Those TV shows where they declutter people's homes always make it look so easy. We have no problem putting stuff we need to get rid of in piles...it's where it goes afterwards if it's not ready for the trash that holds us up. Cookie has some good resources for swapping or donating.
• For baby clothes and gear, try Zwaggle which lets you earn points called zoints with which you can purchase new items.
• The Baby Chain also lets you donate items and find used items in your own area.
• If you haven't used it yet, Freecycle is a great way to just give stuff away. It's so quick and easy and you'll be free from all that clutter.
For donations:
• Room to Grow will take your clothes and gear in New York and Boston for children living in poverty.
• Newborns in Need will give your stuff to families in need.
Find the links and a few more ideas over at Cookie.
Look for local parents groups and classifieds in your area as well. We have a few of those here in Brooklyn and find them quite useful. If you can, give your stuff away to someone who will appreciate it.
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Comments (3)
Also try your local courthouse. I'm starting a non-profit here in Milwaukee that will supply a playroom at our courthouse. You'd be surprised how many children have to come along to their parents' court dates and get exposed to adult issues they should not have to deal with! Having toys around can help distract them and allows their parents to focus on what they need to do. There are also way too many young victims of crime that spend too much stressful time in the courthouse, as well.
Deseret Industries accepts donations of useable or fixable items---the employ the disadvantaged and offer training programs for them--employees fix what can be fixed for resale in the DI Thrift Store. Many items are also donated to the underprivileged in other countries. Churches that offer a nursery for toddlers welcome donations of usable clean toys, as do halfway houses and shelters. If you have things you'd like to sell, try craiglist or a yard sale. Realsimple.com has great tips on yard sales.
I can't believe they forgot Freepeats.org! It's in about 20 major cities around the country. Parents pass on gently-used baby, kid and maternity items to other local families (who pick them up for free).