It happens all the time. You've taken the time to clean out your closets (or your drawers or your cabinets) and after all is said and done, you're left with a whole bunch of things that you no longer want. Throwing it out would be a waste, but you don't have the inclination, nor the space to keep it.
Unfortunately, it's all too tempting to stuff your closets and drawers with junk, things you no longer need nor want, things that haven't been used in a year or more. It's all too tempting to tuck it away and forget about it for another year.
So what can you actually do with the things you no longer want? Here are a few ideas:
- Sell. Have a yard sale. Better yet, organize a neighborhood-wide yard sale. Make some money while you get rid of unwanted goods.
- Donate. Clothes, linens and many other household items can be donated to organizations such as the Salvation Army, The Goodwill, local churches and the like. Sometimes hospitals, libraries, or women's shelters are looking for donations of books and magazines. Many of these donations can be tax deductible as well as going towards helping a good cause, so be sure to check. Keep an eye out for donation drop boxes in the parking lots of stores you frequent.
- Help out. Local animal shelters and veterinary offices are often on the lookout for old towels and sheets. For things that are not of standard donation quality, think outside the box. There are plenty of places that can make good use of things that you might think should just go in the trash.
- Trade. Take used books to your local used bookstore. Many will take your old books and give you credit towards purchases in the store.
- Take it online. Perhaps you have antiques stored in that closet, or vintage clothing--even baseball cards or old playbills. Why not sign up for an account with an online auction house such as Ebay and sell your merchandise online.
There are plenty of options for ridding your closets and storage areas of unwanted items without resorting to tossing them in the trash. With a little creative thinking, your old stuff can find a new life somewhere where it will be put to good use.
Lisa is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Poetry Contests.
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