you don't need it... someone else does

Reminder: If you're spending some of your summer days cleaning up around your house, it's always good to keep in mind that you need to continually review all of your belongings for items you don't use anymore. We all know how quickly clutter can pile up. If you take a few minutes while you're cleaning or organizing to pull out items that you no longer need and separating them from things you still use, you easily control clutter. I think the easiest way to do this is to keep a small bin or bag in your closet (or wherever convenient) that is designated for Give Away Items. This method is as easy as separating your trash and recyclables.

How often you need to clean out those items permanently will vary, depending on how much you're willing to give up and how often you clean. I recommend seriously reviewing items at least twice a year.

Some people have a hard time letting go of things (I am one of those people!)... to them I say, the more often you make yourself do it, the easier it becomes! Every little bit helps so even if it's only getting rid of a few shirts from your closet, it will actively help you avoid clutter pile ups!

A Tip: Each time you decide to permanently rid yourself of items, take a quick trip to your favorite local charity. No matter where you live, there are organizations accepting donations from clothing to furniture to housewares. Drop-offs are painless and it's the easiest way to get rid of a large amount of items in a short amount of time. If you don't have the means to transport large furniture, most organizations will schedule a pick up time and come to you! Plus, if you're one of those people that has a hard time getting rid of stuff, you will probably feel better about it knowing that it will go to someone who really needs it. Double plus... Tax credit!

For those of you in the Fort Worth/ Arlington area, there are numerous Salvation Army donation centers. Here are a few in the downtown vicinity:

2901 NE 28th St
Fort Worth, TX 76111
(817.838.8203)
Drop Box & Store

2406 Azle Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76106
(817.624.7081)
Drop Box & Store

8133 Highway 80 W
Fort Worth, TX 76116
(817.560.1563)
Drop Box & Store

6360 Lake Worth Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76135
Donation Center

1301 E Abram St
Arlington, TX 76010
(817.861.9488)
Drop Box & Store

*For more Salvation Army locations, please visit their website and search using your zip code*


Another favorite donation spot of mine, located in Fort Worth, is one that I've been donating to since I was a student at Texas Christian University. The Safe Haven, Tarrant County, is a great charity. Their donation center and resale shop is located at:

Berry Good Buys
1701 W Berry St
Fort Worth, TX 76110
(817.921.5898)


One more great organization... easily accessible to those of you in the Lewisville and Colony area. This is an organization that my family has been donating to since we moved to the DFW area... we got started through our church which also makes regular donations.

Christian Community Action (CCA)

128 S Mill St
Lewisville, TX 75057
Main Donation Center

5000 Main St Suite #270
The Colony, TX 75056
Colony Donation Center

*For more information, visit their website.

CCA also has a few resale shops. My favorite is the location in Lewisville on 121. It usually has a large variety of furniture, housewares and clothing. There's also a large section for books.

Donating to any charity is a rewarding experience in two ways: you're helping to declutter your own space and you're giving to someone else in need.