Getting organized is about making decisions, and sometimes we need help figuring out when to let go of that sweater, shirt or dress that never quite fit. Here are some things to consider as you’re deciding what to donate during the Goodwill Sale, taking place September 17th through October 4th.
- Make room for the new and useful: How can you get anything new if there is no room for it to go? And the things you use the most are harder to find and reach when clutter is in the way. The extra clothes are taking up space that could be for things you actually like and use.
- Later might never come: Do you get stuck saying “I might need it later?” When was the last time you wore that pair of jeans or boots? If it’s been over a year — and especially if it’s been over two years — strongly consider the possibility that you may never use it again.
- Save time and money: Is the maintenance of the item or the dry cleaning bills worth the enjoyment you get from it? When you factor in the bill to clean the item or the time caring for it, this kind of attention and time might be better used elsewhere.
- Simplify your decisions: Are you overwhelmed with choices? Getting clear on your favorite items in your closet means that you’ll have better visibility to things you really use and wear, and ultimately save time and stress every morning. Fewer choices mean easier decisions.
- Give “perfectly useful” items to others: The item might be “perfectly useful,” but is it useful to YOU? If you are ambivalent about keeping the item, would it make you feel better to know it was released to live out its full potential by meeting someone else’s needs and also helping the community? Donating it to Goodwill, for example, puts people to work! A bag of clothes may help provide an hour of on-the-job training. And jobs change lives. You can actually see the impact of your donations with the calculator at goodwill.org, and find your nearest donation center too.
Ultimately, one of the best ways to let go is to be grateful, acknowledge the role the item has played in your life, and then say goodbye. If items don’t accurately represent who you are or who you want to be, consider donating them to Goodwill and making your surroundings support you in your current life and goals.
Visit the Goodwill Sale website to learn how you can get involved.
