Tag: Donation Pickup

6 Tips to Help Busy Parents Stay Organized

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1. Clear the clutter: Before implementing any new strategies, take time to remove the excess from your home. Sort through a drawer or two at night and create a place for everything. Use baskets to organize kids’ toys, games, etc., and while you’re organizing be sure to toss out the things that are damaged and donate the things that you no longer use, but that are still in good condition.

2. Create a cleaning chart: Since you may not be used to cleaning and organizing your home on a regular basis this chart will work well because it will give you some structure. If you can’t find enough time to clean during the week, consider moving some of the chores over to Saturday and/or Sunday. If your children are old enough to help, then by all means, delegate those tasks!

3. Make a weekly meal plan: Each week plan out what you will make for dinner and create a shopping list of the ingredients you need. Here’s an excellent template.

4. Tackle the kids’ rooms: Start by organizing their toys, these 5 tips will help.

5. Get the bathroom in order: First take inventory of your products and throw out medicines that have expired and anything you no longer use. Next, organize the items you plan to keep: get a caddy for bath products, use drawer dividers for items, such as make up, hair ties, brushes, etc., if you need extra space, this terry-cloth tidy is an excellent option and this magnetic strip is great for small items. Store your child’s bath toys in a mesh bag, or in a corner basket and put the toys away after each bath. Save space in the bathroom by donating the toys your child has outgrown.

6. Simplify things: Create go-bags for your home so that you’re always prepared when you leave the house. Fill the bags with snacks, coloring books, crayons, and whatever other goodies your little one likes to have while out and about.

Getting started will be the most difficult part, but once you have a plan in place it will be smooth sailing! Share your organization tips with us on Facebook and on Twitter at @clodonations.

Written By: Natalie Martin

Elliot’s Room by Amy Gizienski Licensed Under CC by 2.0

Donating Televisions

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Vietnam Veterans of America will pick up many of your used and unwanted things, including televisions!

Here are a few things to note before scheduling your pick-up:

1. VVA cannot accept console televisions.

2. All televisions must be in good working condition.

3. Most locations do accept portable televisions that are no larger than 27″, but it’s a good idea to call the pick-up service in your area to confirm.

4. All flat screen televisions are accepted.

Schedule a pick-up today and remember, your used things help veterans of all eras!

 

 

How to Choose a Charity

Posted on by Quentin Butcher

1. Do your research: What is the charity’s purpose? Does its mission meet your areas of concern/interest? Keep in mind that it’s always best to choose a local organization where your efforts have the ability to make a significant impact.

2. Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions to gain a better understanding of the organization’s profits and expenses. Be sure that the charity has a 501(c)(3) rating with the IRS. If not, it is not a non-profit organization.

3. Evaluate: Review the website closely. Also, look online for complaints, lawsuits, or derogatory news articles.

4. Get Involved: Don’t just join the cause, fight for the cause. Participate in the organization’s events, social media, and educate others on what your charity has to offer.

Photo: School by Vande Walle Ewoud licensed under CC by 2.0.

5 Hacks for Small Closets

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1. Store your out-of-season clothing and get rid of the clothes that you no longer wear. A good rule to go by: if you have clothes that you haven’t worn in a year, it’s time to let go. Keep only the clothes that you feel comfortable in and that look good on you, regardless of how great they may look on the hanger. After you’ve finished your purge donate the items that you won’t keep.

2. Maximize your space by going vertical! Utilize the back of your closet and walls; hooks, shelves, a belt hanger, and an over-the-door shoe organizer are just some ideas.

3. Use shower hooks to hang scarves. Or, if you don’t like the idea of hanging shower hooks in your closet you can try one of these other DIY ideas.

4.Upcycle soda cans to hang more clothes. Bonus: this trick allows you to hang entire outfits, which will save you time in the morning!

5. Install an extra rod and use that for shorter items, such as skirts and shirts. Here’s a tutorial to help you out: Double Your Closet Space.

For more ideas check out the Pinterest board we created for you!

The Smart Way to Use Old Magazines

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Are old magazines starting to pile up in your home? Rather than just tossing them out, take them to the gym! Your fellow gym-goers will love the new reading material and you’ll score a workout, plus more space in your home.

If books have become a problem too, just put them in a box and schedule a pick-up!