  • If you’d like to donate, you can send packages to: {USPS} Appalachian Community Center, c/o Melissa Ringstaff, PO Box 1020, Harlan, KY 40831 or {UPS} Appalachian Community Center, c/o Melissa Ringstaff, 594 Ivy Hill, Harlan, KY 40831. If you have questions, feel free to ask!

5. Homeless Shelter. Call and see what they can use. My husband and I take boxes of purses and totes to a homeless shelter each month because the homeless need bags to carry things in. {These bags come from donations to our Appalachian Community Center.}

6. Used Book Store. My favorite used bookstore is McKay’s in Knoxville, TN. It’s amazing. Huge! We love shopping there. I buy a lot of my homeschool curriculum there, as well as books to read, games, music, and more. So, anytime I can bring in some books/ CD’s/ DVD’s/Games for trade and get in-store credit, I’m happy!

7. Homeschool Classifieds. If you homeschool, you can either take your used books to a bookstore like the one above, or you can post them for sale on HomeschoolClassifieds.com. I’ve used it before many times to buy and sell. It’s easy to use!

8. Gift a friend or family member. The books I went through yesterday were divided up – one box to take to the used bookstore and two stacks of books for my step-daughter and daughter-in-law. I pass down my youngest daughter’s old clothes that are in good condition to my grandkids!

9. Freecycle Network. Freecycyle is a program where you can post things you have that you want to give away {or see if you can find something you need}. You can see if your community or surrounding area has a Freecycle Network in your area on their website.

10. Craigslist or Ebay. I’ve sold quite a bit of stuff on Craigslist and Ebay over the years. Plus, you can list FREE stuff that you just want to give away on Craigslist, too!

11. Half.com. The first year that Half.com existed my husband and I made $5000.00 selling books. We don’t list as many books anymore, but it’s a great way to make some extra cash!

12. Yard Sale. I remember the year we moved back east, we had a yard sale before we moved and made SO much money. It was so exciting we kept going into the house looking for more stuff we could part with. Whether you get that excited about having a yard sale or not… it’s a great way to make a little extra cash for your family. If you feel you can spare the cash and want to donate it, a yard sale is a great way to help raise money for a worthy cause.

13. Consignment Shops. If you have a consignment shop in your area, they can really be a great way to make a little money on gently used clothing and baby items.

14. Used Eyeglasses can be donated, too. We take our used glasses to a local eye doctor who collects them.

15. Dress for Success. This organization provides low-income women with business attire to help them get a job.

So, there you have it. 15 places to get rid of your stuff.

Today’s Goal

  • If you feel like you have too much stuff, write down places you might like to donate to or otherwise get rid of {sell} your stuff.
  • Write down your thoughts in your A Time to Clean Journal about what He has shown you.
  • Be sure to download the printable Declutter Labels and How to Declutter Cheat Sheet in the Bonus section in the menu to your left.
  • This week we're working in our Master Bedrooms. Do as much as you can to fill a bag with clutter and clean your room.
  • Fill at least one bag or box full of stuff to give away.
  • Take a picture of your bag. Share it in our Facebook group and Instagram if you life - use hashtag #atimetoclean
  • Do your best to wake up early tomorrow, read tomorrow's lesson, and spend time in prayer.

What to Do With Your Stuff Cheat Sheet.pdf
Complete and Continue