The end of the year invariably brings with it a time to reflect on the bounty of possessions that we have enjoyed throughout the year. It is a time to look back at the fortunes that have come our way and in many cases, realize the excesses that has cluttered our lives.

Often, my clients ask me how they can ‘get’ their children to let go of their ‘stuff’ and clear out their rooms.

I would always recommend that you should start your children off at a young age. Encourage them by engaging them in a practical manner. Take them down to a shelter for homeless families. Single mother’s shelters, for example, often take clothing and toys donations.

By taking your children down to the shelter, they may see first hand signs of the homeless in the neighbourhood and witness that the children in the daycares may not have any toys of their own, much less appropriate clothing. Children, like adults, need to see the direct effect of their donations.

With the Holidays around the corner, it would be a good habit to encourage your children to give up to charity one toy for every new one they receive and take it down personally to a shelter. Not only are they lending a helping hand to those in need, they are helping you to clear and de-clutter their rooms at the same time.

As for the adults…lead by example. Your stuff collects just as fast and takes up just as much room, if not more.

I used to work for the YWCA, who has many programs supporting women and families in need. We used to have a drive every year, collecting household items for their battered women’s shelter, so that women and children who leave their homes, with nothing but the clothes on their back, can set up a new home with the essentials like dishes, bedding, clothing, etc. To find a local YWCA in your area, go to www.ywcacanada.ca for Canada and www.ywca.org in the USA.

You will be surprised what you can find in your pantry of canned goods and pre-packaged foods that you have not used and may have forgotten that you own. The Food Bank is always open year round to accept your donations.

As you rummage through your garage for your annual ski trip, you may discover old skis. boards, and equipment that are no longer in use. Did you know that The Zanskar Ski School is a small non-profit organization in the Indian Himalaya? By donating your used skis, poles, boots, sunglasses, ski clothing, climbing equipment or ice-hockey skates, you will be supporting the mission of the ski school. Have a look at our partners page under Donating Skis to Charity.

Don’t allow your busy schedule to get in your way of helping yourself and others by clearing out your stuff. If you are too pressed for time a team from Out of Chaos will help you to clear your possessions and with the help of recycling companies like Fresh Start Recycling, they will come by load up their trailer and deliver your unwanted items to charity first and then recycling, avoiding the landfill as much as possible.