Are you looking to make room for your New Year's resolutions in 2024? Whether you want to create more space for a home gym or just need to de-clutter your home, cleaning and purging can be a great way to start the new year off right. Here are some helpful tips on how to get started, as the process can sometimes feel overwhelming. But you can do it, and there's no better time so that you can make room for a fresh start in the new year.
Get organized and start identifying unwanted items
The first step is to get organized. Start by walking through your house room by room. Look in each closet, cabinet, and nook. Look at items and ask yourself if you still love it and use it. Set aside items you no longer want or need.
As you continue this process, you will start to see the areas of your home that need the most purging. If that means you get overwhelmed by a specific room or drawer, that's OK. Come back to it later when you're ready. Some people choose to do this process room by room, or even drawer by drawer. Do it at the speed that works best for you!
 Andrea Piacquaido | Canva |
Decide what to do with your stuff
You can sell, donate, recycle or — last resort — toss your unwanted items.
- Selling: Selling items can be a great way to make some extra money. You can list your items online anywhere from eBay to Facebook Marketplace. You could also consider hosting a yard sale or taking your items to a consignment shop.
- Recycling: Many items such as electronics and batteries can be recycled responsibly instead of ending up in a landfill. Check with your local municipality for information about how to safely dispose of hazardous materials like paint and chemicals.
- Donating: If you don’t want to go through the hassle of selling your items, you might donate them instead. Make sure items are in good condition before donating — organizations likely won't want items that are broken, stained or damaged. There are plenty of charities and organizations that will gladly accept your items. Here are some to consider:
- Thrift stores
- Homeless shelters
- Animal shelters and rescues
- Schools and educational programs
- Medical supply charities
- Community centers
- Veterans' support organizations
- Crisis pregnancy centers
- Rehabilitation centers
Personally, I have found that your local "Buy Nothing" group is perfect on both sides, the gifting and the receiving! You can not only post items you are looking to donate, but you can list your "ISO" items (In Search Of) and your local neighbors respond! These wonderful groups can be found on Facebook, and every group is town-specific. You will meet some locals who, like you, wish you give new life to an item that is ready to be passed on!
-Joyce Campbell, Local Macaroni KID Publisher, Southern RI.
No matter where you choose to donate your things, know that your generosity is helping someone in need.
Now that you’ve done the hard work of purging and donating, you should have more room and clear space to start the activities of the new year. You can relax knowing that your stuff has gone to good use ... and you've cleared out space to make room for a new year of success.
