I shared this in my private decluttering group but I thought it would be useful to anyone who wants to declutter right now.
I know there are many (if not all) donation places that are closed or not accepting items right now which can make decluttering a bigger obstacle for us as we are trying to get things out of our homes.
For those of you who have not decided what or where you’ll be decluttering, I want to challenge to shift your think and be creative.
(I can’t remember where I found this quote graphic to give credit but it’s not mine and I’ll check who it’s from. I think the quote is from Arthur Ashe who was an American professional tennis player.)
Here are some ideas:
⭐️ Find out the needs of the local “essential” businesses and organizations. It may take some time if communication is run by volunteers who may not have all the details of needs.
– Volunteers with food services and other health places that don’t need the more protective N95 masks can use the homemade ones. Do you have extra fabric or elastic bands to make them or to share with someone who does? I know someone was looking for a sewing machine so her mom can make more.
– Churches and other charities are still preparing meals for those in need. I’m not sure what they can or will accept but if you have extra plastic utensils or brown paper bags, maybe they can use them. Or paper plates and bowls?
– Students who are out of school may not have extra binder paper or school supplies at home to do their work (and arts and crafts after school work is completed). I’m not sure if schools are providing items for distance learning but see if there is a need for those extra cords and cables you have.
– Those who are working from home need to set up a home office. I’ve seen people asking for computer monitors or headphones and similar items.
– Many have or may be facing unemployment and if you have clothes (kids and adults) in great/excellent condition, some may accept a gift of these items.
– Perhaps you have unused stationery or greeting cards. You can start writing cards for birthdays and holidays or to those serving overseas. They can be ready to go whenever the time comes.
⭐️ Declutter in areas of your house where you KNOW there are items to trash and/or recycle. The file cabinet is bound to have papers to get rid of. (5 minutes a day working on 1 file folder a day last year helped me get rid of 4500+ pieces of paper.) Broken items can definitely go. Too-old and too-worn out clothes that are stretched or have holes can go.
⭐️ Maybe this is your chance to get serious about doing some digital decluttering. Delete emails, duplicate/blurry photos, files AND back up your files, unsubscribe to email lists, remove apps you don’t use from your phone.
What other ideas can you add to this list?
Note: Make sure to stay within shelter-in-place orders of non-contact and sanitizing items when you donate items for pick up or drop off. Make it minimal by having a collection of items ready…maybe set aside for a few days before passing them on.