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Decluttering New Year's Resolution? The 3 Easy Tips You Need

1/7/2021

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​Why does decluttering rank high on resolution lists every single year?

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We feel better when things are organized, but it turns out it is also quite important for our health and wellbeing. ​Psychology Today provides 8 reasons messes are proven to cause stress including overstimulation, lack of focus, inability to relax, anxiety, and guilt, and stifling creativity. Nobody needs these extra stressors in their lives especially when you can do something about it. If you completed or started a quarantine decluttering project (or finally want to start), you will find it not only decreases stress, it also increases productivity, and even saves you money.
The reality is that it can be challenging in practice to keep clutter away but we offer three key tips to start you on a successfully decluttered 2021 and make it easier to prevent the clutter from coming back. 

1. Make clearing clutter a regular habit

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It seems simple, so why does stuff seem to always accumulate? There are many methods of 'project' decluttering, whether you choose Marie Kondo, or others, where you set aside a bunch of time and really hit an area to declutter. For most people with busy lives, it is hard to carve out that time.
Just like making your bed or brushing your teeth, if you can make a habit of clearing clutter regularly, it becomes more manageable and gets done. 
First, you need a strategy that work for you. Here are two steps you can start right away. 

STEP 1: 
Create a small space where you feel OK about putting things that you need to donate. Create a 'to donate' bag or box somewhere near your door where these items can go and plop them in. When it fills up or gets in the way, make a trip to donate or post it stuff for neighbors on Nextdoor, Facebook, or you could even just send a message to friends or family who might like the items.


STEP 2:
Create a place where you can put things that need sorting between repair, giving, or trash. Set it somewhere you are regularly or are likely to do a passive activity. Hide it next to a couch where you'll be watching TV or under a chair where you'll be sitting with a child while she does homework. Get creative and find what works for you. When you sit down in that space, you are automatically reminded and the items are right there. Many find sorting a very satisfying activity, plus you make progress toward your decluttering routine.
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Now, how do you get through all of the stuff in a 'routine' way? Here are a couple of ideas that other people have found helpful depending on their personality:

If you struggle with routine and scheduling tasks, try this:

When clutter frustrates you or makes you bad, deal with a little right away. Can't shut your utensil drawer? Right then and there, quickly identify one or a few things you don't use and plop them in the 'to donate' bin. That way, it doesn't have to derail what you are doing, and you get the satisfaction of removing a frustration in the moment. Yay!

If you love a to-do list and organizing but don't have much time, try this:
Give yourself the gift of a tiny bit of time - maybe just 15 minutes on a Saturday morning. Identify a small area like a shelf in your closet, or specific drawer. Take just the allotted time and do a super quick sweep of that area. You can dump everything out, or just pull the things you don't need out - It's your choice. Focus on items that haven't been used in a while, are broken or no good, out of date, or just taking up too much space. Put them aside in a 'to donate' receptacle by your door or if you need time to sort the give/fix/repurpose/trash, set it somewhere you are doing a passive activity like watching TV or sitting with a child while she does homework.  
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2. Give your items where they are needed.

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You may well find the extra motivation you need to get things out of your home when you know your items will find a meaningful new home where they will be used and enjoyed. Most people, when they find out someone needs something, bend over backward to get it to them. However, when it's just a pile at your back door without a plan, it can sit for weeks or longer.

Donate Good Stuff is a great resource to help you find organizations that need what you have, nearby, and provides you with the info to easily deliver. Here are some examples of what you can find:
  • Give tools you don't use to the MN Tool library 
  • Donate current season clothing to service providers like YouthLink, 
  • Give work clothes to Dress for Success or Ready for Success
  • Donate linens and unopened body care items to a variety of shelters
  • Donate furniture to distribution centers like Bridging
  • Donate home improvement and construction items to Hearts and Hammers or Habitat ReStore
  • Give medical equipment and supplies to Mano A Mano or Hero
  • Donate kitchen and household items to supportive programs like Breaking Free, and MORE. 
  • Donate art supplies to help young people at Jeremiah Program and Ampersand Families
  • Donate sports and outdoor equipment so kids can participate in activities to Urban Ventures
Wherever you donate, carefully read what is needed and what is not ensure your donation is appreciated and used and doesn't become an unintended burden for the organization that can cost them time and money they often don't have. Make sure it is in excellent condition, freshly cleaned, and free of damage, fur, stains, odor and any other unpleasantness unless the listing specifically states otherwise. Always do a re-inspection of items right before you donate!

If you have stuff might not be considered 'good', there are still options:
  • Bring used shoe boxes or old blankets to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
  • Give outdated computers and equipment to PCs for People or Tech Dump
  • Even old cars can have a new life at Newgate School

If you can't find an organization that needs it near you, try some neighborly options like posting your things on Freecycle, the NextDoor app or Facebook community groups and marketplace. Consider other simple and local solutions like delivering a few books to a neighbor's little free library.
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3. Be careful about what you bring into your home.

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Is it a virtue to say no? It might be.
The less you bring in, the easier it is to keep your space neat and clutter-free. There are many reasons we tend to buy so much more than we need, including perceived lack of time for repairing or making something, as a response to emotions, and just because it is so easy to click and buy. For some people, it it can even become a compulsion or addiction. 
Reducing excess consumption is critical to keep clutter at bay, and it has a positive impact on the environment.

How can you curb your shopping enthusiasm?
Keep these questions in mind before you click 'buy now'
  • Is it more than I will use?  can seem like exciting bargains, but not as fun once things pile up in your closets. It's still cheaper to spend $5 to buy one item than $10 on 2 you don't need.
  • Is it a quality item or 'fast fashion'?  Poor quality and temporary styles of clothing and goods quickly become clutter and is a major source of waste.
  • Is it kitschy or seasonal? Funny T-shirts and silly socks are popular gifts, but they tend to have a short shelf life and a long waste cycle. Steer toward experiences, or a useful gift based on a personal joke or shared experience
  •  Do you expect to use it more than once or twice? If you don't plan to use something until it's worn out or used up, you may want to reconsider the purchase....or spend more time decluttering again next year. Consider borrowing an item from someone else or using a suitable alternative.
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Second Chances: Renovate your Wardrobe Instead of Buying New

11/20/2020

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Whether you’re on a limited budget, want to reduce landfill waste – or both – renovating your existing wardrobe instead of buying a new one is easier than you think. A good wardrobe is a must-have for many, and we tend to invest in new clothes without taking stock of what’s already hanging in our closets. You can resist the temptation by giving your wardrobe an economical but fun fashion facelift.
Transforming and tweaking your wardrobe instead of buying a new one saves money. Maybe you’re a single mom whose job requires a high-level wardrobe, or you’re young and just building up a solid income. Perhaps you’re interested in recycling and upcycling. We have some great advice and techniques to find both budget-easy and Earth-friendly ways to update your wardrobe.
 
A Second Life
We all have our clothing secrets, those gotta-have purchases that we hang in the closet, waiting for the next perfect occasion. Except, that perfect cocktail party or night on the town just never materializes. Eventually, we forget it’s hanging there, tags still attached, and now it’s no longer trendy or it doesn’t fit like before.
Don’t just toss clothes: consider giving them a second life. Most of our clothes eventually end up in a landfill. In 2015, more than 10 million tons of fabrics went to landfills, according to the EPA. Yet within that same year, only about 14% of clothing and shoes were recycled. Producing new clothes and other textiles requires energy, water, and other resources. By renewing your wardrobe (and other household textiles like linens, bed sheets, drapes, and blankets) instead of discarding, you can do your part to reduce landfill waste.
 
Clothes Renewal Selection
Let’s dig in and decide which clothes stay, which clothes leave, and which are good candidates for a transformation.
Go through your closet. Take clothes out and start working on an organization system. Some people organize types of clothes together: button-down shirts together, slacks, pants, skirts, dresses, etc. Others group their wardrobe according to use: work clothes, party clothes, casual clothes. Still, others group their clothes according to colors.
Whatever organizing system you use, stick to it, and revisit the selection process every few months, or at minimum once a year. You may discover clothes you haven’t noticed for years. Rotating them into your regular wardrobe choices brings new variety.
 
How Often Do You Use it?
As you go through your closet, question how often you use it. How about that outdated pair of slacks or that forgotten dress? These slacks make a good candidate for re-homing or renovating, and you could transform that dress into a cute blouse. If you haven’t worn something for a year, give serious thought to renovating it or removing it from your closet.
 
Does it Still Suit You?
You adored that skirt 10 years ago when you couldn’t resist buying it. Still, think you can’t live without it? Do you have the same feelings for it? This kind of item in your wardrobe might be a good candidate for a subtle or grand transformation.
 
What to Do with Clothes you Don’t Need?
You should now have a keep pile, a keep but renovate pile, and a “leave the house” pile. What do you do with these clothes? Evaluate them: If they’re good quality and not hopelessly outdated fashion-wise, you may consider donating them. You can find places near you to donate at DonateGoodStuff.org. You may also consider using social media groups such as Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor, as well as selling them at a local consignment shop.
If you don’t want the hassle or the clothes aren’t top quality, you can also offer them for free on sites like The Freecycle Network. This way, the clothes have a use for others while staying out of the landfill.
 
Upcycle, Downcycle, and Renovation Techniques
Your wardrobe is a great source of creative upcycle and downcycle projects.
Upcycling involves turning an existing item into something of higher value. Those tired old jeans could become an on-trend, functional shopping tote, a denim tank top, or a woven sink floor mat. Upcycling saves energy and materials used by new-item manufacturing processes. Some people earn income by crafting and selling items using upcycled materials.
You can also downcycle your wardrobe – that is, turn the fabric into something else useful but less valuable than the original item. Turn soft but no longer wearable cotton T-shirts into dust cloths, a sweater for your dog, or a snuggly small pet hammock. Downcycle shirts to wax your car. Crafty people have recycled clothes into sewn protective face masks, using t-shirt strips as tie straps.
Check out hundreds of amazing second-life ideas for upcycling your clothing. You’ll be amazed what some creativity, scissors, and maybe some sewing thread can accomplish. You don’t have to be a professional seamstress or DIY fashion guru to achieve beautiful results.
There are some great fabrics for craft or upcycle projects that are probably hanging in your closet right now:
  • Denim, like jeans and jean jackets
  • Cotton shirts
  • T-shirts
  • Cotton blouses or dresses
  • Flannel or plaid shirts
  • Bedsheets
  • Wool sweaters and blankets
By using various techniques and some handy online tutorials, you can cut, sew, glue, and transform unwanted, tired fabrics into new, exciting clothes, home decorating, or craft creations. Here are some ideas for transforming closet rejects:
 
Cutting
Fabrics and scissors are a perfect match when you’re giving new life to clothes. Renovations can be as simple as cutting slacks into shorts and hemming the frayed ends (or leave the frayed ends for a casual statement). Cut strips and weave together for a rug, tying off the ends or cut clothes up for future quilting pieces.
 
Transform Dresses into Trendy Tops or Skirts
Remember that cute dress you almost never wore? Turn it into a top or even a skirt. This may be as simple as hemming the dress a little higher and adding a cute belt. Look online for inspiration and tutorials.
 
Repurpose Old T-shirts into Something New
Do you have drawers full of oversized t-shirts or old t-shirts? Give them a new life. Weave them into totes, make them into crop tops, or find other ways to reuse the fabric. T-shirt material is a dream to renovate, upcycle, or downcycle. When cut, t-shirts don’t fray, so you can cut and handle without the need to hem. You can also use T-shirts as knitting yarn to make rag rugs, macrame, pillow cushions, patchwork quilts, t-shirt bags, or even potholders.
 
Tie-Dye
Tie-dye never goes out of style. Vibrant and fun, tie-dyeing makes a terrific family activity. Transform white shirts or other clothes, even ones that may be stained. Chances are unless they’re bad stains, the tie-dye pattern will hide the imperfections, making that shirt wearable again.
Before you dive into tie-dying, watch videos online with step-by-step directions. There are lots of different techniques to achieve the patterns and color combinations you most love.
If you’re not into tie-dye, you can use different painting materials on clothing to change their look. Try acrylic pens, natural pigments, and even fabric paints watered down to make clothes look just like a dreamy watercolor painting. Sites like Pinterest.com have lots of ideas for bringing new life to your clothes.
 
Bleach Techniques
If you have dark clothes, you can transform them into vibrant, eye-catching statement pieces by using a creative reverse dye technique process of bleaching out the color and then adding bright dye colors to the bleached, white sections. You can also use bleach pens to create cool, colorful images on fabric.
 
Knitting, Sewing, and Crocheting
Don’t overlook traditional methods to change up clothes you’ve grown tired of. Knitting, sewing, and crocheting are time-honored skills you can enjoy learning as you add beautiful accents to your clothes.
Hem a long skirt into a shorter version or transform slacks into shorts. Add a contrasting color block to an existing skirt. Sew a lace hem on shorts or a crocheted accent onto a blouse for a charming touch.
 
Repair Old Clothes
Instead of throwing away clothes, consider repairing them. Resist the urge to pitch clothes with a hole or missing button, Invest a little time in repairing instead of replacing, and you’ll save lots of money. Iron on or sew on a cool, on-trend patch on your jeans, and change out the buttons on your sweater. Browse online shops for eye-catching buttons that show off your personality.
If your sewing, darning, or sew-on button techniques are rusty or nonexistent, don’t worry: There are lots of tutorials online for almost any repair situation.
 
Denim Jeans and Jackets
Denim jeans are incredibly versatile for repurposing projects. Sew some patches or lace onto existing jeans or a jacket for an on-trend shabby-chic fashion statement. Use fabric paint to embellish with flowers, peace symbols, or cool sayings.
Denim’s fabric strength can be transformed into things like totes, light-blocking curtains, woven denim rugs, or reupholstering fabric for chairs for a fresh shabby-chic look. Make denim into pillows, baskets, or quilts. Make a braided tug-toy for your favorite pooch (make sure he doesn’t swallow the fabric) or, using elastic on each end of a pants leg, make a grocery-bag holder. There are lots of tutorials online with clever ideas for old jeans.
 
Patching
Clothes don’t last forever, especially if worn by kids. Sometimes quick patching can give clothes years more life. Find coordinating or contrasting colors to bring interest to your renovation. You can place the patch on the inside of the worn-out spot and sew it in for added textural appeal.
 
More DIY Wardrobe Renovation Ideas
There are other creative and inexpensive ways to inject new life into your wardrobe.
Update your accessories. Haunt thrift stores and estate sales for sweet vintage statement pieces like bracelets, necklaces, or earrings. Browse vintage stores for a retro leather handbag. A new-to-you set of bangles can bring new sparkle to your ensemble. Or, switch it up with a luxurious-looking, oversized scarf or shawl for a pop of color or pattern. Add an accentuating belt.
Add a few “basics” to your wardrobe. Add a solid-colored jacket or sweater, a classic blouse, or a basic skirt that you can create multiple ensembles with. Thrift stores are a great place to shop. These basic additions can match with pieces already in your closet, providing a fresh look.
Mix and match colors and patterns. This increases your daily ensemble variety and choices. Don’t be afraid to buck the trend of a pattern paired only with a solid. Try some florals with stripes.
Have a clothes swap party. Invite friends over and ask them to bring gently-used clothes, shoes, and accessories. Share your own offerings. You can make this a fun, themed get-together.
Look for classic, casual, or business jackets that you can change out with different blouses and skirts or a good pair of jeans. Elevate an ensemble or rock a casual look, adding versatility to your present wardrobe.
 
The Sky’s the Limit
Renovating and rehabbing your wardrobe can be as extensive and as creative as you want – let your DIY fashion imagination soar. Try out a new painting, sewing, or tie-dye techniques, and if you mess it up, that’s OK: it’s all part of the learning and experimenting process. If you have kids, set them loose with some of their clothes and paint pens or other kid-safe fabric paints.
 
Find Joy in your Wardrobe Again
You can feel good about giving your clothes a new life and a new look. You’ll expand your wardrobe choices while saving money and being a good steward of the Earth.
The clothing manufacturing industry is harsh on our environment. Some companies are showing creativity in using throwaway items like water bottles upcycled into new clothes, handbags, and even bed sheets. However, until all technology improves with more sustainable and recycled materials, you can do your part by not buying new items. Instead, have fun using these techniques to bring new purpose to your existing wardrobe.
 
Originally posted on Porch.com

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Brilliant Hacks for Reusing Old Hair Accessories

8/23/2020

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COVID-19 hairstyles are trending longer, so if you are dipping back into your hair accessories like I have, you may be noticing some really outdated stuff that you can't give away but don't want to throw away. Here are some great hacks to make the best use of them!


Snap or Spring Clips ​
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1. Bag clips

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I really don't like buying cheap plastic anything. This is especially true for something that doesn't last and there are a million alternatives for, including bag clips. Hair clips are one great way to re-use stuff you have laying around to do the job, and they are free from your stash. You can also use lots of other items to keep bags and boxes secure. Rubber bands and office binder clips are two of my favorites.

2. Keep Your Washer from Stealing Socks

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​Just clip them together at the top with a strong clip and then wash. Keep them in a pouch on your hamper to keep socks together from the beginning. It's a great way to use a little cloth bag you might have - just tie it to the top and put a few clips in it. Replace them when your socks have successfully made it out of the wash together.
Be careful - some can get rusty over time, but at least they'll have had a second, and very useful, life.

3. Organize as you work  ​

If you sew, knit, or are working with twine, or even while wrapping gifts, clips can hold strands together for you to keep them from getting knotted up.

4. Hold it together

Snap barrettes are really handy when you have a small stack of cards, papers, or any paper items that you want to hold together, especially if you don't want to staple them. 

5. Good Toothpaste Tube Hygiene 

Just like putting toilet paper on the 'right' way, keeping toothpaste tubes neat can be a worthwhile relationship aid. There are quite a few devices that are created for the purpose, many of which I've tried and not loved. This is an easy, DIY, free, reuse friendly way to keep everyone a little bit happier.

6. Create a Gift-Card Clip

Looking for a unique way to attach a gift card to a present? Use a brightly colored snap clip, and simply snap it onto the gift card and the ribbon. Guaranteed, no one else will secure his or her gift card in this way, and it can also be an added gift if it's particularly creative or interesting.
Especially if it is a hair-related gift or gift card.
​You could even decorate it in matching colors or theme.


​Claw Clips
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7. Keep Wet Stuff from Getting Gross in the Kitchen

Dish cloths, Sponges, even reused plastic bags, and beeswax wraps can be tough to dry. Take a clip that is the right size for the job and you can either clip it or hang it from something nearby.

8. Keep Wet Stuff from Getting Gross in the Bathroom

Same idea - use large clips over your shower rod to give you extra space to dry towels, swimwear, pet toys you've just cleaned, or anything else you want to drip dry quickly.

9. Hands-Free Towel

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10.  if you're in the locker room at the gym and want a way to keep your towel from falling down, secure it with a small jaw clip, like this. It's a quick, easy solution, and it works with a wide variety of jaw clips.

10. Tame Tangles

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Clips are a cheap and easy way to organize anything long and thin, from cords and cables to necklaces. Use larger clips. Use several small clips along the length of the wires, or if you have them, a couple of the much bigger clips. As they come in a wide variety of colors, you can even use clips that coordinate with the color of the wires, including white, black, yellow, or blue.

11. DIY Doorstop

For doors that you need to make sure stay open, rather than buy something new, you can use this
​You can buy finger-pinch guards, but large jaw clips with string springs can also do this job. Place it at the top of the door, out of reach of the kids. The jaw clip will hold itself in place, and will stop the door from being closed all the way. (You'll need to run a few tests first. If the jaw clip isn't strong enough, it will fly off on the first try.

​12. Create a Makeshift Clipboard

​Don't have a clipboard handy, or one of those binder clips? Well, you can make a clipboard using a jaw clip and something like a thin, hardcover book, or even some sturdy cardboard. Lay the paper down, attach the jaw clip, and slide the pen inside. Simple.
Or if you need to keep papers from blowing away.
Or outdoor party tablecloths

13. Clip Glasses to Your Visor

If you have an older car without a compartment for glasses, or you need more than one, this is a handy hack. You can a couple of different ways. You can use a claw clip to clip the glasses anywhere along the edge, or use two binders around the visor. You can use one, but two keep your glasses more secure. You can use fluffy or bright ones for a little fun flair, or keep it simple.


Bobby Pins
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14. Bookmarks that Don't Mark

You like to have crisp pages, or maybe you are borrowing a book, you don't want to dog-ear it. Just keep a few bobby pins handy in your nightstand or near you favorite reading nook. Bobby pins take up almost no room and keep the pages looking new when you don't have your favorite bookmark nearby.

Banana Clips

Have you cut your hair lately? If so, do you have those big butterfly clips left over with no where to go? Turn them upside down and clip recipes in them, mail to go out, messages for family members, bills, family photos, or recycled note pads.


Banana Clips
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15. Prevent Tangled Necklaces

If you have a lot of necklaces, this is a handy hack. Banana clips come in many varieties, but the ones with teeth spaced apart widely are great for hanging necklaces over. Hang one over each tooth, then close and fasten the banana clip, and place it in a drawer. No more tangles, knots, and other necklace annoyances.




Combs

Bands

Replacing hair ties

Finally, when you need to replace hair ties, here are some creative zero waste ideas.
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Is There a Wrong Way to Donate (and am I doing it)?

8/11/2020

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​Stained couches, buttonless or torn shirts, a game with missing pieces, a coat with worn elbows, a lamp that just needs a little glue to hold it together...  

​Most people have great intentions when they donate their stuff but based on many conversations I've had with organizations that have received all kinds of things like these they don't want, don't need, and ends up being a burden on their strained resources, there definitely seem to be wrong ways to donate. Most of the time, it is unintentional. We think we're donating stuff that is 'good enough' and the reality is that most of us unintentionally give stuff that goes right into the trash - either because we didn't check the condition closely enough, or get the right stuff to the right place where it can be used. Fortunately, it is avoidable if we follow some simple guidelines.

How can you be sure you aren't unintentionally
​one of 'those' donors?

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​​Here are 3 easy steps to avoid the pitfalls

1) Know what happens to your item.

​You donate stuff because you want to make a positive difference with the things you no longer need. If you don't want your stuff to become someone else's problem when you show up with it at their door, it's up to each of us as individuals to take responsibility for the stuff we brought into our homes when we no longer want it. Part of that means taking a moment to learn where it's going when you get rid of it - and to make the best possible choice. Just because you hope your donation is useful doesn't keep it from actually going in the trash, or worse, the organization has to pay for disposal or removal.

As an example, one organization I spoke with takes donations of very specific books. Storage is expensive for them and they don't have extra staff to re-home books that they can't use. When they get books in other languages than what they need, or that generally don't fit what they can use, perfectly good books end up destroyed (recycled, but destroyed) which is really sad. It's also unnecessary. Making good choices about what and where you donate  makes all the difference.

​Below are questions to ask yourself to find the best place. 


Will my item .....
  • be reused in its current state? Best case: locally & immediately.  (9-10 points)
  • be up-cycled? Best case: sustainably, without waste (5-8 points)
  • be recycled? Best case: little transport or manufacturing energy (3-4 points)
  • be resold? (with potential to be bulk-sold, recycled, or trashed) (0-5 points)
  • Likely go in the trash? Are you donating a broken lamp?... (0 points)
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2) Donate only useful things
​This is trickier than it sounds. Usefulness is in the eye of the beholder, and in this case, the judge has to be the recipient. Be careful not to fall into the wish-cycling trap. (I know you would really love to drop off those those VHS movies somewhere)

Even if your item was really awesome at one time, things can really change when stuff sits for a while.  

Take a close look & determine:
  • Does it have any broken or missing pieces, tears, missing a button or have other damage?
  • Are you telling yourself 'someone could easily fix this.....'
  • Is it old and outdated?
  • Has it been sitting where it's gotten a dusty and dirty or picked up basement or garage smells? 

If you answered 'yes' or even 'maybe' or 'I don't know' to any of these, it is likely to create a burden on the recipient. Consider if you can fix it, clean it, or update it to make it good for donation. Either don't donate it, or take the next best step (#3 below) and ask. 

Two More Tips for Screening Your Items
​

Consider if it would be acceptable to give to your sister. She's going to notice if it's not good, and she'll tell you all about it. So if it's not sister quality, don't assume it's OK to donate. (Ignore this advice if you don't have a sister or you have a really nice sister like mine. Instead, think of someone else who holds you to a higher standard, AND who is brutally honest with you.)

"When in doubt, throw it out" is a common quote of guidance. But I think there is an even better - just ask. That said, if you are in a situation where you have to make an assumption and you aren't sure, don't donate it. 

The good news is that there are a lot of other great ways to divest of the things you no longer need. To get new ideas about how to ethically and easily re-home or repurpose your items, and also tips for decluttering & reducing, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or subscribe to our newsletter for tips each month.

3) Get consent. "Good intentions do not a good gift make"
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP.

It's happened to most of us.... Remember a time you received a 'gift' from someone that you didn't need or want? Maybe it was a parent cleaning out the house, or  a friend who just doesn't 'get' you. The intent may have been there, but you still ended up with an extra item that you didn't want so instead of a lovely gift, you had the burden of storing it or figuring out what to do with it. Usually, these aren't a big deal, but they aren't the positive experience they are meant to be. And you can imagine if this happened to you over and over (like it does with places that accept donations), it becomes unmanageable and expensive.

Some organizations are very explicit about what they do and don't accept. Those are easy - Just follow their lead.  Some organizations are less explicit. The key is not to assume.

Drop-off sites seemingly take 'everything' so it's easy for people to grab a bag full or car load and 'let them worry about it, they are set up for it'. In reality, many things end up going right into the trash because they can't be resold or reused. 
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'Give to, not at'
When you follow these 3 simple guidelines, your donations will make the impact you hoped for - great for the community and great for the environment

DonateGoodStuff.org is set up to help you see what organizations do with your donations, what is truly useful and wanted, and contacts for finding out more. Just go to DonateGoodStuff.org. 


We'd love to hear from you!
What are things that you struggle to donate? What great donation gems have you discovered? Comment or email and if we select your comment to share, you'll be entered in a drawing for a Donate Good Stuff re-useable, donation collection bag for your 'good stuff'.
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The Race is On

6/17/2020

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We paused the Cookie 5k to make space to react to what was happening in our neighborhoods after the murder of George Floyd on Memorial Day. The past weeks have brought renewed clarity to the many injustices people of color have faced for far too long. 
 
Black lives matter. 
 
As we navigate these times of change and reflection, we know that we can’t go 'back to normal'. 

The Cookie 5K is no different. We are grateful for your support and want to honor the commitment you made to furthering our work. We are especially appreciative of that over the past weeks as we focused on connecting neighbors with resources needed after the destruction that closed many essential businesses. We invite you now to run with us not only in this 5k, but in a marathon to change failed systems, rebuild communities, and take meaningful and lasting action. 
 
From now until June 30th, you can complete the Cookie 5k by walking, running, or taking action in the movement for change whether that is self-education, donating, rebuilding, or marching with others. We’ll post full details about how to share your participation on the Facebook event and RunSignUp pages.
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We are honored to support and magnify the work of nonprofits and community businesses in one small way through the prizes & drawings for participants. For example, Cookie Cart, even as their buildings were boarded up in North Minneapolis and East St Paul, continued to serve youth and make cookies, and the students even came together to paint the boards with heartfelt memorials to George Floyd and of hope for change.
Prize drawings include gift cards from Afro Deli - they have provided free meals to neighbors in need, and also Hope Breakfast Bar - they have been supplying food to those in need at their store as well as for the pop-up food shelves.

​There is much more work to be done and many changes ahead. As we implement these changes, we must remain aware and connected to the continued injustices and inequalities our BIPOC neighbors endure. We are committed to creating inclusivity and diversity in our organization and communities not only during this critical time but as we continue forward together on the road toward an equitable future for everyone.
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Help Us With COVID-19 response

5/5/2020

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We are in the right place at the right time.

Just months ago, we couldn't have anticipated what the coronavirus pandemic would bring. The need for PPE, masks, supplies, food and daily necessities grew exponentially. Donate Good Stuff was ready to help and we already had the infrastructure in place.

​We mobilized, and partnered, and gathered volunteers. In just weeks, we created the largest comprehensive donation-focused response in the US to connect donors and organizations in need.  And we will continue our work, responding to the economic  as well as the public health crisis.
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Stand with us

This work takes more than volunteers. Will you partner with us at this critical time? We run on a shoestring so most of our budget goes directly toward making Donate Good Stuff a trusted and useful resource. Your financial support helps to run the technology behind the scenes and to get the word out across the country to get as many supplies and donations to where they are needed most.

​This week is 
#GiveatHomeMN and today is Giving Tuesday. We also just announced transition of our 5K fundraiser to virtual - so you can participate from anywhere.
REGISTER
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​Thank You - We couldn't do it without you.

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Emergency Responders need Masks & Other Supplies

4/20/2020

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They are on the front lines, often transporting people with COVID-19. 

Saint Paul firefighters and EMT’s  may have sufficient PPE to do their job, but need hand made or non-medical grade masks to wear around the station or at home. Every day they are transferring COVID-19 patients to Saint Paul hospitals and worry that they could be bringing it home and infecting their families and loved ones.
Emergency medical services (EMS) play a vital role in responding to requests to assistance, triaging patients, and providing emergency medical treatment and transport to people who are ill. However, unlike patient care in the controlled environment of a healthcare facility, care and transportation by EMS present unique challenges because of the nature of the setting - enclosed space during transport, frequent need for rapid medical decision-making and interventions with limited information. 
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The St. Paul Fire Foundation Executive Director, Cristine Shapira, reached out on their behalf. SPFF is a 501c3 registered non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting the firefighters on the Saint Paul Fire Department.

She said these masks would protect them from infecting others while at work, and just as importantly, at home. She passed along that they are so grateful for the public wanting to assist us during this unprecedented and critical time.
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Donations will be distributed directly to the men and women of the Saint Paul Fire Department.

All of the needed items are listed on DonateGoodStuff.org
·         N95 respirator masks
·         Disinfectant – cavicide or similar
·         Cleaning wipes with bleach (i.e. Clorox)
·         Hand sanitizer swabs (Dacron, Rayon, Nylon)
·         Safety Glasses\gowns
·         Face shields
·         Thermometers – Infra red probe covers

If you can help, reach out to the SPFF: spff@comcast.net
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Mask Donation Drive will help at-risk Minnesotans

4/20/2020

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Mask-Making Week in Minnesota

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The Governor and Lieutenant Governor launched a "Homemade Mask Week" Drive April 20-25th. This drive will help those who are most vulnerable and at risk, especially those working and residing in congregate living like homeless and domestic violence shelters, long-term care facilities, and other locations where people are at higher risk from COVID-19.
​Fire stations around Minnesota will be collecting masks on Saturday, April 25th from 10am until 2pm. See the announcement HERE. All 775 fire departments in the state will be participating and will then then deliver the masks to local organizations.
DonateGoodStuff.org will aid in this effort as a resource for the fire fighters delivering, for facilities and organizations where the masks are needed.  If you represent an organization needing homemade mask donations, click HERE TO REGISTER free before Saturday.
Can't make it Saturday?
You can donate home-sewn masks any time before or after the drive on Saturday, directly to organizations and facilities.  Find a map of all locations in Minnesota HERE or search near you HERE.
Want to help in other ways?
Many other donations are needed during this time, from food and hygiene items, to creative activities items for seniors and children. Find out what is needed near you HERE
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COVID-19 - Communities Unite to Help

3/28/2020

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Urgent needs

Donate Good Stuff added over 2,000 donation sites over the past two days across Minnesota and the US from all kinds of medical providers & community-facing workers.  These requests give a view into the situation people are faced with right now. They are full of urgency and gratitude:

  • "Nurses only get one mask/day and they do trauma surgery" - Hospital
  • "We were just told today we are only allowed 1 mask per week and we no longer can give out masks to patients" - Urgent Care Doctor
  • "We are grateful for any amount given..for staff providing around the clock care"
  • "We are in desperate need of masks" - Fire Department
  • "We cannot get masks. Most of our residents are 85-110" - Assisted Living
  • "We are down to 5 N95s" - VA Medical Center
  • "I have 5 masks left and have not been able to get any more" - Pharmacy
  • "We are trying to remain open and care for essential workers children." - Daycare​
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People respond

It is uplifting and inspirational to see how quickly people are coming together all over the country to respond - providing materials, sewing, and logistics to get things where they are most needed.

Right here in Minnesota, we have the Twin Cities Mask Makers, and Treadle Yard Goods has provided free kits. Across the nation, there are armies of people mobilizing - #MillionMaskMayday, #MillionMaskChallenge among others.
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Many ways to help

Mask-making is not the only way people are responding. Helping neighbors in need, reaching out to those who are isolated, and sharing beautiful, funny, & inspirational posts to keep anxiety at bay are all important contributions to the effort.

There is no question COVID-19 is serious. And it's true, we are short on supplies. But we can choose to focus on the difference we CAN make - staying at home, social distancing, washing hands, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, getting supplies out as quickly as we can, and keeping each other's spirits up in all kinds of creative ways.

We'll get through this together.
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9 Amazingly Simple Items You Never Thought To Donate

3/3/2020

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Here are 9 items to consider donating as you de-clutter

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#1 Toilet Paper 

Many organizations collect toilet paper and other basic necessities to help people who may be financially struggling. Programs like Eastside Elders appreciate these common items that can be expensive for people on a limited income. Search here to find a non-profit near you that is in need of extra basics you might have laying around.

#2 Car Seats

You might not realize the benefit a car seat can be to a parent or guardian taking care of babies and young children! Consider donating car seats, strollers, etc to a safety-net program for families like Sharing and Caring Hands. Before you donate items that another family will rely on, be sure they are still safe and double-check the organization's current requests and details for accepting donations.

#3 Small Travel Size Toiletries

So many people travel and typically pick up small toiletries, which then end up sitting for months or years on your shelf and then end up in the trash. Instead of letting those travel size toiletries sit or throwing them out, consider donating them to a shelter for youth like Youth Link MN or other shelters near you. For hygiene sake, donate only the unopened ones.
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#4 Vehicles

When your car is no longer serving your needs don't just get send it to the junkyard! Many organizations need vehicles to transport those in need or to give a leg-up to someone who needs it. Did you know you can donate vehicles to places that actually fix them and also use them to help others such as Newgate School?
Did you know that many organizations have car donation programs (most use a third party to auction your car to help fund services. Be aware that some may not provide much benefit to the nonprofit although it can be a better bet than the junkyard)
Also consider donating to local technical schools or high schools with mechanic or automotive shop classes.

#5 Bedding and Sheets

Bedding and blankets are important in a disaster, emergency, and people in need. This is true year-round, and especially during the colder months.
Consider donating bedding, sheets, linens, and blankets with lots of life still in them to transitional housing  programs like Haven Housing, emergency programs like STEP (Saint Louis Park Emergency Program), or programs serving new neighbors like MORE.
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#6 Clean Plastic Shopping Bags

So many people just throw away plastics bags, but you can use them to help pets! Not only can you provide resources for animals, when you donate them to this Animal Humane Society,  you also can help keep plastic out of landfills and the ocean.
If you can't find a place to donate them near you (note: in most cities you cannot include them with regular recycling), stores throughout the US will collect & recycle them like Target, Cub and also Goodwill. Find a convenient drop-off near you HERE.

#7 Shoes

Footwear is essential for those living in Minnesota! We rely on these not only in everyday life and especially in winter! When your shoes no longer serve their purpose in your life consider donating them to the Shoe Away Hunger program where they can be given a new life (drop off sites at all Schuler Shoes), or nonprofit resellers such as ​The Arc where profit from the sale of your items helps individuals with developmental and intellectual differences.
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#8 Baby Formula

If you have gotten free formula in a brand that you don't use, or find you have extra once your little one no longer needs it, consider donating it (unopened and not expired). Formula can be expensive and it is such a basic item for many babies, it is truly appreciated by ​places serving mothers and children like North Side Life Care Center.

#9 Newspaper

If you get a newspaper to read or just delivered to your home, you can do better than just tossing them when you are done. Animal shelters and rescues, like MN Pocket Pet Rescue, will appreciate your old newspapers to use as bedding for cuddly critters.
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Find these and more items you can donate at DonateGoodStuff.org!
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