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Declutter Checklist

11/17/2022

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9 Amazingly Simple Items You Never Thought To Donate

11/1/2022

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

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When you think of donating items, you probably think of clothes, furniture, and household items. There are many things outside of the usual list that nonprofits need to serve our communities everyday that you might not be aware of.

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5 Simple Steps for Spring Decluttering That You Can Do Today

4/23/2022

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Decluttering is a Gift of Love, and 5 Other Things I Learned

2/4/2022

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Do the 15-day Reduce, Reuse, Recycle New Year Challenge!

1/4/2022

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What Can You Do With Old T-Shirts?

11/7/2021

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A Guide for Donating, Reusing, Up-Cycling, Composting, and Recycling (even really worn out ones)

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

1/7/2021

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Best Free Declutter Checklist for Finding Treasures You Can Donate

2/4/2020

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Declutter your Scary Attic in 5 Easy Steps

10/28/2019

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Guilt-Free Spring Decluttering: 11 Do's and Don'ts

4/28/2018

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​DON'T


Don't panic and do nothing: Although it can be a natural reaction to piles and heaps of stuff, if you don't take action,  you risk the real likelihood that someone who cares less than you do will eventually dispose of those things..

Don't pay for storage: Nearly 1 in 10 US households pays for off-site storage at the average cost of over $1000/year or more*. Is there something more fun or rewarding that you could do with that cash? If you can live easily with what you have in your home, sell or donate what you don't have room for.

Don't save things for 'future generations'. So many attics are graveyards for would-be family heirlooms. By all means, if there is a special diamond ring or important photograph or painting, guard them somewhere safe. But don't your grandma's knick knacks, clothes, tableware, and memorabilia.

Don't assume nonprofits can't use what you have: There is a wonderful variety of work that nonprofits do in your community. Far beyond clothes and dishes, needs range from musical instruments, to scrap fleece, to creative art supplies, to historic memorabilia. 

Don't give it to a nonprofit without checking: When bringing items to a nonprofit, give conscientiously. Don't bring stuff they don't specifically request without checking. ​People think they're being charitable, but they can put a terrible burden on a nonprofit especially with small staff and tight budgets. Bringing items they can't use or store costs them time and money. Think of it this way: You appreciate it when family members give you something you can use and cherish - You definitely wouldn't appreciate it if they dropped off a box or carful of stuff you don't need (even if it is well-intentioned)

DO


Ask your family and friends if they want anything: If they say they don't, trust what they are telling you. And then don't hang on. Let things be enjoyed by someone else. 

Find a good home for your treasures: There are so many nonprofits that serve people right in your community. Why not share what you have and know that it is going to be used? It can be so much more meaningful to make sure special things are going to a good home, and so much better than letting things deteriorate in storage. 

Check first: Before donating, always check what nonprofits need (and don't bring what they don't need)

Look on HeroSearch.org: It is the one-stop resource when you have donation items. Find out what all the different nonprofits near you need, and where your stuff can make a real impact. Plus, HeroSearch.org will tell you how far away each place is, what they do with your donations, and when you can drop things off (or if they pick up). It makes finding the best home for your donations easy and painless.

Take pictures: Having trouble parting with something you know you don't need? Take a photograph and perhaps even write a little story to go with it. It can be a lot of fun to later share the stories and memories with loved ones.
​

Tell your story: If an item has a great story, write it down and be sure the documentation conveys with the piece. That will add not only to its value, but also to the new owner's appreciation.

*Sources: SSA Self Storage Demand Study (2017), and SpareFoot data (2017)
​Whether you are decluttering due to moving, a new stage of life, or because clutter is creating stress, here are some key tips to make you feel good managing the process:

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  • Home
    • About Us >
      • Annual Reports
    • Our Founder
    • Our Board
    • Press
    • Contact
  • Search
    • Nominate a Charity
  • Blog
  • Events
    • Current Events >
      • Eco Fair - Powered by Donate Good Stuff >
        • Eco Fair 2023 - Exhibitors & Sponsors
    • Past Events >
      • Annual Cookie 5k >
        • Eco Fair 5k - Powered by Donate Good Stuff
        • 2021 Cookie 5K for Donate Good Stuff
        • 2020 Donate Good Stuff Cookie 5k
        • 2019 HeroSearch Cookie 5k
        • 2018 HeroSearch Cookie 5k >
          • 2018 5k Photos
        • Cookie Fun 5k - 2017
        • Cookie Fun 5k - 2016 >
          • Race Photos 2016
      • City Clean Up events >
        • 2021 St Paul Citywide Drop-off Events 2021
        • 2020 Community Clean Up - St Paul
        • 2019 Community Clean Up - St Paul
        • 2018 Community Clean Up - St Paul
        • 2017 Community Clean Up - St Paul
        • 2016 Community Clean Up - St Paul
        • Community Clean Up - St Paul
      • Donation Collection Events >
        • Donate Food & Warm Clothes - Twin Cities
        • Donations for Homeless Youth
        • Donations for Homeless Youth 2016
      • Partnership with MN Rollergirls
      • Beer and Books Fundraiser
      • How to donate masks >
        • How to make masks & supplies
        • MN Medical Donations Map
      • Trafficking Community Discussion
  • My Donations
    • Member Registration
    • Member Login
    • My Pending Donations
    • My Donation History
  • Nonprofit Login
    • Register Your Organization
    • Manage Profile
    • Add Listings
    • Manage Listings
  • Support Our Work
    • Donate
    • Become a Sponsor
    • Volunteer >
      • Volunteer Event Calendar
      • Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
      • Volunteer Login
  • Events