Monday, November 26, 2012

Donations... Step 1 - Organize!




I think we all can agree that donating our used goods to Goodwill is a good thing.  We all want to help people in our communities gain the resources necessary to go to work and become self-sufficient.  But the reality of 'doing that' means we need to motivate ourselves to clear out some clutter.

Overwhelming?  Not really.

I talked to a professional organizer friend of mine, Donna Roland.  She is simply amazing!  She offered the following very simple step-by-step process to get started with a closet organizing project. 

(photo from Donna's website: http://www.faithfullyorganized.com/)

STEP 1
Set aside the proper amount of time you will need to tackle this project.  If you don’t have time to do it all at once, take a section at a time.

STEP 2
Determine what your “style” is and what clothes need to be kept in your closet to fit your style. Having this information helps determine which items should be kept

STEP 3    
Remove and sort everything from your closet so you can start with a clean slate. This includes shoes, purses and accessories as well.  This will require trying things on and asking yourself several questions which include:  Does it still fit?, Is it still in style?, Do I like how I feel in it?,  Does it fit my style?, and Would I buy this today? 

Sort the items into piles of “Keep”, Donate” and “Toss”.  Once all the items are sorted into your piles, immediately throw out the items in your “Toss” stack and take the “Donate” items to Goodwill so they are out of sight and you no longer have to think about them.
 
STEP 4
Storing your “Keep” stack.  Now it’s time to place the “Keep” items back in your closet.  Arrange the items in your closet by categories such as: season, purpose, color, style and length.  Make sure the items are all hanging so they face in the same direction.   Hang your items so that you can “shop” your closet and see exactly what you have.
 
STEP 5
Be proud of your accomplishment!   Stand back and be proud of what you have accomplished and enjoy your new closet and how it makes you feel.  Now you can use your new knowledge when you go on your next shopping trip and know exactly what to buy!

Remember... place your "donate" items in the car right away and head to Goodwill. 
You'll feel great having the extra space in your closet.  And, you've helped others in our community at the same time.