[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]Everyone has had that moment when they can’t quite close that overstuffed drawer, or squeeze that last shirt into their closet. When these things start happening, it’s time to downsize. The thought of parting ways with old possessions may be a little overwhelming, but you may also obtain a sense of relief and satisfaction once the task is complete. A question that might pop up is what should you do with those items once you decide to purge? Maybe it’s time to consider the benefits of donations.

If you’re undecided about donating, here are a few reasons you should consider donating your unwanted items.

1. It Will Help to De-Clutter Your Home

If you have the never ending problem of not being able to find anything, or always tripping over cords and cables, donating things you no longer use or have an excess of will help. You will not only be able to find your everyday items, you’ll also be able to put things away for a cleaner appearance and more spacious living area.

2. No Need to Pay For Storage

In an effort to clear up space in their homes, some people resort to renting a storage space. Depending on how much stuff you need to store away, the cost of those storage rentals can really add up. The average cost for a 5×5 unit is around $40-$50 per month. I’m sure you could think of plenty of ways that money could be put to better use.

3. Increase Your Happiness by Calming Your Space

You’ve heard the saying “A cluttered space means a cluttered mind” haven’t you? There have been a number of studies that actually support this saying. These studies show that the less stuff you have, the more your happiness increases. So create your own private calming oasis by donating all of those unnecessary items.

4. It Makes Moving Easier

You plan on moving you should consider downsizing the amount of possessions you have to make the moving process easier. Whether you’re moving long distance or local, the more things you have to move, the more expensive your move will be. Moving companies normally base the rate of a long distance move on the weight of your household goods. If it’s a local move, companies will usually charge by the hour. At any rate, getting rid of excess items by donating them will cut down on the weight and the time it takes to move.

5. It’s Easier to Sell Your Home

If you’re moving, odds are you also need to sell your home. When you de-clutter your home, it allows potential buyers to see the home’s true features. A de-cluttered home also makes it easier to stage and present a more spacious layout. The results could cause your home to sell faster and for more money.

6. It’s Environmentally Responsible

Donating furniture you no longer want or need is much better than discarding it. Instead of piling up in a landfill, the furniture could still be useful in another home or office.

7. The Ultimate Form of Recycling

Volunteers and employees at charitable organizations can use a little creativity to give that old bed frame or mismatched chairs a new life by transforming them into something useful like a vintage bench. Old or worn down things can often have their pieces used to fix other furniture.

8. Helping Others

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Almost anything can be recycled. So take those old books, clothes, children’s toys and clothes you don’t wear anymore and donate them. Even your older working appliances. They will surely find a new home and you will have helped to brighten the day of someone who needs them.

9. A Great Lesson For the Kids

Involving your kids when donating items is a good way to help your child develop a sense of empathy and compassion. Letting them be involved in picking items and taking them to donation centers will reinforce charitable values in them. By involving them, they can see the difference they can make in someone else’s life.

10. Save on Your Taxes

We’re always looking for ways to save money. If you donate your excess belongings, you could save a ton of money come tax season. Simply donate your unwanted items to a qualified charitable organization, itemize, keep all of those donation receipts, and when tax season rolls around cash in on your generosity.

Now that you’re ready to donate, it’s important to know where you can donate, and what items are accepted.

Goodwill is a non-profit organization that accepts new and gently used household items, clothing, shoes, jewelry, books, records, compact disks, video tapes and DVDs. They also accept games, toys and sports equipment. As well as electronics and other large items. They will refurbish and recycle material to benefit the local community and most locations will also pick up donations.

The Salvation Army also has multiple drop off and pick up locations. They accept furniture, automobiles, clothing, household goods and appliances. All proceeds go towards funding for The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centers.

The Habitat for Humanity accepts new and gently-used home accessories, appliances, furniture, building materials and more. They will pick up your larger donated items free of charge.

Dress for Success is a non-profit organization that provides professional attire to those in need, and they accept gently used and new work appropriate clothing. You can donate items like handbags, dress shoes, business suits, and clothing accessories as well.

Thredup is a company that will mail you a Clean Out Kit. You simply place clothing you want to donate or consign in the bag and mail it back. Then they mail you a donation receipt which you can use for your taxes.

Other places you can consider donating to are homeless shelters, local churches, foster care closets, local libraries, or any place that is known to offer assistance to the needy. A simple Google search can point you in the direction of any of these deserving facilities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]