What am I Supposed to do with All of this Stuff? (Part 2)

After the Purge: Donating & Organizing Your Items 

Now that you’ve purged and decluttered, it’s time to organize what you’ll keep and donate those unwanted, but still useful items.   

There are lots of donation locations in the Northern Virginia and surrounding area. Here are some recommendations on how to donate your items, including some you may not have known about: 

Blankets & Towels: The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria accepts towels, pillow cases, shoeboxes, plain (non-electric) blankets, and pet supplies that are new or in very good shape for their furry friends.   

Children’s Toys: For used items, it’s best to stick to local thrift shops and donation centers.  But, for any brand new items consider the Inova Children’s Hospital. 

Clothing (from baby to adult): Homeless shelters are always in need of clothing items of all shapes and sizes. Check this link for some local shelters in need.

Home Improvement Items & Appliances: Habitat for Humanity ReStoreaccepts appliances, furniture, antiques, doors, windows, tile and light fixtures. Proceeds from the sales go directly to Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia.

Large Items for Pickup: There are many national charity organizations that will pick up your furniture or other large item donations (most will not accept mattresses). Make sure your item(s) are in good working order and have not been recalled. Check out The Salvation Army, Goodwill, The National Furniture Bank Association and Vietnam Veterans of America.

Wedding Dresses. Brides Across America gives first responders, military members, and their spouses free wedding gowns.

Books. Operation Paperback provides books to deployed military members, wounded warrior programs, veterans’ hospitals located within the USA, and USO centers at US Airports. Libraries are also known to accept all reading levels of books.

These are some of our favorite ideas to organize the items you will keep.

Go horizontal. Use your wall space. A pegboard in the garage for hanging items on hooks keeps those handy items in reach.  Add decorative hooks in your bedroom to hang jewelry, belts, hats, scarves, etc. so items are easily visible when accessorizing. In the kids’ room, add shelves for books and art supplies to free up floor space. A pegboard also works in this space. Use hooks and hanging baskets. As the size and quantity of the toys change, so do your pegs.

Create a “Drop Zone”. Add designated bins for each family member to “drop” their keys, wallets, backpacks, umbrellas, gloves and more. They will save time in the morning and keep the items from scattering around the house.

Take the Tax Deduction.  Once you’ve dropped off your items with the non-profit, they should provide you with a tax deduction receipt. Come tax season, these receipts could end up saving you a bundle.

We’d love to hear about your favorite places to donate. Share in the comments below.

 If you’re considering buying or selling in the Northern Virginia market, I am ready to get working for you! Contact us anytime to get started at mkjhomes@kw.com, 703.282.2840, or visit www.mkjhomes.com

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