Closet Cleanout! What Do I Do With This Stuff?!

As the new year approaches, I’ve been looking for ways to simplify.  We’ve been making a big effort in our house to clean out unwanted and unused items to free up some room and organize our space.  We have a big storage issue in our house, with tiny closets (one that we can’t use entirely because it houses our washer and dryer) and no attic or basement.  Every year we face the same storage issues and ask ourselves “how did we accumulate so much stuff over just a few months?!”  We always feel like we are bursting at the seams.  After I finally take the time to clean out closets and drawers, I always have the same problem- What do I do with all this stuff?  Should I just toss it in the trash? Donate? Have a garage sale? I tend to take too much time thinking this through and meticulously researching charities and donations sites.  I just always want to feel like my items are going to good use.  Does anyone else have this problem?  Below, I’ve made a list of organizations in the OKC area that take donations, and their specific needs.  Click the name of the organization for a link to their website, which will give more details.

 

OKC Animal Shelter– Old towels, blankets, pillow cases, comforters, blankets, plush pet toys

OKC Children’s Hospital– unopened and unused toys (see specific needs on their website)

Infant Crisis Services– plastic shopping bags, formula, diapers, baby food

Habitat for Humanity– new or gently used furniture, appliances, housewares, building materials (call for item pickup and to confirm your item meets their requirements)

Positive Tomorrows– School supplies, box tops for education, canned food, reusable shopping bags

Urban Mission– Canned food, nonperishable food items, pencils, crayons, binders

Friends of the Library– new and used books

Dress for Success– gently used, or nearly new professional attire

 

To donate formal dresses (prom, bridesmaid etc.) look for donation drives beginning in February.  There is an organization in Tulsa “Prom Wishes Inc.” or you can mail your dresses to:

Cinderella’s Closet
Immanuel United Methodist Church
2551 Dixie Highway
Lakeside Park, KY 41017

 

For children’s book donations, contact local schools in need to see if they have a need for children’s books either in their library or teacher’s classrooms.