Seven in one strike! ... and why I use donation pickup services.

Last week I completed my first 2023 donation roundup. After several weeks of going through our closets and totes in the garage, I filled a total of seven boxes! This is the biggest set of donations since moving to NC in July of 2022, which I consider a pretty big win.

Upon arriving in NC I learned that the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), despite having thrift shop, do not pick up donations here. Since the VVA had been my go-to for donation pickup since 2019, this was disappointing.

Of course, I say this knowing the risk of sounding incredibly spoiled and lazy (Why can't I just drop off the donations myself?!). You're right, I can. But I have my reasons:

1) When my daughter was really young I've had the experience of taking what little 'free time' I had to load everything up and drive to Goodwill, only to be told they're full and not accepting donations. Talk about disappointment! In my experience, pickups will only happen if the organization has the space, time, and personnel, so by scheduling with such a service a 'you've got to bring all this crap back into the house now' moment is less likely.

2) I know myself. I am the type of person who would fill a vehicle with donations, then drive around with them for a month. I also hear that this is not so uncommon. Anyway, I would rather use my vehicle for transporting people and groceries, rather than as a perpetual joyride for donations.

3) It can help support a charitable cause.

4) It's easy!

Luckily, despite my initial woes I learned of a local organization called MeFine that picks up donations in the Raleigh-Durham area. In fact, they seem to be more available for pickups than any I have used previously, which is great. The donations go to a place called Second Hope Shop, which picks up the donations. Just scroll down to find the link to the donation scheduling form.

All proceeds go towards helping local families who have a child or children who are in the hospital and/or facing serious health challenges. If you live in the Triangle area, be sure to check them out! If not, you can always add them to your AmazonSmile page.

Have you experienced any decluttering victories lately? Have you had success with donation pick up services? Be sure to share in the comments!

Comments

Why I need a decluttering station

Right now I'm focusing on a new challenge : to get the garage cleaned out and sell some stuff on marketplace. Last year my dad came to visit and brought a beautiful 'new' table, one that my family had used as a dinner table when I was a teenager. Made by Mennonite craftsmen, the ingenuity of the pull-apart mechanism and the hidden leaves is exquisite. My dad had painstakingly refinished the four chairs, so the set is also a reminder of his handiwork. Although we loved our square breakfast nook table, now we can actually welcome more dinner and anytime guests. So what to do with the old table? I thought about selling it, decided to keep it for one main reason: The sticky issue of cleaning out the garage. As I mentioned in the new challenge post , I would like to clear out the half of the garage occupied by boxes, totes, and other items so that both vehicles can fit inside (and we can get rid of stuff we have now dragged through two moves!). The dilemma was being able to ta...

My word of the year: Lighter

I was recently asked the thought question: What would be "my" word this year? Quickly, almost instinctively, I said, " Lighter ". While life can certainly be great, sometimes it's really hard. Uncomfortable. Sticky. Heart-rending. Terrifying. In a word, life, and its accompanying emotions, can be heavy . So, if blessed with the opportunity, this year I want to work towards lightness . I can't control what happens to me or those I love, but I can control how I respond to events around me. In the interim, I can invite more lightness into my life. Rolling with the punches but knowing that I don't have to white-knuckle my way through; I can loosen my grip even when things feel heavy. Taking a breath, letting go of fear, feeling gratitude for the love that surrounds me, I have the power to feel lighter in each moment and to be filled with light. Whether it's decluttering possessions or letting go of toxic emotions, that's exactly what I'm s...

1.5 hours = 4 boxes. And it's enough.

With the 25th being my next donation pick up day, it's go time! This past weekend I worked at the decluttering station in my garage and packed up four boxes of stuff. I also took pictures of items I will attempt to sell on my neighborhood facebook group. Like I said, no obligation or urgency here, whatever sells, does, and whatever doesn't will be donated or posted for free. Although I've been feeling really good about my progress, sometimes this mean voice pops up and makes me feel like all my efforts are just weak sauce, and nowhere near enough. When this happens, I need to remember that this is where mindfulness can work its magic. I mean, it's not really magic , but more about being truthful, acknowledging. And I have to acknowledge that I have come a long way. That is a fact, mean voice or no. So, it's time to take a deep breath, and deal with the stuff (and the emotions that accompany it) moment by moment. Because that's the only place whe...

A Keen Slate

Search This Blog