My column, RVA Family Fun, is all about fun activities for families, so you may be surprised by this article about spring cleaning, specifically what to do with everything you find while cleaning out your home. But, over the years, I’ve come to deeply appreciate an organized home, where less is more, and things are easy to find. It actually makes it easier for us to adventure as a family because time to pack up and get out the door is minimal since I know where our things are located. An added bonus is that I don’t feel guilty spending time outside exploring instead of cleaning, because when my house is decluttered, cleaning is a quick process.
I created this guide to incentivize your spring cleaning. As you go through products your family no longer needs, there are ways to make or save money, and to help others. A tidy home plus saving money are the two things I love most about spring cleaning!
Here are a few ideas on how to declutter while helping others, and yourself!
Kid’s Clothing and Toys
For toys and clothing that are in good condition, consider consigning at The Clothesline Consignment Sale. I love consigning because it gives me a little cash in my pocket but also helps reduce waste. Once we’ve cleaned out my kids’ closets, I can really see what they need for the upcoming seasons, and I often purchase at The Clothesline Consignment Sale myself.
Formal and semi-formal gowns can be donated to any Puritan Cleaners location, as they will be cleaned and repaired by Puritan’s staff. Then, those gowns will be available to shoppers at Cinderella Dreams, where teens can shop and take home a dress for a $5 donation.
For items that would be only play clothes, consider donating those to Goodwill, to a younger neighbor (check out Buy Nothing and find your neighborhood), or to Salvation Army.
Shoes can be donated to Soles for Souls at any DSW location. For each pair you donate you earn 50 points, and at 100 points you will earn a $5 voucher. Note: Only one shoe donation is accepted per week.
Lastly, for clothing that isn’t in wearable condition, cut into rags for cleaning.
Sports Equipment
If you’ll be cleaning out the garage this spring and find lots of sports equipment you no longer need, check out Play It Again Sports. You can sell or trade your sports equipment on the spot! This is a great option if you need the next size ball or bat, as you’ll pay less than retail by trading.
Other options would be reaching out to local schools to see if their physical education departments could use your sports-related items, contacting local sports leagues, or donating to Goodwill or Salvation Army, as mentioned above.
Books
My children love to read, so we have tons of books. Every year I clean out our bookshelf and find new ways to share our books with others. Midlothian Book Exchange offers store credit for books, so that is typically my first stop. After that, I will donate books to any of these organizations:
- Children’s Museum Book Bank – children’s books only
- Little Free Libraries – find a location near you
- Local Libraries for Library Sales
- Local Schools
Pantry
I clean out our pantry quarterly, and any items we do not need, or I know we won’t eat, I donate to Chesterfield Food Bank, Henrico Community Food Bank, local schools (many schools have food banks for students in need), or Feed More.
Hopefully as you clean and organize your home, you will refer to this list to guide you through selling, trading, or donating items your family no longer needs.
