Giving Up Clutter for Lent and Life

Lent is a Christian observance commemorating the 40 days that Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert before beginning his public ministry. Those who observe the period typically mark it with prayer, fasting and personal sacrifice.

A Lenten sacrifice is a spiritually motivated, voluntary renunciation of a pleasure or luxury. Common modern-day Lenten sacrifices include abstaining from meat-eating, chocolate, sweets and alcohol. Some people attempt to eschew “sinful” behaviors such as profanity.

Not every faith observes Lent, of course, but each of the major religions has a holiday observed through fasting and sacrifice. Regardless of faith or level of observance, the Organizing Blog suggests that there is something you can give up today for the betterment of everyone: #clutter.

#Decluttering can help you lead a more spiritual existence. When you don’t have to tend to all of the #stuff you’ve collected over the years, you’ll have more time and energy to focus on what really matters: health, family and well-being.

Establish a simple Lenten goal: “I’ll spend one hour per day #sorting through my stuff.” “I’ll #declutter one #closet per week.” “I’ll #clean and #organize my kitchen and bathrooms by Easter.” “I’ll fill X number of boxes and bags with stuff I no longer need or want.”

What would Jesus do? Granted, we live in different times, but he almost certainly would not let a bunch of clothing that doesn’t fit, disused household appliances and mass-market tchotchkes pile up and bog him down. He traveled light.

There’s another aspect of Lent and other seasonal observances demand: almsgiving. It’s charitable giving that puts the needs of others ahead of your own — sharing your time, money and material possessions with others, and especially those less fortunate.

ClothingDonations.org can help with this. Once you’ve #decluttered and gathered up the things you don’t want, contact us for a #free #donation #pickup. We’ll take those lightly used goods and resell them to #help the nation’s #veterans.

Once you see the results from your Lenten sacrifice, decluttering could become a lifelong habit. Have a safe and happy Lent!

Help Veterans on National POW/MIA Recognition Day

To observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day, attend a local memorial event, visit the grave of a veteran or spend some personal time with a former POW or veteran. Veterans appreciate the recognition; visit the local veterans home or hospital to spread good cheer or contribute to veterans. ClothingDonations.org makes it easy to #donate to #veterans causes — simply contact it to arrange a #free #donation #pickup of used #clothing and #household goods. We’ll resell that lightly used, unwanted stuff and give the money to a range of programs that help veterans of every U.S. conflict. #POW/MIA

Give the Gift of Time

The Organizing Blog regularly espouses the benefits of reducing, reusing and recycling used clothing and household goods, and you can slash waste even as you buy #holiday #gifts for family and friends. Utopia.org suggests a variety of ecofriendly gifts such as a reusable water bottle to cut plastic waste, a donation to an environmental preservation group or planting a tree. But best gift of all this season, the site says, is the gift of time. It’s hard to come by and incredibly valuable, and spending a few hours or sharing a meal with family and friends will make an unforgettable gift. #SustainableShopping

Donating Televisions

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!