First bag of 2014 went this morning, just some odd clothes-odder gifts and a coffee pot. Working on filing and cleaning out filing cabinets this weekend-for sure another bag or two next week. Working my way up (literally) to cleaning out the attic. You'd think after my move last year, I wouldnt have anything left. BUT I hung on to some things not knowing whether I would need them in the new place or if our youngest would need them in her new place. Question answered for both now and it time to purge.....
I'm in, too. The list of places to donate is great. I've always taken our old cell phones to the local women's shelter but never thought beyond that. I just checked their website and they have many needs, including linens. I had already decided to start in the linen closets. Also, I have a first generation iPod that is just laying around; I love that.
Our local Goodwill is happy to have unmatched sheet sets. The flat sheets can be used to make sleep sacks by travelers who stay at hostels.
Another great organization is Suitcases for Kids. They collect suitcases for kids in foster care so they don't have to carry their belongings around in plastic bags. Suitcases For Kids
I actually started on NYE with DS' room. It was so cluttered, no one could walk into the room. So we spent NYE and NY Day, sorting Legos and throwing away wrappers, papers and old toys into a big garbage bag. By the end of the afternoon, the floor was cleared and vacuumed, the desk was cleared off and now, we just have to re-shelve the books somewhere.
This thread inspired me, too. I filled a bag with clothes to donate and a bag with expired OTC meds, old make up, etc. to trash. Dh filled a bag from his closet, too. The happy surprise for me was when he agreed to get rid of a bunch of odds and ends that he'd been saving...just in case. He finally admitted that he's unlikely to need/use any of it and would like to free up the space.
I was so busy today, but tomorrow, with all school and business closings due to the snow, I'm pumped. It's not just that I need to get rid of clothes or broken small appliances; I need to spend an hour every day, going through my papers and tossing/recycle.
shyparentalunit: I like the idea of making a copy of everything and storing it on the computer, but I imagine naming files could be dreadful. Any clues for that? My sister, another big saver, wants to get her very own UPC label maker. I think her idea sounds like that's another project that will never get finished.
Places to donate:
Goodwill
Similar religious charities
Easter Seals (around here they take clothes, home stuff, toys, etc.)
Gently Used Books - daycares, schools, literacy programs
Animal shelters - old towels, sheets, pet supplies
Children's Services/CASA - various kids supplies
Battered Women's shelters - call and see what they might use
Purple Heart
Viet Nam Veterans of America
Local children's hospital
Suitcases for Kids Suitcases For Kids
Itching to get a bag or two filled this weekend!!!
I joined the club yesterday by cleaning out my sweaters and shoes. Got rid of about a third of the sweaters and three pairs of shoes. My closet is still too full but looks tidy anyway. Not sure what to attack next. I have been telling people that my goal is to have half as much stuff a year from now.
MaineLonghorn39960 replies2197 threadsSuper Moderator
I don't think this has been mentioned - I apologize if it has. Keep in mind that you can claim a deduction for all the stuff you donate. You need to take a photo of the pile, then itemize the donation. Get a list of suggested values from the organization, if they have one. Write that value next to the item, then estimate the amount that you originally paid for it. For the entire donation, you will have a total "Market Value" and "Original Value." Wild estimates are fine! I just try to be conservative, so I don't claim too large a deduction. It is amazing how quickly the deduction adds up, though!
Oh my. I started to make a file for kitchen stuff, instead of putting everything in a drawer. That led to seeing which drawer in a file cabinet had most room. Started pulling out files and tossing everything from old cars. The moving stuff related to son into one drawer, to be sorted later. Found letters from my mom, long deceased. I read one and decided I would not get far if I became sentimental.
One thing I'm dying to tackle - H just loves to save the boxes for everything we ever bought (just in case). The coffee maker (3 coffee makers ago), his running shoes, the VCR (yes, I said VCR), you name it.
Ok, I did get started. I cleaned off the top of the computer desk. The big folder with all the warranty/owners manuals was on the desk so I went through that and tossed owners manuals or receipts for appliances and electronics that I a) don't have anymore, b) still have, but wouldn't repair if it died or c) were so faded I couldn't read what they were for. also went through the plastic officer supply organizers on that desk and sorted things, organized them, and tossed things if I didn't know what they were or why I would need them ever again. Half a trash bag, but a huge difference on the desk! I filed stuff that needed to be filed.
For me, this project is as much about getting things organized again as tossing things. Since starting grad school 4 years ago, things have just gotten out of control.
I also went in and signed up for online statements only for a few bills that I keep filing and filing for no good reason. There's one company I won't switch to online billing for because I don't trust them, but the rest can be all online. I'm good with that.
Limabeans, what I did was to store the files in iPhoto. I stored them in albums, by kid. Depends a lot on how much you have, and whether you want to store stuff in something like iPhoto, or just in file folders on your computer. Either way, a photo of a bunch of bowling trophies takes a lot less space than 15 bowling trophies!
Got rid of a lovely queen comforter set (including bed skirt, two shams, and three toss pillows) through Freecycle. We've been in our new house for 15 months and have no use for them. As I was carrying them out to the mailbox, where the Freecycler was going to pick them up, DH said, "You're getting rid of that? It's nice."
Replies to: The "Bag A Week" Club
Our local Goodwill is happy to have unmatched sheet sets. The flat sheets can be used to make sleep sacks by travelers who stay at hostels.
Another great organization is Suitcases for Kids. They collect suitcases for kids in foster care so they don't have to carry their belongings around in plastic bags. Suitcases For Kids
I actually started on NYE with DS' room. It was so cluttered, no one could walk into the room. So we spent NYE and NY Day, sorting Legos and throwing away wrappers, papers and old toys into a big garbage bag. By the end of the afternoon, the floor was cleared and vacuumed, the desk was cleared off and now, we just have to re-shelve the books somewhere.
I'm going to try and get rid of something every day, smaller quantity more often
shyparentalunit: I like the idea of making a copy of everything and storing it on the computer, but I imagine naming files could be dreadful. Any clues for that? My sister, another big saver, wants to get her very own UPC label maker. I think her idea sounds like that's another project that will never get finished.
Goodwill
Similar religious charities
Easter Seals (around here they take clothes, home stuff, toys, etc.)
Gently Used Books - daycares, schools, literacy programs
Animal shelters - old towels, sheets, pet supplies
Children's Services/CASA - various kids supplies
Battered Women's shelters - call and see what they might use
Purple Heart
Viet Nam Veterans of America
Local children's hospital
Suitcases for Kids Suitcases For Kids
Itching to get a bag or two filled this weekend!!!
LOL
Sorry, carry on.
Oh my. I started to make a file for kitchen stuff, instead of putting everything in a drawer. That led to seeing which drawer in a file cabinet had most room. Started pulling out files and tossing everything from old cars. The moving stuff related to son into one drawer, to be sorted later. Found letters from my mom, long deceased. I read one and decided I would not get far if I became sentimental.
This is looking like a big project.
But remember that the way to eat an elephant is, One bite at a time.
OUT.
For me, this project is as much about getting things organized again as tossing things. Since starting grad school 4 years ago, things have just gotten out of control.
I also went in and signed up for online statements only for a few bills that I keep filing and filing for no good reason. There's one company I won't switch to online billing for because I don't trust them, but the rest can be all online. I'm good with that.
Yeah, but we have no use for it. So out it goes!