It always feels good to clear clutter around the home but if it starts to grow into piles of things that are taking up much needed space or if I can’t fit it into a drawer or closet, it’s time to pull it all out and determine whether I still need to keep it.
My husband is an avid reader ~ he can burn through a stack of library books in a few weeks. Friends and family share books and when I’m thrifting I’ll even pick up a book or two of his favourite authors so you can imagine that he is never short of reading material. But then what to do with those “read” books…here’s a few ideas to clear the clutter and naturally I’m always looking for ways to bless it forward!
- Books & Magazines ~ there are countless ways to donate books. Your local library may consider recently-published items or donate them to your local thrift store. Before recycling that stack of magazines, any that are in good condition might be welcome reading for residents living in long term home care centres but contact them first.
- Blankets & Towels ~ always in need at the SPCA and wildlife shelters. Also check on other items to donate to the Gibsons Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
- Travel Toiletries – when I was travelling for business in my past career, I used to collect hotel toiletries and ship them to the Union Gospel Mission in Vancouver. My parents and business colleagues who travelled on business would give me their unused hotel toiletries so I could fill a box for the UGM in no time. Plus I’d throw in a few toothbrushes and toothpaste I’d purchase on sale. If you have a growing collection of unused shampoo, conditioner or bodywash bottles as well as soap, consider donating them to the Sunshine Coast Community Services or the UGM. Costs you nothing but some time or postage yet life changing for those that need a little bar of soap or some hand lotion.
- Home Decor – I like simple, easy to clean living spaces so home decor is kept to things that are meaningful to us and that have purpose in the room ~ okay, there’s always room for another houseplant! Recently I was pulling out some patio furniture pillows and noticed that I was collecting some cushions behind a closet door that wasn’t closing correctly. They have since been donated to the Salvation Army thrift store and I’ve gained an easier to manage space ~ that was easy! Home decor is a tough one, some things have sentimental value or were a gift. Is it time to refresh/rethink your space? Ask yourself are you using it on a regular basis? Does it have a purpose in the room? Maybe it’s time to donate it and that’s a good thing!
- VarageSale is a local buy and sell app – for any and everything else you want to part with, I highly recommend this app to connect with others in your local community. We’ve met some wonderful people through VarageSale transactions.
I started Tick off the List Home Services to help others redefine their living spaces no matter the size especially kitchens where we collect so much stuff. It can be humbling even overwhelming for people to show me their mess but I see possibilities to make it better and that gives me joy. As Mumsy used to say, you need to get into a mess to get out of one. Maybe I can help.
~ Niki | niki@tickoffthelist.ca