Embrace the shelves!

Some people have an aversion to shelves in the bedroom. Some say they throw off the decor and get in the way. But, there are different ways to make shelves stylish, yet functional. Floating shelves are a trendy, stylish way to decorate the walls of your bedroom, AND they’re functional. You can store your books, jewelry boxes or other items on them!

Don’t forget to look under your bed!

When we were teenagers, we used to get in trouble for throwing things under the bed instead of putting them away. However, if you’re looking for extra storage space, underneath your bed isn’t a bad place to look. Thin Rubbermaid crates or totes for your shoes and other accessories fit perfectly under the bed. When you try this technique, you’ll be thanking your 17-year-old self!

Basement Reboot—Keep Your Basement Organized!

Many people focus on rooms guests will see when it comes to keeping their home organized and clutter-free. While this is a great place to start, it’s important to remember that this emphasis may be causing you to neglect the upkeep of other places in your home, such as your basement.

Some people have finished basements that serve as entertainment areas, “man caves, ” bedrooms, or  even playrooms for kids. For others, the basement is primarily a place for storage, and a place for things that we simply don’t know what to do with. Either way, since basements are out of sight, it’s incredibly easy to leave them unorganized.

Shawn Gauthier offers basement organization solutions in her Houzz article, “12 Tips for Supremely Organized Basement Storage.”

Gauthier says the first step in organizing any basement is to go through everything and decide what you need to keep and what can go. As we’ve written about before, clutter tends to be a result of too much stuff. Take this as an opportunity to purge your basement of items you no longer need. If you come across these items, donate them to us! Place your donations in a box, and schedule a donation pick-up time on ClothingDonations.org. We’ll even come by and pick them up for you, so you can continue organizing your basement.

Gauthier also recommends that organizers embrace shelving units. Whether it’s floor-to-ceiling cubed shelves that keep like-items together, or an entertainment center that allows you to store a television, DVDs, and books, shelves really make a difference in keeping your basement floor clean and clutter-free.

Another tip we liked of Gauthier’s is to utilize the space underneath your basement staircase. It could be a great place for a coat rack for extra winter coats or fall jackets, or a spot for extra shelving and cabinetry. Even if it’s just a small space, this could be the perfect spot for your child’s toys or play sets.

Take a look at Gauthier’s article, and let us know about your own basement organization secrets!

To Garage Sale or To Donate? That is The Question!

Spring is officially underway, friends! We’ve cracked open the windows, spring cleaned, and made a pile of clothes and other items we no longer need. Now, what should we do with them?

For most of us, the answer is simple: have a garage sale. Holding a garage sale seems like a natural step after spring cleaning. It’s a way for our belongings to find purpose and meaning with someone else who will use them, and it’s also a great way to make some quick cash.

While it’s validating to sell your things, it’s also great to donate your former treasures. Here are five reasons you should consider donating your clothes and possessions instead of selling them:

  1. It feels good. When donating to a cause we care about, we feel good. Instead of holding a garage sale, consider donating your gently used items? Even better—when you donate to ClothingDonations.org, you’re helping veterans. With last Saturday being Armed Forces Day, the timing could not be more perfect. Consider making a donation to us today!
  2. Planning a garage sale is stressful. Garage sales can take weeks of planning and preparation. We know how busy everyone is, so do yourself (and us!) a favor: donate your items. We make the process easy and painless, so there’s no need to stress out!
  3. Donations are tax-deductible. Donations made to ClothingDonations.org are tax-deductible—all the more reason to donate your gently used items!
  4. It declutters your home. Having a decluttered home should be enough incentive to donate your clothes. Imagine all of the extra space you’ll have. Sounds good, right? Donate today!
  5. It’s easy! Simply place your items in a donation box, and schedule a donation pickup with ClothingDonations.org. We’ll swing by and make sure your donated goods are given to loving homes.

Now that we’ve given you some pretty compelling reasons to donate your belongings instead of selling them, the question is this—when will you schedule your donation pickup?