Clear Your Closets for Charity

As the holidays get closer, many people are clearing out the clutter to make room for yet more. Parents are purging their kids' closets to make room for Santa's goodies, and optimistic dads are cleaning out the coat closet to allow room for that new jacket. But what can be done with the outcasts? Whatever can be gained from cleaning out closets and outgrown clothes hiding under the beds?

Share the wealth.

The holiday season presents the perfect opportunity to teach kids about sharing with others who are less fortunate, learning that less is more, and that one can indeed have too many tee shirts and racecar sets. Mom and Dad can jump on the decluttering bandwagon by purging the pantry and dropping off unused canned goods and other nonperishables at the local mission. The clearing doesn't stop there: Almost all storage areas in your house uncover a goldmine of items. Blankets and sheets in the linen closet are invaluable for the homeless, basic kitchen utensils provide battered women with a new start, and outgrown clothes are eagerly received by thrift shops.

Young children need you to explain that you're not giving away all their toys, but older ones (preschool and up) will be happy to help you sort and purge toys from the discard pile. Adolescents can sort their outgrown clothing, and teens will be more than happy to turn over last year's coat. Include your family in the decision to donate to local charities, and teach them the value of all those items on their new holiday wish list while you're at it.

Recycling pays.

Is your holiday gift budget a bit slim this year? Start your closet cleaning as early as possible and drop off slightly used clothes and toys at your favorite resale shop. Not only does this make room in your closet for new items, but it provides you with the means to buy those new blue jeans and video games, too.

Are the kids balking at the thought of giving toys away, unable to part with a plethora of playthings? Entice them with pay--Let them keep the money received from the sale of their outgrown clothes and discarded toys.

New Traditions.

Although this seems bizarre to those bombarded with the commercialism of holiday gift giving, consider creating new traditions for your family this year. One family continues the tradition of the wise men, giving their children three gifts each Christmas. Others spend Christmas Eve delivering handmade crafts and baked goods to area nursing homes. Maybe your children will enjoy giving a new toy to a child in the hospital. Or you can make extra feast portions at Thanksgiving to drop off at the mission.

Whatever your motives, holidays are indeed for sharing and not just our pocketbooks--but our hearts as well. Sharing outcast toys, recycling clothes, and redistributing gently used housewares teaches your children the gift of giving, and enables them to truly understand the spirit of the season. Involving them in the preparation helps them curb their appetite for what they don't have, enabling them to be content with what they do have. Happy organizing!

Source

Source: Williams, Debbie. (December 2006). Clear your closets for charity. Organized Times, 4(202). Debbie Williams is an author and organizing strategist who offers tools and training to help you put your life in order. Learn more practical tips like these in her book, Organized Kidz: EZ Solutions for Clutter-Free Living, or visit her website at www.OrganizedTimes.com.

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