Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

One of my goals is to reduce the amount of "stuff" we have in the house, especially stuff we never use. It just ends up cluttering closets and rooms. I regularly give piles of things to the VVA (Vietnam Veterans of America). Not only is it a good cause, it's tax-deductible, and they come and pick up your stuff! They accept just about everything (clothes, shoes, dishes, toys, appliances, curtains, even jewelry or cosmetics). Here's the Donation Program Site for more information.


Here's another way to clear your space. Do you have stuff that you don't ever use but think nobody would want? Don't throw it away! Go to Freecycle, offer it up, and chances are, someone will want what you're offering. Seriously. Extra potting soil, or packing peanuts, or moving boxes, old halloween costumes, anything. I was able to freecycle a box of empty baby-food jars last year. You also never know what you might find out there - people in my network regularly offer up kids clothes, furniture, exercise equipment... Not that I need more stuff.