“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi.
Everyone in the journey to becoming a minimalist is in a dilemma on what to do with excess items.
Should you donate them or sell them? It’s upon you to make the decision and decide on what to do with the extra items.

Suppose you do not require the extra items it’s recommendable to donate them to a charity you trust. It is a decision that is likely not to benefit you but also the people around you.

Categories of Items to Donate

Financial donations

It’s the simplest way to donate to a charity movement. You can donate by using cash, check, or credit card. Always make sure you enquire about your charity mode of payment. But in case of doubts, a check is still the better option.

Clothing

In most charitable contributions, clothes are the popular option. By clothing contribution, you are assured of getting rid of extra clothes in your home and giving back to the community. Many charities will accept clothing donate South Florida though a small percentage won’t. In this article, we will discuss the importance of donating excess items.

Shoes and bags

Most of these charities accepting clothes will take bags and shoes. Try your best by providing charities with different types of shoes. These will help many. For bags, you donate luggage bags and school backpacks. Just ensure you enquire what the charity organization can pick.

Books

Reading books is a way of escaping from reality and relaxing. Some charities will love to accept books that you don’t require anymore. Always make sure your books are decent enough.

Kitchenware

It is among the most significant donate South Florida categories to charity and individuals. The kitchenware available for donation may range from bowls, plates, spoons, pans, pots, and teaspoons. In case you think about getting new kitchenware, try to donate the previous ones.

Games and toys

From action figures to puzzles, games and toys are some more essential items available for donation. No matter the time, the children will always accept this type of generosity.

Hygiene essentials

Most people tend to downgrade the donation of hygiene materials. From bathroom products to toothpaste, these materials are vital to most charities and different shelters. If these items are sealed, then they are ideal for donation. Common hygiene materials available for grants are:
• Shower gel
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Pads and tampons
• Band-Aids
• Tissue papers
• Diapers
• Shampoo, conditioner

Sporting materials

It is the most forgettable category when it comes to charity. Also, it is advisable to consult with the charity to make sure they accept sporting materials.

Furniture

You are donating smaller furniture pieces that you are not using, like wooden chairs and side tables. Always ensure you donate what you can.

Linens

Comforters, blankets, towels, tablecloths, sheets fall under the linen category. Before you dispose of that blanket, make sure you examine it if it’s ideal for donate South Florida. Mostly during winter, most people require blankets, and you will have helped a lot by donating one to their course.

Benefits of Donating

• Giving makes you happy

The smiles, expressions, and gratitude on the faces of those receivers make the giving act worthwhile. Research suggests that the act of giving brings happiness to the giver; a study has proven those who give are the happiest.

• Giving makes a difference

No matter the quantity of what you give, you are in a position to change a person’s life in a way you may not know. It always takes a small gesture of generosity and kindness to change someone’s life.

• Donating is more straightforward than reselling

Becoming a minimalist requires a lot of effort. You may have spent the last decade trying to accumulate the stuff you have, disposing of is not going to be an easy process. It requires intentional focus and hard work.  Reselling the extra items from your house needs extra effort: taking pictures, answering questions, posting online, meeting buyers, and bartering prices. The effort you put into selling these items is not worth the financial return.

• Giving is easy

It’s not about material wealth; there is still more than you can offer.
• Your time.
• Your friendship and warmth.
• A shoulder to lean on or a listening ear.
Whatever little you may decide to donate, have in mind a generous heart, and pure spirit can be your path to happiness.

• Giving helps others

If you are living a comfortable life, you are capable of giving to others.
The world is a tough place; those with nothing or little depend on well-wishers to fund their life. When you donate to the less fortunate, you add something to their livelihood as you add to yours too. The much you have, the more you possess.

• Giving inspires giving

The circle of giving always makes the world more humane and a better place to live. Be useful to those around you, mostly the young generation entitled to receiving everything they want.

• Giving teaches responsibility

By giving, you make sacrifices.
If you feel it’s necessary donating to a specific urgent cause, not minding your financial status, you will learn that some things are not essential for your life to move on.
By this, you can minimize your spending habits and realize the little you have is enough for you and your family.

• Giving cultivates self-worth

When giving it’s for a selfless reason, and this makes you feel good about the act.
The kindness in you affects others positively, and you will be happy knowing the joy you have brought by your act of selflessness.
Being proud of your generosity is recommended. Giving is a way towards self-belief.

Conclusion

In today’s world, not everyone is fortunate enough to afford a meal a day by giving to others.
• You are contributing to making the world a better place.
• You are making the lives of the less privileged better.
• You are brightening your soul too.
Having gone through the article, it is up to you to decide what kind of items to donate to different shelters. Your generosity and kindness will impact many lives.