Welcome to the 30-Day Organize-athon!
In today’s 5 minutes we’re going to declutter by finding at least 12 things to give away.
Don’t worry – it’ll be easier than you think!
Day 27: Declutter By Donating A Dozen
Step 1: Grab a bag. Quickly fill the bag as you move through your home – and don’t stop until you have at least 12 items.
Throw into the bag anything that:
- You don’t use
- You don’t like
- Has negative associations
- Is no longer your style
- Keeps you stuck in the past
- Is more than you need to feel good about your space.
Ideas for Items To Donate
Living Room
- Unloved rugs, throws and cushions
- Unloved ornaments, gifts, vases, etc
- Knickknacks that don’t enhance your space
- Extra pieces of furniture
- Unloved lamps
- No-longer used entertainment devices – TVs, DVD players, stereos, etc
- No-longer-played DVDs and CDs
Study
- Excess stationery, notebooks, pens, etc
- Knickknacks that provide no meaning, beauty or inspiration
- Functioning phones, computers, cells, PDAs, etc that you don’t need
- Supplies, storage containers and accoutrements relating to abandoned craft, knitting, scrapbooking, and other projects
- Old lamps and equipment in good condition
Closet
- Anything (clothes, footwear, coats, purses, accessories, etc) you’ve not worn in a year
- Anything that doesn’t fit
- Anything that’s not your style
- Anything that’s unflattering on you
- Anything that’s uncomfortable, scratchy or ill-fitting (it may be perfect on someone else)
- Anything you bought ages ago that still has the label on it
- Anything with negative memories or associations
Kitchen/Dining
- Mismatched or unloved crockery
- Mismatched or unloved cutlery
- Cookware, plungers, teapots, gadgets, and sundry infomercial purchases not used in the past 12 months
- Cookbooks not used in the past 12 months
- Knickknacks you don’t love
- Fancy appliances you never use
- Doubles of utensils, cookware, etc
Bathroom
- Excess, unused towels, bathmats, etc
- Excess, unopened perfumes, lotions, etc
- Unloved bathroom ornaments
- Storage gizmos that encourage clutter
Kids’ Stuff
- No-longer-used toys
- No-longer-used games consoles
- Outgrown clothes
- Outgrown CDs, DVDs, etc
- Outgrown back-packs
Garden
- Unloved garden ornaments
Step 2: Take your bag straight out to the car for charity-store drop-off.
And you’re done!
Got an Extra 5 Minutes?
- Find another 12 or more items for donation.
- Set up a donation box or basket: Place it in a hall closet or the laundry (somewhere tidy that will still be a visual prompt), and use it any time you notice something unused or unloved in your home, wardrobe, car or office.
Now you’re a power donator!
The 30-Day Organize-athon Mantra
Move fast. Don’t overthink. Let it go!
Got a Question?
If you have questions about any of the 30-Day Organize-athon tasks, or the 30-Day Organize-athon program in general, please ask your question on this Q&A post or on this Facebook post.
I’ll put together a special Q&A post and answer the questions for you.
Leave Your Comment Below…
Please leave your comment below to say you’ve completed today’s task.
See you tomorrow!
[Image by aussiegall]
made it to 11 items 🙂
DONE – this dark horse is almost up to date and will be by the morning with my posts.
http://edaic.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/day-27-30×5-organize-athon-work-in-progress/
Pingback: Day 27 – 30×5 Organize-athon «
Done.
ready to take in for donations — excellent idea
I have a whole bag here to donate to our local church 🙂
DONE!! YEAH ME.
does anyone actually have unused towels? I never do
I found this one very hard. Perhaps I have done too well decluttering? But now it is done 🙂
done
done.
Love this! I was meaning to do this with my clothing so that’s what I focused on…2 bags of unwanted clothes which are still nice to pass on! Thanks.
I’ve been meaning to do that. Glad to have it done!! Pleased it was part of the challenge.
Done, with three kids there was plenty of stuff to be donated.
I thought this one was going to be harder than it was! Got it done today, as yesterday was spent at a cardiologist checkup with my son.
Now to do today’s…..
Done!
A bit later than usual but done..
Done!
This feels fantastic! I can finally get rid of old unwanted gifts that don’t fit our style. Always felt guilty before but now .. Michelle cops the blame!! hahahahah lovin this one. Got about 20 things now headed for the Save the Children shop nearby. 🙂 🙂
done.