The end of the year allows us to reflect on the bounty of possessions we have enjoyed throughout the year. We can look back at the fortunes that have come our way and in many cases, realize the clutter in our lives. Sharing through clearing is an excellent way to help others share in our good fortunes.
Children Helping Children
Often, my clients ask me how they can convince their children to declutter 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 way. Take them down to a shelter for homeless families. Single mothers’ shelters, for example, often take clothing and toys donations.
Taking your children to a shelter allows them to see the signs of the homeless in their neighbourhood. They can witness children in these daycare centres who may not have any toys of their own. They may not even have 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 donate to charity one toy for every new one they receive and take it to a shelter in person. They lend a helping hand to those in need, and, they declutter their rooms at the same time.
Adults Helping Adults
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. They have many programs supporting women and families in need. We used to have a charity drive every year. We collected household items for their 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 essentials like dishes, bedding, clothing, etc. To find a local YWCA in your area, visit the Canadian YWCA site or the American YWCA site.
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, snowboards, 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 Himalayas? 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 Resources page under Hobbies and Sports.
Out of Chaos Helping You
Don’t allow your busy schedule to get in your way of helping sharing by clearing. If you are too pressed for time a team from Out of Chaos will help you to declutter your possessions. With the help of recycling companies, they will come by, load up their trailer, and deliver your unwanted items to charity first and then a recycling centre, avoiding the landfill as much as possible.
Image by chrismfritz from Pixabay
It certainly sounds to me that you are continually striving to work through everything. Don’t ever forget that it did not take you overnight to accummulate everything, so that it will be a continuous process and habit shift. Stuff keeps on coming in through the door every day, so consistency is the key.
It looks to me that you are on the right track. Congratulations!
Thanks for the reminder about how much wealth I have. Prior to this email, I had actually gone through my closets and picked out clothing that I hadn’t worn in more than a year and bagged two large garbage bags, which I took to the thrift shop. It wasn’t directly to a shelter, but it did go to a place where items of reasonable quality can be purchased for a low price.
I am gradually decluttering my “stuff” and am making headway on the CHAOS – “can’t have anyone over syndrome”.
People like you (B.O. – born organized) make it possible for people like me (N.O. – not organized) to gradually become at peace with ourselves and create order in our homes.