09/09
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[ T H E C H E AT S H E E T ]
How to Spring Clean While Making A Difference If the springtime sunshine reveals more mess than order at your place, here are some ethical ways to tidy up.
AFTER HOARDING EVERYTHING through months
something with your donations.
of cold, springtime means it’s time to simplify
must grow, and I have to evolve everything around me to support
your surroundings. Instead of throwing
1. DRAFT A VISION.
that evolution,” Roberson says. You
everything on the curb and waiting for an
Take 10 minutes to write a
can think of this sacrificially, too.
anonymous truck to roll through, this year
description of your ideal post-
What would it look like to live in
let’s be more intentional. We called on Faith
clutter space. What in your
a sacrificial space? What doesn’t
Roberson, professional organizer and owner of
current situation aligns with your
belong there?
Organize With Faith, for tips, and we paired her
aspirations, and what doesn’t?
advice with organizations that will actually do
“In order to be truly alive, I
2. STREAMLINE YOUR CLOSET.
Focus on how each piece of clothing makes you feel instead of the cost, Roberson says. How do you feel when you put it on? If the answer points toward the donation pile, toss it. Give to organizations that are sure to distribute your items instead of reselling them, like Dress for Success and Career Gear for clothes and Share Your Soles for shoes. 3. PURGE THE TOY BOX.
“Children are decisive by nature,” Roberson says. “They’ll happily express what they are willing to pass along” (Just be sure to respect your kid’s decision.). A daycare, a children’s home, abuse shelter or even a local doctor’s office can all be places where old toys can bring joy to another person. 4. CLEAR YOUR BOOKSHELF.
Roberson’s trick: See books as temporal experiences, “like going on a trip or to a concert,” instead of objects to hoard at home. The memory of reading the story is more important than keeping the item, so donate it. Liberation Library sends books to young people in Illinois prisons and juvenile detention centers.
MAR-APR
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