by April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach
Cleaning out closets may be the last thing on your holiday to-do list, but trust me, it could be worth it.
Cleaning Out Closets :: for donations
I know I don't have to tell you what a benefit those old coats could be to a local shelter or even a family down the road. Although, the coat closet isn't the only place you can find unused items.
- Linen closet, donate unused towels & sheets
- Kid's closets, donate outgrown clothes through the school {the counselor always knows which kids need it the most & can handle it discreetly}
- Pantry closet, donate items close to their expiration date along with those coats to the shelter
Cleaning Out Closets :: for cash
The big buzz is always how you can sell your clutter for cash. Just remember, it's time consuming and can cause more stress than you're prepared for this time of year. If you're so inclined ...
- Craigslist - keep track of what you're selling, how much you're asking and once it's sold so you can remove the listing
- Amazon - be ready to ship as soon as you have the order request
- In Home Swapmeet - gather a few friends who have items to sell as well and host a holiday swapmeet in your home {the kids could even bake cookies to sell}
Cleaning Out Closets :: for guests
Clearing some space out of those extra closets so your holiday guests can make themselves comfortable is often overlooked {or avoided}. Making room for them is a gesture that says you made time for their arrival, it doesn't have to be the whole closet - just some room to hang a few things or unpack their suitcase if they're in for an extended stay.
- Clear 10 hangers worth of space on a rod
- Clear a dresser drawer
- Clear a shelf or two
Cleaning Out Closets :: for your sanity
Honestly, there is nothing like opening a closet door and being unable to close it without a little shove and push. The simple stress of knowing "if I open that closet door it's gonna take me 15 minutes just to get it shut again" can keep even the best of us from tackling a closet cleanout.
The upside? Most closets are small enough you can tackle them in an afternoon. Turn up some holiday music, grab a garbage bag and a few laundry baskets and dive right in! Plus, once you're done you can revel in that feeling of accomplishment! One closet down ... a few more to go!
Join me on the VolunteerSpot Facebook Page and share what your thoughts are
What's your strategy for cleaning out closets this holiday season?
Keepin it Tidy,
april
April is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect.
