box of books

Donate books

Books are a great donation and accepted at many resale shops, like Goodwill, Savers, and Salvation Army. Some libraries may take them to resell also, but I recommend calling before bringing them to the library.

Depending on what type of books they are you can donate to senior centers, daycare centers, nursing homes, or hospitals, but again, call first to confirm their interest.

Here are three websites to check out:
More Than Words

Operation Paperback

Prison Book Program

One word of caution, no one really wants old text books or encyclopedias. An option is to offer them to theater companies who may like them for props.

Removing the word ‘why’

Removing the word ‘why’ lets us focus on the solution instead of the problem.

It’s good to acknowledge the problem, but the goal is to find a solution. By asking ‘why we have this problem’ we’re looking at the past and things that can’t be changed. By removing the word why, we’re looking to the future with new ideas and possibilities.

Example:

Why do you think you’re not good at organizing?   vs.  How can you develop your organizing skills?

Why did this room get filled up with clutter?  vs.  What can you do about this clutter?

Why does the clutter keep coming back?  vs.  How can you prevent this clutter from coming back?

tiny house key

Creating new habits

Use all your senses when creating new habits. Think about it. Speak about it. Write about it. Do it.

Example: Create new habit of putting things in their assigned spots when returning home from work.

  • Think about it = Where is the best assigned spot for my coat, purse, shoes, keys, sunglasses, work bag, lunch bag, mail, and anything else I brought home with me?
  • Speak about it = Ask for input from family and friends.
  • Write about it = Label where things go to reinforce new habit.
  • Do it = Practice everyday.

Trash don’t stash

Have you heard this phrase before, “Trash it don’t stash it!”? It’s great organizing advice that can be applied to both paper and stuff. However, please recycle instead of trash.

Here are three blogs that will help you do just that.

  1. Paper, what to keep and for how long
  2. 10 Things you can automatically get rid of
  3. 10 Not scary things to toss

 

toilet paper

Edit the excess

How much excess did you accumulate during the pandemic? Do you still have cupboards full of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and disposable gloves? If so, consider donating your excess to a homeless shelter, food pantry, senior center, or animal shelter. Then take a long, hard, objective look at any other piles of excess products that are cluttering your home, and edit them. If you need suggestions on how to recycle them, email me.