The new school year is upon us. The summer is winding down. Take advantage of the opportunity for a clean slate and make the transition back to school with a fresh start. Now is the time to finally put together that “to do” list to prepare your home and family for the busy days ahead. Whether you are getting your home ready to put on the market, you have just purchased a new home or simply decluttering your existing home, why not put your unwanted items to good use and pay it forward.
Here are 10 ways to get you started:
01 - HOST A SWAP PARTY
Create a theme, invite your friends, and trade your belongings such as clothing, jewelry, or accessories at a party where all your guests leave contented and nobody spends a dime.
02 - GIVE AWAY ONE ITEM A DAY
This is a great, easy way to tackle your spring cleaning project. It takes only a few minutes a day to pick one item and give it away. Over a short period of time, you will realize the benefits from this quick and easy transformation solution. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
03 - HOST A GARAGE SALE
Garage sales are a great way to recycle your belongings. But this time do it with a twist – donate all the proceeds to your local charity. Let all your buyers know that they are paying it forward as well by making a purchase.
04 - DONATE DIRECTLY TO YOUR LOCAL CHARITY
Remember your unwanted items can make a change in someone else’s life. Consider donating to a local charity. There are several that also pick up the items directly from your home. Some charities include the Canadian Diabetes Association, The Children’s Wish Foundation, The Salvation Army, Goodwill, Value Village, Mississauga Furniture Bank, Habitat for Humanity and more. Ask your friends and family for ideas, or search the internet. There are several great local organizations you can assist.
05 - VISIT YOUR LOCAL SENIORS' HOME
Quite often we tend to forget our elders. Why not visit your local senior citizen’s home and ask the staff if they would consider distributing your items to those in the home that may be in need.
06 - ADVERTISE IN YOUR LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS
A great way to get a wide reach for your donations is to advertise both in your local newspaper and online and offer your items for free. You will be amazed by the response you will receive.
07 - DONATE YOUR YOUR LOCAL CHURCH
Your local religious organization quite often has direct contact with individuals in need. Donating your items to a church allows you to know your items directly reach those families in need.
08 - DONATE TO A LOCAL SHELTER
Families in crisis often contact their local shelter. Help a family get back on their feet and donate clothing, furniture, and more. Your donation may be anonymous but you know it reaches the hands of those who need it.
09 - USE YOUR IMAGINATION
There are so many ways to not only simplify your life by merely spring cleaning, but to help others in the process. Use your imagination to come up with other ways to donate and pay it forward.
10 - THROW A PARTY
Once you have completed your spring cleaning, host a party! Let all your friends and family know what you’ve accomplished and spread the word to inspire others.